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English clubs delivered impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League this week, with three of four sides securing victories or draws. Liverpool's commanding win over Real Madrid highlighted a resurgent period for the Premier League representatives, while Manchester City continued their dominant run with a comprehensive victory. However, Chelsea's inconsistent display in Azerbaijan demonstrated the unpredictability of European football.
Liverpool Defeats Real Madrid on Anfield
Liverpool delivered exactly what was needed to silence the mounting criticism with a crucial 1-0 victory over European giants Real Madrid at home. The Reds climbed to sixth place in the Champions League standings, equaling Real Madrid's points total and injecting renewed confidence into a squad that had suffered a difficult run of form.
The match remained goalless for much of the contest, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois making a series of exceptional saves to keep the score level. However, after an hour of play, Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock with a powerful header that finally beat the towering keeper. Despite Madrid's second-half pressure, Liverpool's defense, marshaled effectively by captain Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, held firm to secure the three points.
Next up: Liverpool will host PSV in another European night at Anfield on November 26.
Manchester City Overwhelms Borussia Dortmund
Manchester City's dominance continued unabated as they dismantled Borussia Dortmund 4-1 in a display of controlled attacking football. The victory showcased City's status as one of Europe's elite, with Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders orchestrating much of the attack from midfield.
Reijnders contributed two assists for Phil Foden, who twice found the back of the net with clinical finishing. Erling Braut Haaland added another goal, while Rayan Cherki's late strike provided a consolation for the Germans. Waldemar Anton's goal represented Dortmund's only response to City's clinical performance. The result leaves City on ten points from four matches, demonstrating their impressive form in the competition.
Tottenham Demolishes Copenhagen with Display of Attacking Flair
Thomas Frank's Tottenham Hotspur produced a dazzling attacking performance to overwhelm FC Copenhagen 4-0 at home. The emphatic victory highlighted Spurs' attacking prowess and showcased the talent at Frank's disposal.
Brennan Johnson opened the scoring following a Copenhagen defensive error, which Xavi Simons exploited with a perfectly weighted pass. The Welsh forward ended a two-match goal drought with a clinical finish. Wilson Odobert doubled Tottenham's advantage early in the second half, before the match took a dramatic turn when Johnson received a red card following a VAR review for a challenge on Marcos López.
Rather than disrupting Tottenham's flow, the numerical disadvantage seemed to invigorate them. Micky van de Ven produced a sensational moment of individual brilliance, receiving the ball in his own defensive third before embarking on a mazy run that saw him weave past five Copenhagen players before unleashing a devastating strike that sailed past the goalkeeper. João Palhinha added a fourth to complete the rout.
The victory marks Tottenham's third consecutive win in a major European competition—their first such streak since 2007.
Newcastle United Dominates Athletic Club in Spain
Eddie Howe's Newcastle United secured a commanding 2-0 victory away at Athletic Club in a composed performance that demonstrated their growing European credentials. The victory moved Newcastle above Real Madrid into sixth place in the standings.
Dan Burn opened the scoring with a perfectly executed header from Kieran Trippier's free-kick delivery in the eleventh minute. Despite Athletic creating several chances, including a volley from Adama Boiro that struck the post—Newcastle maintained control throughout.
In the second half, Harvey Barnes' neat footwork created space for the unmarked Joelinton to add Newcastle's second, heading past goalkeeper Unai Simón. Although Athletic pressed late on, Newcastle's defensive organization under Howe ensured they saw out the match comfortably.
Chelsea Drop Points in Azerbaijan
Chelsea's impressive run came to an end in Baku as they conceded a 2-2 draw with Qarabag, squandering an opportunity to claim three valuable points. The young Blues' evening was marred by a catastrophic defensive performance from Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato, who contributed directly to both Qarabag goals.
Estevão opened the scoring for Chelsea with a well-taken goal in the first quarter, but Hato's defensive lapses allowed Leandro Andrade to equalize. Matters worsened when Hato was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, allowing Jankovic to slot home the penalty and put Qarabag ahead.
Alejandro Garnacho's powerful strike early in the second half restored parity at 2-2, and despite Chelsea's aggressive approach thereafter, both sides failed to find a breakthrough in open play or during the added time period. The result represents a missed opportunity for the London side to strengthen their position in the competition standings.
Arsenal Cruises Past Slavia Praag
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal made light work of Slavia Praag, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory in Prague. The Premier League leaders strengthened their position atop the Champions League standings with their fourth consecutive win in the competition.
Arsenal broke the deadlock from the penalty spot when Slavia captain Lukás Provod was adjudged to have handled the ball from a corner. Bukayo Saka showed composure to convert the penalty with a clinical finish. The Gunners' second goal came quickly after the restart when Mikel Merino, deputizing for injured striker Viktor Gyökeres, reacted sharply to finish from close range after Leandro Trossard's cut-back.
Merino added Arsenal's third with a well-taken header from another early cross, putting the match beyond doubt. In the closing stages, 15-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest ever player to appear in the Champions League when he was introduced as a substitute, breaking the previous record held by Youssoufa Moukoko.
Summary
The week proved remarkably successful for English football in Europe, with all four Premier League representatives taking positive results. Arsenal's dominant victory over Slavia Praag demonstrated their credentials as Champions League contenders, continuing an extraordinary run of clean sheets. Liverpool's convincing display over Real Madrid silenced critics, Manchester City continued their relentless pursuit of European glory with a demolition of Dortmund, Tottenham produced attacking fireworks against Copenhagen, and Newcastle secured an important away victory at Athletic Club. Only Chelsea faltered in Baku, their defensive vulnerabilities exposed by an unexpected opponent. As the Champions League enters its critical phase, English clubs have established themselves as the most consistent performers in European football this season.
