Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League 2024 delivered high-octane football as Europe’s elite clubs fought for dominance. From Liverpool’s solid display to maintain their perfect record, to Raphinha’s hat-trick stunning Bayern, and Manchester City’s rampant five-goal victory, the week was packed with thrilling moments. Here’s a detailed round-up of the action-packed fixtures that unfolded on October 23, 2024, and beyond.
Liverpool Stay Perfect with a 1-0 Win Over Leipzig
Liverpool, one of only two teams maintaining a perfect record in the competition so far, secured another crucial victory with a 1-0 win over Leipzig. Darwin Núñez provided the lone goal in the 27th minute, showing his clinical finishing ability in the penalty area. Liverpool’s defense, led by Virgil van Dijk, stood firm against Leipzig’s attacks, while goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made several acrobatic saves to deny both Xavi Simons and Benjamin Šeško from equalizing. Kostas Tsimikas was named Player of the Match, reflecting the Reds’ defensive grit.
The victory keeps Liverpool as one of the top contenders in the competition, with their flawless campaign continuing as they aim for European glory.
Raphinha Hat-Trick Powers Barcelona Past Bayern
Barcelona made a significant statement with a 4-1 triumph over Bayern Munich, ending a six-game losing streak against the German giants. Brazilian winger Raphinha was the star of the night, netting a spectacular hat-trick. Barcelona started on the front foot when Raphinha rounded Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer after just a minute, courtesy of a perfectly weighted through ball by Fermín López.
Lamine Yamal’s vision and pass
Savinho’s skill and delivery #UCLassists | @Lays_football pic.twitter.com/drbLA0m3qp— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 23, 2024
While Harry Kane briefly restored parity with an acrobatic volley, Barcelona soon regained the lead through former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski. Raphinha then added two more brilliant goals, sealing a comprehensive victory and securing the match ball for his stunning performance. Barcelona’s victory reasserts their European ambitions and puts them back on track after previous struggles against Bayern.
Manchester City’s Five-Star Show Over Sparta Praha
Manchester City delivered a commanding performance in their 5-0 demolition of Sparta Praha. Phil Foden opened the scoring within three minutes, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair. Erling Haaland continued his impressive Champions League record with two sublime goals, including a breathtaking back-heel volley that left spectators in awe.
City’s defense remained impenetrable, while John Stones added a goal with a header. Matheus Nunes completed the scoring from the penalty spot late in the game. City now sits just two points behind Liverpool and Aston Villa in the table, signaling their serious intent to capture another Champions League title. Phil Foden earned the Player of the Match award for his creative contributions and goal-scoring flair.
Atalanta Held to a Goalless Draw by Celtic
Atalanta was left frustrated in a 0-0 draw against Celtic, who managed to withstand sustained pressure to earn their first away point of the campaign. Celtic’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, produced a remarkable display, including a stunning save to deny Mateo Retegui’s close-range header. Atalanta’s defense, however, remained equally resilient, maintaining their fifth clean sheet in six European matches this season.
Celtic’s counter-attacking efforts nearly bore fruit when Álex Valle tested Marco Carnesecchi, but the game ended goalless. Atalanta remains unbeaten, but they will view this as two points dropped against a determined Celtic side.
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Brest Earns Point in 1-1 Draw with Bayer Leverkusen
Brest continued their impressive debut European campaign, holding Bayer Leverkusen to a 1-1 draw. Florian Wirtz opened the scoring for Leverkusen with a drilled low effort, capping off a dominant start. However, Brest responded with a stunning volley from Pierre Lees-Melou after a perfectly delivered cross from Mahdi Camara.
In the second half, Brest came close to snatching victory, but Matěj Kovář denied Camara’s header, and substitute Mama Baldé’s effort hit the side netting. Despite the draw, Brest showcased their growing credentials in European football, while Leverkusen will look to rebound in their next fixtures.
Lille Stun Atlético de Madrid with a 3-1 Victory
Lille secured a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Atlético de Madrid, compounding Diego Simeone’s side’s Champions League woes. Julián Alvarez gave Atlético the lead early, but they failed to capitalize on several missed chances. Edon Zhegrova equalized for Lille with a curling strike in the second half, and the French side took control from there. Jonathan David converted a penalty before sealing the result with a late goal.
This result pushes Lille into a strong position in their group, while Atlético faces increasing pressure after back-to-back defeats in the competition.
Inter Snatches Late Win Against Young Boys
Inter Milan secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Young Boys, with substitute Marcus Thuram scoring in stoppage time. Young Boys’ goalkeeper David von Ballmoos had earlier saved a penalty from Marko Arnautović, keeping his side in the match. However, Thuram’s late header ensured the Nerazzurri took all three points, moving them closer to the top of the group.
Despite the defeat, Young Boys put up a valiant fight, nearly equalizing when Joel Monteiro’s shot struck the post in the final minutes.
