The UEFA Champions League Matchday 6 produced an electrifying set of fixtures, with standout performances from Barcelona, Arsenal, and Juventus taking center stage. With only three points separating third place from 19th in the inaugural league phase, the race for the knockout stages remains wide open heading into the New Year. Here’s a comprehensive look at the thrilling matches and their implications for the standings.
Barcelona Triumph Over Dortmund in Five-Goal Thriller
Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund ensured their place in either the round of 16 or the knockout phase play-offs. After a goalless first half, the match burst into life when Raphinha’s precise low drive gave Barça a deserved lead. However, Dortmund struck back with Serhou Guirassy converting from the penalty spot following a foul by Pau Cubarsí.
The game turned into a Ferran Torres showcase. Coming off the bench, Torres scored twice, including a brilliant second goal set up by Lamine Yamal. Dortmund equalized once again through Guirassy, but Torres’ clinical finish sealed the win for Barcelona, lifting them to second in the league phase standings.
Player of the Match: Lamine Yamal
Arsenal Cruise Past Monaco to Climb to Third
Arsenal extended their perfect home record in the league phase with a commanding 3-0 win over Monaco. Bukayo Saka starred with a brace, showcasing why he remains one of the most consistent performers for the Gunners. Gabriel Jesus set up Saka’s opener with a low cross in the 34th minute.
Bukayo Saka’s game by numbers vs. Monaco:
7x possession won
3 chances created
3 touches in opp. box
3 duels won
3 shots
3 interceptions
2 tackles
2 shots on target
2 goals
1 assistInvolved in all three goals. ⚽️⚽️️#UCL pic.twitter.com/Vi9emFQ3qt
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) December 11, 2024
Despite Monaco’s efforts to press after halftime, Arsenal doubled their lead when Saka capitalized on a defensive error in the 78th minute. Substitute Kai Havertz added a third after deflecting Saka’s pass into the net, solidifying Arsenal’s position in the top tier of the standings.
Player of the Match: Bukayo Saka
Juventus Shock Manchester City in Turin
Juventus produced one of the surprises of Matchday 6 with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City. The Turin side, led by a resurgent Dusan Vlahović, capitalized on City’s struggles. Erling Haaland missed a golden opportunity in the first half when Michele Di Gregorio brilliantly saved his chipped effort.
Vlahović made no such mistake, powering home a cross from Kenan Yıldız to open the scoring. Substitute Weston McKennie added a second to seal the win, leaving City with only one victory in their last ten matches across all competitions.
Player of the Match: Dusan Vlahović
AC Milan Edge Crvena Zvezda in Tight Contest
AC Milan secured their fourth consecutive league-phase victory with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Crvena Zvezda. Rafael Leão opened the scoring with a composed finish, but the Serbian side responded after halftime with Nemanja Radonjić’s thunderous strike.
Tammy Abraham became the hero for Milan, tapping in the winner in the 87th minute after a rebound off the crossbar. The result lifts Milan higher in the standings and keeps their hopes of automatic progression alive.
Player of the Match: Rafael Leão
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Atlético Madrid Extend Winning Streak
Atlético Madrid continued their dominant run with a 3-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava, marking their tenth consecutive win in all competitions. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring with a curling effort, and Antoine Griezmann added a brace to secure the points.
Slovan Bratislava managed a consolation goal through David Strelec’s penalty but remains winless in the league phase. Griezmann’s commanding performance ensured Atlético maintained their momentum.
Player of the Match: Antoine Griezmann
Confirmed in round of 16 or knockout phase play-offs: Liverpool & Barcelona ✅#UCL pic.twitter.com/Na2SzmZuwi
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 12, 2024
Lille Survive Sturm Graz Comeback
Lille overcame a spirited Sturm Graz side to claim a 3-2 victory at the Stade Pierre Mauroy. Osame Sahraoui and Mitchel Bakker gave Lille a 2-0 lead, but Otar Kiteishvili and Mika Biereth brought Sturm Graz level early in the second half.
Hákon Arnar Haraldsson came off the bench to deliver a stunning late winner for Lille, keeping them in contention for a top-eight finish.
Player of the Match: Osame Sahraoui
Feyenoord Outclass Sparta Praha
Feyenoord secured a crucial 4-2 win over Sparta Praha in a high-scoring encounter. Gernot Trauner’s early goal set the tone, and Igor Paixão added a spectacular finish to extend the lead. Despite a late own goal by Thomas Beelen, Feyenoord managed to hold on for their first home win of the league phase.
Player of the Match: Igor Paixão
Stuttgart Dominate Young Boys with Five-Star Performance
Stuttgart delivered the most comprehensive performance of the night, thrashing Young Boys 5-1. After conceding an early goal, Stuttgart responded with strikes from Angelo Stiller, Chris Führich, and Josha Vagnoman. Yannik Keitel’s long-range effort rounded off the scoring, ensuring Stuttgart’s dominance.
Player of the Match: Angelo Stiller
Benfica Held to a Stalemate by Bologna
Benfica’s Champions League struggles continued as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Bologna. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Benfica was repeatedly denied by Bologna goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance.
Player of the Match: Łukasz Skorupski
Looking Ahead
The competition now takes a break until Matchday 7 in January, where high-stakes clashes await. Barcelona will face Benfica, Arsenal will host Dinamo Zagreb, and Juventus will look to build on their momentum against Club Brugge. The league phase is heating up, with every point proving vital in the race for progression.
