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Bayern Munich’s long unbeaten streak and reputation as Europe’s premier football team suffered a significant blow at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal dominated a side that has historically troubled them, opening the scoring through a set-piece finish delivered by Jurriën Timber, who stepped in for the absent Gabriel Magalhães. The 17-year-old Lennart Karl impressed with a stunning goal, filling the gap Bayern sought to cover after failing to sign Florian Wirtz. Midfield was controlled by Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, while Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli found the net, with Martinelli’s goal a particular embarrassment for Manuel Neuer, exposed as a sweeper-keeper. Despite the Champions League’s extended group-stage format diluting some of its drama, this win was a powerful statement. Arsenal now lead their group with a perfect record, with Mikel Arteta praising, “I think they had an incredible match against, in my opinion, the best team in Europe.”
At Anfield, trouble continues to mount for Liverpool and their manager Arne Slot, who has earned the derisive nickname “Arne Lost” following the club’s ninth defeat in 12 matches. However, the credit for Liverpool’s latest defeat belongs largely to Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven, who implemented a sharp tactical gameplan to exploit Liverpool’s weaknesses. PSV executed a quick-passing, counterattacking approach that dissected Liverpool’s defense effectively. PSV’s coach, Peter Bosz, quipped about Slot, saying, “We’re going to have a little drink together and then say something. Possibly something strong, hey?” Veteran Ivan Perisic converted an early penalty, Guus Til contributed with a calculated assist, and two goals from substitute Couhaib Driouech—one a rebound off Ricardo Pepi’s shot—sealed a comprehensive victory for PSV.
In another notable fixture, Benfica overcame Ajax 2-0 in what was a contest between once-glorious European teams. José Mourinho celebrated his seventh Champions League victory over Ajax, a club still struggling to adapt to the modern game. Samuel Dahl opened the scoring following a corner, and Ajax’s attack remained ineffective throughout. Under caretaker Fred Grim, appointed after John Heitinga’s dismissal, Ajax’s defensive frailties persist—half of the 34 goals they conceded have come from set pieces. This win ended Benfica’s streak of six consecutive group-stage defeats. Mourinho, marking the occasion, playfully kissed Wesley Sneijder—his former Inter Milan teammate now a pundit—on the forehead, commenting, “The kiss was for Wesley; the fatty guy is very sweet.”
Standing out among individual performances was Chelsea’s Estevão, who took center stage in a gripping clash with Barcelona. Estevão’s impressive display was highlighted by a memorable goal where he weaved through defenders before scoring, overshadowing Barcelona’s prized youngster Lamine Yamal. Yamal was unable to get past Marc Cucurella, while Estevão’s breakthrough was celebrated widely. Although stars like Kylian Mbappé recorded four goals for PSG against Olympiakos, and Vitinha completed a hat-trick in a 5-3 win with Spurs manager Thomas Frank praising him as the “best in Europe,” this week’s spotlight belongs squarely to the Brazilian forward. Randal Kolo Muani also impressed with two goals for Spurs against his parent club, adding to the drama of the matchday
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