UEFA Champions League: 3 takeaways from a dramatic Matchday 8.
The latest Matchday 8 in UEFA Champions League history marked a groundbreaking moment, featuring all 36 teams competing simultaneously. With numerous spots up for grabs in the round of 16 and the upcoming two-leg playoffs, the stakes were exceptionally high.
The 18 matches played across Europe delivered thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes, making it a memorable day for football fans.
Here are the three standout takeaways from this exhilarating slate of games.
Liverpool secures the top seed despite a setback
Liverpool, already assured a place in the last 16, saw manager Arne Slot make a bold decision to rest key players during the away match against PSV Eindhoven. While the strategy was logical, it posed risks to their unbeaten record and top position in the group.
Ultimately, Slot’s gamble bore fruit. Liverpool suffered its first defeat of the tournament, with U.S. men’s national team forward Ricardo Pepi netting the decisive goal for PSV just before halftime, following a fierce contest where Liverpool had twice taken the lead.
Nevertheless, Liverpool retained the top seed due to Barcelona’s draw against Atalanta. With a perfect record of 7-0 in their initial matches, the Reds have firmly established themselves as favorites as they advance in the tournament, a remarkable feat for the leaders of the English Premier League.
Manchester City finds their rhythm
Manchester City entered the final round of fixtures under significant pressure, having struggled in both domestic and European competitions for the past two months. The reigning Champions League winners faced Club Brugge, knowing that a victory was essential to secure their advancement.
Pep Guardiola’s side had been gradually improving, and they were expected to claim all three points against a Brugge team that had already qualified for the playoffs.
Despite an early setback when they fell behind, City displayed their quality. An own goal by Brugge defender Joel Ordóñez shifted the momentum, allowing City to take control and secure a 3-1 victory, moving them to 22nd place—just above the elimination zone.
While this position is not ideal for a club of their stature, Guardiola is likely relieved to have avoided elimination. The prospect of facing City in the playoffs is daunting for any opponent, especially as Guardiola aims to guide his team toward their second Champions League title.
Strong performances from England’s other clubs
The upcoming 16-team playoffs promise to be exciting, featuring a wealth of talent. Among the notable contenders are Manchester City and last year’s champions, Real Madrid, who hold the record for the most titles. Additionally, nine other former European champions, including AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus, will face off in two-legged matches for a chance to advance to the quarterfinals.
