The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League kicked off in September, featuring 36 clubs fiercely competing for coveted spots in the knockout phase. As the tournament progresses, four of the eight group stage matches have unfolded, revealing surprising performances and notable underachievements. The UCSD Guardian offers a comprehensive overview of this year’s Champions League, pinpointing some of the most compelling narratives that have emerged.
Biggest upset this week: Real Madrid’s 1–3 loss to AC Milan
In a shocking turn of events, Real Madrid succumbed to a 1–3 defeat at the hands of AC Milan on Tuesday, snapping their impressive unbeaten streak of 15 home games in the Champions League. Despite controlling the game with significant possession, Real Madrid found themselves unable to penetrate the resilient defense of the Italian giants; their lone goal came courtesy of a Vinicius Junior penalty in the 23rd minute. Following this unexpected setback, Real Madrid plummeted to the No. 18 position in the Champions League standings — an astonishing fall for the reigning champions. Looking ahead to their pivotal fifth match, they will face a rejuvenated Liverpool F.C. at Anfield, where they will aim to reclaim their winning form.
Match of the week: FC Barcelona’s 5–2 performance
The Culers showcased their remarkable attacking prowess, scoring an impressive total of 55 goals in just 16 matches across all competitions throughout the 2024-25 season, a record for any team among Europe’s elite leagues. This offensive style carried over seamlessly into the Champions League, as Barcelona notched three consecutive victories, each featuring three or more goals scored. On Wednesday, they delivered yet another exhilarating performance, dominating Crvena Zvezda with a decisive 5–2 victory.
Forward Raphinha emerged as the standout player, contributing significantly with one goal and two assists. His initial assist came early in the match from a well-placed free kick into the box; Inigo Martinez connected with a diving header, scoring the opening goal by finding the bottom left corner of the net. Then, two minutes before halftime, Raphinha’s shot ricocheted off the post, allowing Robert Lewandowski to react swiftly and tap in the second goal for the Culers. Lewandowski also scored the third goal from close range, capitalizing on a precise setup from defender Jules Kounde. Raphinha’s contributions culminated in a well-deserved goal for himself, as he finished clinically into the bottom left corner to solidify the lead. The fifth and final goal showcased Kounde’s skill once again, as midfielder Fermin Lopez displayed exceptional footwork to maneuver past defenders before adding to the scoreline.
Biggest surprise: Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool’s remarkable winning streak has taken the football world by storm, prompting widespread astonishment among fans and analysts alike. The Reds have managed to secure victories in all four of their matches thus far, positioning themselves firmly at the top of the UEFA Champions League standings. Forward Luis Diaz has emerged as a key player for Liverpool, leading the team’s scoring effort with a hat trick against Leverkusen on Tuesday.
In their opening match against AC Milan, Liverpool showcased their strength with an emphatic 4–1 victory. Since that debut, they have remained dominant, achieving a solid 2–0 victory over Bologna and narrowly defeating RB Leipzig 1–0. Following their convincing 4–0 rout of Leverkusen, Liverpool has positioned themselves as the team to watch and potentially the one to beat in this year’s Champions League.
Most overrated: Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
Despite being heralded as strong favorites for the UEFA Champions League title, Paris Saint-Germain has struggled to establish their dominance this season. With only one victory out of their four matches played, they managed to secure a narrow 1–0 win against Girona in their opening matchweek, thanks to a late blunder by Girona’s goalkeeper that gifted them the win.
Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, PSG must regroup and refocus as they prepare for a crucial encounter at the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich, a team that has experienced a mix of wins and losses in this year’s Champions League. This upcoming clash will be pivotal in determining how PSG can navigate the remainder of the tournament.
**Interview with Sports Analyst Laura Bennett on the Current UEFA Champions League Season**
**Editor:** Welcome, Laura! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the ongoing UEFA Champions League season. It’s certainly been an eventful start!
**Laura Bennett:** Thank you for having me! There’s so much to talk about in this year’s tournament.
**Editor:** Let’s dive right in. The biggest upset this week was Real Madrid’s loss to AC Milan. What do you make of this surprising result?
**Laura Bennett:** It was indeed shocking! Real Madrid had an incredible unbeaten streak at home, and to see them lose 1-3, especially against a storied rival like AC Milan, raises plenty of questions. Despite having more possession, they struggled to break down Milan’s defense, which really highlighted their vulnerabilities in attack. It’s a tough setback for the defending champions, and it’ll be interesting to see how they respond against Liverpool next.
**Editor:** Speaking of Liverpool, how crucial do you think that match will be for Real Madrid moving forward?
**Laura Bennett:** Very crucial! A loss could deepen their struggles and make it much harder to qualify for the knockout stages. Given Liverpool’s strong home advantage at Anfield, Madrid will need to find their form quickly if they want to stay in contention. Pressure is certainly mounting, and how they handle it will say a lot about their resilience as a team.
**Editor:** On a brighter note, FC Barcelona has been in fantastic form, especially highlighted by their 5-2 victory against Crvena Zvezda. What do you think has contributed to their strong performances so far?
**Laura Bennett:** Barcelona’s attacking play has been nothing short of sensational. They’re averaging about 3.4 goals per match this season, which is impressive. Raphinha’s performance in the latest match was key; not only did he score, but he also created significant chances for his teammates. Barcelona seems to have found a rhythm and balance under their current strategy, allowing for both individual brilliance from players like Raphinha and teamwork to shine.
**Editor:** With FC Barcelona showing such offensive prowess, do you believe they could be serious contenders for the title this year?
**Laura Bennett:** Absolutely! If they can maintain their form and avoid injuries, they will be serious contenders. Their attacking depth gives them flexibility, and with the Champions League being a long tournament, having options will be vital for them. The big question will be whether their defense can hold up under pressure as well, especially against other elite teams in the knockout rounds.
**Editor:** Lastly, what narratives or emerging storylines are you keeping an eye on as we progress through the season?
**Laura Bennett:** One narrative that stands out is the competitive balance we’re seeing this year. Teams like AC Milan and Barcelona are proving that the traditional heavyweights aren’t as invincible as we once thought. Additionally, it’ll be fascinating to see how teams respond after early surprises—like Real Madrid’s drop in the standings. It’s a long season, and there’s always room for unexpected twists and turns!
**Editor:** Thanks, Laura. Your insights are always appreciated! We look forward to seeing how the rest of the tournament unfolds.
**Laura Bennett:** Thank you! It’s going to be an exciting Champions League season for sure.
