The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 continued with a thrilling Matchday 3, where Liverpool kept their perfect record intact, Barcelona stunned Bayern Munich with a brilliant hat-trick from Raphinha, and Manchester City dominated their match with a five-goal performance. With the group stage heating up, teams are starting to show their intent as they battle for the coveted knockout stage spots.

Champions League 2024-25 Matchday 3 Round-up

Liverpool Stay Perfect with Narrow Win over Leipzig

Liverpool maintained their flawless run in the Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leipzig. Darwin Núñez scored the decisive goal in the 27th minute, tapping in from close range after a well-worked move. The Reds’ defense held strong as Leipzig pressed for an equalizer, with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher producing a string of vital saves to deny Xavi Simons and Benjamin Šeško.

Despite Leipzig’s valiant efforts, Liverpool’s resilience ensured they remain one of only two teams with a perfect record in the tournament. This win solidified their position at the top of the league phase table, keeping them on track for qualification.

Player of the Match: Kostas Tsimikas (Liverpool)

Raphinha’s Hat-trick Leads Barcelona to Stunning Victory Over Bayern Munich

Barcelona avenged their recent struggles against Bayern Munich in emphatic style, securing a 4-1 victory, thanks to a masterful performance from Brazilian winger Raphinha. His hat-trick broke the German giants’ dominance over the Catalans, marking Barcelona’s first win over Bayern after six consecutive defeats.

Raphinha opened the scoring just one minute into the match, rounding Manuel Neuer after receiving a perfectly weighted through ball from Fermín López. Though Harry Kane equalized for Bayern with a spectacular acrobatic volley, former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead before halftime. Raphinha then sealed the win with two more strikes, securing all three points for Barcelona and reigniting their campaign.

Player of the Match: Raphinha (Barcelona)

Manchester City Crush Sparta Praha with a Five-Goal Blitz

Manchester City continued their rampant form with a commanding 5-0 win over Sparta Praha, sending a strong message to their rivals. Phil Foden kicked off the scoring within three minutes of play, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Erling Haaland added a brace, including a breathtaking back-heel volley that left the stadium in awe.

John Stones also found the back of the net with a towering header, and a late penalty from Matheus Nunes wrapped up a comprehensive victory. This result keeps City just two points behind the leaders and signals their determination to go deep in this year’s competition.

Player of the Match: Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Atalanta Held to a Goalless Draw by Celtic

In one of the evening’s more tense encounters, Atalanta were frustrated by Celtic in a 0-0 draw. The Italian side dominated possession and created several chances, but Celtic’s defense, marshaled by veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, stood firm. Schmeichel’s crucial saves and Celtic’s disciplined backline helped them earn their first point on the road this season.

Atalanta’s inability to find the net extended their clean sheet streak to five in six European games, but they will be disappointed not to have capitalized on their home advantage.

Player of the Match: Éderson (Atalanta)

Brest and Leverkusen Share the Spoils in 1-1 Thriller

Brest’s debut European campaign continued to impress as they held Bayer Leverkusen to a 1-1 draw in a tightly contested match. Florian Wirtz gave the visitors the lead with a well-taken low shot after a neat passing move. However, Brest responded with a stunning volley from Pierre Lees-Melou, who found the back of the net from outside the box after a brilliant assist by Mahdi Camara.

Both teams had opportunities to win it in the second half, but Leverkusen’s defense held strong to deny Brest a famous victory on their European journey.

Player of the Match: Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen)

Lille Shock Atlético Madrid with a 3-1 Comeback

Lille continued their remarkable form by defeating Atlético Madrid 3-1, coming from behind to claim all three points. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring for Atlético early on, but Lille’s resilience shone through. Edon Zhegrova equalized with a curling shot, and Jonathan David then sealed the win with a late brace, including a calmly taken penalty.

This victory sees Lille completing a double over the two Madrid giants, having also beaten Real Madrid earlier in the group stage.

Player of the Match: Lucas Chevalier (Lille)

Inter Snatch Late Victory Over Young Boys

Inter Milan left it late to secure a dramatic 1-0 win over Young Boys, with substitute Marcus Thuram scoring in injury time. Young Boys had their chances, striking the post through Joel Monteiro, but Inter capitalized on a last-minute chance to take home all three points.

Player of the Match: Nicolò Barella (Inter)

GNK Dinamo Stun Salzburg

GNK Dinamo Zagreb secured their first Champions League away win in nearly 26 years, defeating Salzburg 2-0. Sandro Kulenović opened the scoring for Dinamo with a clinical left-footed strike. Salzburg’s night went from bad to worse when goalkeeper Alexander Schlager was shown a red card, reducing them to ten men.

Substitute Bruno Petković added a second goal with a well-placed shot after combining brilliantly with Stefan Ristovski. This historic win gave Dinamo a much-needed boost as they continue their European campaign.

Player of the Match: Stefan Ristovski (GNK Dinamo)

Feyenoord Outclass Benfica in Lisbon

Feyenoord handed Benfica their first home defeat in almost a year, triumphing 3-1 in Lisbon. Ayase Ueda broke the deadlock for the Dutch side, and Antoni Milambo doubled their lead with a well-executed finish. Despite Kerem Aktürkoğlu pulling one back for Benfica, Milambo struck again in injury time to secure the victory for Feyenoord.

The win continued Feyenoord’s impressive form in the Champions League, with back-to-back away victories under their belt.

Player of the Match: Antoni Milambo (Feyenoord)

Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage produced unforgettable moments, from Liverpool’s continued dominance to Raphinha’s hat-trick heroics for Barcelona. As the competition progresses, the intensity is only set to rise, with teams battling for crucial points to secure their spot in the knockout stages.

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