Five talking points from Champions League matchday 5

The Champions League always delivers big moments, and so did matchday five prove to be.

After an exciting round of games in the Champions League, 3Sports takes a look at five talking points.

 

Liverpool unstoppable

Goals are in abundant supply for Liverpool. The team looks rounded all over the pitch, with the goals being spread across board. Liverpool’s attackers, Salah, Diaz, and Gakpo, have all scored more than seven goals in all competitions.

On the night against Real Madrid, although Salah missed from 12 yards, Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo found the net for the Reds as they beat Real Madrid 2-0. The results testify to how good and efficient Liverpool have been at both ends of the field.

Slot has managed to create a stabilized side, creating the perfect balance in attack and defence. Only Inter Milan (5) have kept more clean sheets than Liverpool (4).

Ryan Gravenberch has been reborn since Slot took over, making darting and progressive runs with the ball, while line-breaking passes and tenacity have been a major part of Curtis Jones and Mac Allister’s games.

Although Slot has been at Liverpool for a short period, he has been able to improve the squad he inherited from Klopp and produce a seamless transition. Liverpool still maintains its identity as a high-intensity team, willing to run and pin opponents back all game.

 

Real Madrid’s problems beyond Mbappe

Liverpool’s opponent on Wednesday night looked completely off-color. No end product, and a lack of attacking impetus.

The whole team has generally been flat throughout the season. The only time Real had a genuine sniff at goal, Mbappe’s spot kick from 12 yards was parried away by Kelleher. Mbappe has scored only one Champions League goal in five games for Real Madrid. Mbappe joined Real Madrid with the intention of winning an elusive Champions League trophy, but his performance at Anfield left more questions unanswered than answered.

The Frenchman just looks like he doesn’t have a place in the side. He can’t displace Vinicius on the left wing, nor can he play down the middle or right wing. Real Madrid are trying to forcefully fit Mbappe, who looks out of confidence at the moment, into the team.

Mbappe’s underperformance cannot be treated in isolation to Real Madrid as a whole. Tactically, they looked bereft of ideas. Exposed heavily against Barcelona and now at Anfield, Real need to work fast in order to avoid the season slipping entirely from their grasp.

Although they could make a case with injuries, even when their best players—Vinicius and Rodrygo—were fit, they didn’t look too convincing.

 

Multi-faceted Barcelona 

Barca have effortlessly taken to life under Flick. Unless the players decide to down tools, there is no stopping them. Barcelona, per what has transpired in the season, are the closest challengers to Liverpool.

Flick has showcased unreal tactical ingenuity. His high press and high line have got Europe’s elite teams looking over their shoulders.

And when everything feels one-dimensional, he has the men to switch it up. Up front, Barcelona have numerous options to provide the goods, and against Brest, despite Lamine Yamal being sidelined with injury and Raphinha not scoring, Lewandowski’s brace and Olmo’s goal sent Barca over the line.

It’s clear: Barcelona were making strides under Xavi, but under Flick, they are making giant leaps.

 

City need to catch a break

If there is any team that can’t wait for November to end, it is Manchester City. After a 4-1 thrashing against Sporting CP in their last Champions League game, City gave up a three-goal lead in the space of 15 second-half minutes—the first time it’s ever happened in the Champions League.

Heading into the game, City were on a five-game losing streak and had victory in sight when Haaland and Gundogan set them on their way, until the late capitulation.

A number of compounding issues have resulted in City’s woeful run.

City have not had the all-roundedness of Rodri to rely on after the Ballon d’Or winner suffered an ACL injury against Arsenal in September, one that keeps him out for the rest of the season.

In addition to that, the ravenous appetite to achieve success has evaporated. And why not? After winning a treble in the 2022/23 season and winning an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title, what else is there to play for?

The players do not look like they want to play, lest win games. Age has also caught up with them, with instrumental players such as De Bruyne (33), Walker (34), and Bernardo Silva (30) all looking at the twilights of their careers.

The over-reliance on Haaland to score goals hasn’t also helped the Cityzens. Last season, Julian Alvarez provided a backup option, but he was sold for big money to Atletico Madrid, and the club failed to replace him.

All these factors have finally taken their toll on the team.

 

Inzaghi keeps inspiring Inter Milan

The Inzaghi factor isn’t a mirage. It is a reality! Simone Inzaghi has turned Inter Milan into a formidable side. His 3-4-3 is perfectly understood and executed by his players. In attack, Inter often gets overloads in wide areas whipping crosses to forwards Thuram and Martinez.

Against Leipzig, Inter were once again tactically on point. Inzaghi’s tactical flexibility sees his side defend with five without the ball, leading to a 5-3-2 system.

This makes them very compact, and the result is telling. Inter are the only side yet to concede after five games, and it’s no mere coincidence. It is a product of training ground routines being worked on and executed time without number.

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