Champions League action saw Arsenal and Barcelona end 2024 on a high note, showcasing their prowess in the tournament as they both secured significant victories. The expanded first round of this season’s UEFA Champions League wrapped up Wednesday with the conclusion of Matchday 6.
Here are three quick takeaways from Wednesday’s games.
Following a six-year absence, Arsenal made a triumphant return to the elite club competition last season, reaching the quarterfinals. Now, the Gunners are aiming to advance even further in 2025.
In a commanding performance, Arsenal defeated Monaco 3-0 in London on Wednesday, securing third place in the group, just behind Barcelona and Premier League rival Liverpool. Bukayo Saka was instrumental, netting two goals in the match.
Barcelona enjoyed an even more impressive outing at the formidable Westfalenstadion, home to Borussia Dortmund. Raphinha, the Brazilian forward, stunned the 81,000-strong crowd by scoring shortly after the break, putting Barcelona ahead.
Despite last year’s runners-up rallying to equalize twice, Ferran Torres sealed the deal for Barcelona with a goal in the closing minutes, ensuring a 3-2 victory for Hansi Flick’s side.
This win marked Barcelona’s fifth triumph in six Champions League matches, while Liverpool remains the only unbeaten team in the tournament.
On the other hand, Manchester City faced a stark contrast to their rivals. After a 3-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest just a week prior, City seemed rejuvenated. However, their fortunes quickly turned as they struggled against Juventus in Turin, suffering their seventh defeat in ten matches.
Dušan Vlahović’s first-half header gave Juventus the lead, and Weston McKennie, representing the U.S. men’s national team, came off the bench to secure the victory by finishing a play he initiated from deep in his own half.
The loss left Manchester City with a 2-2-2 record, placing them in 22nd position in the 36-team standings. Only the top 16 teams will advance to the knockout stage. Their next challenge comes on January 22 against PSG in Paris, followed by a home match against Club Brugge.
Gio Reyna gets a rare start in Borussia Dortmund’s loss
Gio Reyna made a notable appearance in Borussia Dortmund’s lineup against Barcelona, having played only 63 minutes this season prior to the match. The 22-year-old American midfielder earned his first start of the 2024-25 season under coach Nuri Şahin.
Reyna held his own during the intense 3-2 defeat, showcasing his skills with a clever pass that initiated a promising counterattack for Dortmund. Unfortunately, the goal was ruled offside just before Raphinha scored.
He was substituted in the 73rd minute, with the score tied at 1-1, leaving fans hopeful for his future contributions.
