UCL MD3: PSG edge depleted Barca 4-2, a night of 30 goals across two evenings
Tuesday and Wednesday delivered an explosive matchday 3: PSG beat an injury-hit Barcelona, Liverpool edge a 4-3 thriller, Como humiliate Man United and Real Madrid coast 4-1.
PSG 4-2 Barcelona: victory despite injury-ravaged lineups
The clash will be remembered for its spectacular goals and its toll on both squads. Marquinhos, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia and Doué all started the match but were forced off through injury during the game. Despite those successive substitutions, PSG won 4-2 at the Parc des Princes in Matchday 3, a heroic victory that reinforces their status as league leaders. All the more impressive against Barcelona, who could not stop a PSG side drawing on its depth.
Tuesday gala: Liverpool 4-3 Villarreal, Napoli 4-3 Bodø, City 5-1
Tuesday night was explosive. Liverpool won a pulsating 4-3 encounter against Villarreal at Anfield. Napoli mirrored that scoreline, beating Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. Manchester City cruised past AEK Athens 5-1 in a commanding home win that signals their return to form following the defeat to PSG. Roma thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4-0, while Stuttgart and Atlético Madrid drew 1-1 and Dortmund edged Sabah 2-1.
Wednesday: Como sink United 4-1, Rice rescues Arsenal, Real win 4-1
Wednesday followed suit. Tournament revelation Como humiliated Manchester United 4-1, with Nicolás Paz earning Player of the Match honours. Arsenal escaped with a point against Bayern Munich (2-2) thanks to Declan Rice's late equaliser. Real Madrid dominated Leipzig 4-1 to consolidate their position. Club Brugge crushed Lens 3-0 and Inter beat Shakhtar 1-0. Galatasaray provided the upset of the evening by overturning Lille 4-2.
Standings: PSG lead the way, Real Madrid close in
After 3 matchdays PSG confirm their grip on the competition with 9 points. Barcelona remain in contention despite the Paris defeat. Real Madrid and Arsenal lurk behind after Wednesday's results. The matchday also delivered a wider lesson: Como, promoted to Serie A only a few seasons ago, are capable of beating anyone in this competition. Manchester United and Dortmund, both struggling, must bounce back before Matchday 4.
