As the UEFA Champions League reaches Matchday 4, the stakes are higher than ever. Teams across Europe are gearing up for pivotal encounters, with each result shaping the path toward qualification for the knockout stages. The new league phase format introduces fresh dynamics, with 18 compelling fixtures to look forward to on Tuesday and Wednesday. This week’s games promise high tension, star power, and strategic battles as clubs vie for crucial points in the race to secure their spots in the next round.
Tuesday, November 5
1. PSV Eindhoven vs. Girona (18:45 CET)
PSV Eindhoven has showcased domestic dominance but seeks its first Champions League win after a loss and two draws. Midfielder Ismael Saibari admitted, “If you only base it on the points, it’s not that good,” reflecting PSV’s eagerness to convert promising performances into victories. Girona, the Spanish debutants, are riding high after a 2-0 win over Slovan Bratislava and will aim to surprise again.
2. Slovan Bratislava vs. GNK Dinamo (18:45 CET)
Bottom of the table after three tough losses, Slovan Bratislava remains determined, with coach Vladimír Weiss focused on defensive growth. Dinamo, rejuvenated under coach Nenad Bjelica, aims to push forward after a win and a draw. Forward Sandro Kulenović voiced the club’s ambition, saying, “Our goal is to be in the first 24 teams to go through.”
3. Borussia Dortmund vs. Sturm Graz
After a 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid, Dortmund, the league’s highest scorers, are focused on improvement. Their Matchday 4 rivals, Sturm Graz, seek a breakthrough after three losses. Sturm defender Dimitri Lavalée remains hopeful, saying, “We got shots on target, so it feels like we’ve improved.”
4. Celtic vs. Leipzig
Leipzig, still searching for points, heads to Celtic Park hoping to end its streak of close losses. Leipzig captain Willi Orbán said, “We’ll try to get three points in Glasgow.” Celtic, meanwhile, bounced back from a heavy loss with a goalless draw against Atalanta, thanks to goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s stellar performance.
5. Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Liverpool carries a perfect record into Matchday 4, facing a resilient Leverkusen side led by former Reds hero Xabi Alonso. With only one goal conceded, Leverkusen poses a tough challenge, and Alonso’s return to Anfield adds sentimental value to this exciting clash.
6. LOSC Lille vs. Juventus
Lille and Juventus are neck-and-neck in the standings, separated only by goal difference. Lille’s recent win against Atletico Madrid was described by coach Bruno Génésio as “an even better performance than against Real Madrid.” Juventus, however, comes off a setback against Stuttgart and is eager to bounce back.
7. Real Madrid vs. Milan
After a thrilling comeback against Dortmund, Real Madrid is eager for another win at home. Milan, with their first win under their belt, hopes to build on that momentum despite the intimidating history of playing Spanish teams.
8. Sporting CP vs. Manchester City
Sporting’s tight defense will be tested by Manchester City, the competition’s highest scorers. Striker Viktor Gyökeres has been instrumental for Sporting, while City’s Erling Haaland continues his impressive form, with teammate Phil Foden praising his unique goal-scoring ability.
Wednesday, November 6
9. Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa (18:45 CET)
Current league leaders Aston Villa take on Club Brugge after back-to-back clean-sheet victories. Unai Emery’s high standards have Villa poised for continued success, while Club Brugge aims to rediscover the energy they showcased earlier in the tournament.
10. Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Young Boys (18:45 CET)
Shakhtar remains optimistic despite a tough start, while Young Boys look to improve their finishing. Interim manager Joël Magnin acknowledged their struggles in converting chances, a critical area for their success.
11. Bayern München vs. Benfica
After a disappointing loss to Barcelona, Bayern hopes to recover with a strong showing against Benfica. Coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized focus and intensity, particularly in the opening minutes, as they aim to put their recent defensive lapses behind them.
Matchday 4 is here! #UCL pic.twitter.com/YdWu8pLcj2
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 4, 2024
12. Inter vs. Arsenal
Inter’s dramatic win over Young Boys extended their unbeaten streak, while Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, aims to recreate the success of their historic 2003 win at San Siro. Both teams are confident, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
13. Feyenoord vs. Salzburg
Feyenoord, on a two-game winning streak, hosts Salzburg, who have struggled to score this season. Salzburg’s coach, Pep Lijnders, emphasized the need for improvement as they look for their first league phase points.
Salzburg’s start to the campaign has been less encouraging. The Austrian side are without a point and yet to score while conceding nine, including two in their most recent defeat to GNK Dinamo. “It is clear that we have to improve,” said coach Pep Lijnders, who was appointed in July.
14. Crvena Zvezda vs. Barcelona
Barcelona, fresh off a convincing La Liga win over Real Madrid, travels to face Crvena Zvezda. Coach Hansi Flick praised his squad’s finishing prowess and hopes to keep their momentum going in Belgrade.
15. Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético de Madrid
Both teams seek improvement after a mixed campaign start. PSG’s Luis Enrique lamented missed opportunities in their last match, while Atleti manager Diego Simeone emphasized the importance of seizing scoring chances.
16. Stuttgart vs. Atalanta
Stuttgart’s return to the Champions League has been solid, while Atalanta’s defense remains unyielding. Both teams look to solidify their positions as they clash in Germany.
Matchday 4 opponents Atalanta are one of five teams yet to concede in the league phase, and the Italian side boast an undefeated record of one win and two draws as they travel to Germany. They were kept at bay by Celtic in their last fixture, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini feeling his attacking talents were not in full flow. “When all our attackers are at their best, we will be a more complete team,” the Europa League winning coach said.
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