By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
The UEFA Champions League league phase reached a fever pitch on Matchday 7 yesterday, with a slate of high-stakes encounters that saw underdogs battle giants and top clubs solidify their paths to the knockout rounds. From stunning upsets to dominant displays, January 21 delivered football drama across Europe, leaving fans buzzing as the tournament edges closer to its decisive stages.
In one of the standout fixtures, Liverpool cruised to a convincing 3-0 victory over Marseille at the Stade de Marseille. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring just before halftime, followed by an unfortunate own goal from Gerónimo Rulli in the 72nd minute and a late strike from Cody Gakpo in stoppage time. The Reds’ performance was highlighted by Mohamed Salah’s return to the pitch, though he squandered a glaring opportunity described by pundits as potentially the “worst miss of his career.” This win propelled Liverpool to fourth in the league-phase standings, putting them in prime position for automatic qualification to the last 16.
Over in Munich, Bayern München overcame adversity to secure a 2-0 win against Union Saint-Gilloise at the Fußball Arena München. Star striker Harry Kane was the hero, netting a quick-fire brace despite missing a late penalty and Bayern being reduced to ten men after a red card. The result not only boosted Bayern’s morale but also locked in their spot in the Round of 16, showcasing the resilience of Vincent Kompany’s side.
Chelsea edged out a tense 1-0 triumph against Cypriot minnows Pafos at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a late header from Moises Caicedo. The Blues labored through a nervy encounter but ultimately claimed the three points, inching them nearer to direct advancement and highlighting the unpredictability of this expanded format.
Elsewhere, Barcelona survived a rollercoaster in Prague, rallying to defeat Slavia Praha 4-2 at the Eden Arena in what was arguably the most entertaining clash of the day. Juventus also impressed with a solid 2-0 shutout of Benfica in Turin, bolstering their campaign. Newcastle United made light work of PSV Eindhoven, winning 3-0 at St James’ Park to keep their knockout dreams alive.
Not all results favoured the favourites, however. Qarabağ stunned Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 in Baku, proving that surprises are part and parcel of the Champions League. Athletic Club (Bilbao) edged Atalanta 3-2 in Bergamo in a five-goal thriller, while Galatasaray held Atlético Madrid to a 1-1 draw in Istanbul.
With Matchday 7 now in the books, the focus shifts to the final round next week, where the last spots in the knockout phase will be decided. Teams like Liverpool, Bayern, and Barcelona are well-placed for direct entry, but the battle for the playoff berths promises more edge-of-the-seat action. Football enthusiasts in Nigeria and beyond will be glued to their screens as Europe’s elite competition continues to deliver unforgettable moments.
Galaxy Sports Production
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