Champions League Update: Man City and Leipzig Secure Spots in Last 16, Shakhtar Stuns Barcelona
In the Group G Champions League encounter between Manchester City and Young Boys, Erling Haaland played a pivotal role, celebrating after scoring the team’s third goal. His contribution was crucial in securing a significant victory for Manchester City in this thrilling match.
Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United Face Uncertain Fate in Group F Qualification Race Following Defeats
In a stellar performance, defending champions Manchester City and RB Leipzig clinched their spots in the last 16 of this season’s Champions League on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk secured a stunning victory over Barcelona, courtesy of Danylo Sikan’s decisive goal.
Maintaining a flawless record, Pep Guardiola’s side sailed into the knockout phase with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Young Boys, marking their fourth consecutive win in Group G.
Manchester City secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stages with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Swiss side Young Boys.
Erling Haaland showcased his scoring prowess, bringing his goal tally to 15 in 17 appearances this season with a first-half penalty and a spectacular second shortly after the restart.
Phil Foden added to the spectacle with a remarkable individual goal, contributing to a two-goal lead at halftime. This victory propels Manchester City into the exclusive club of only four holders to win their first four games the following season, solidifying their place in the knockout stages for an impressive 11th consecutive campaign.
In a historic moment, veteran Porto defender Pepe, already the oldest Champions League outfield player
etched his name in the record books as the oldest scorer in the tournament’s history. At the age of 40 years and 254 days, Pepe rose in the box and headed home Porto’s second goal in a 2-0 victory over Antwerp.
Evanilson, the Brazilian striker, set the stage with a first-half goal, and Pepe’s stoppage-time contribution added to the team’s success. Reflecting on this milestone, Pepe shared, “Today is a special day for me.Today holds special significance for me as it marks my mother’s birthday. I promised her that I would give my all to score a goal, and to achieve that in the Champions League at this stage is truly incredible.
Experiencing this moment is truly remarkable, as anyone reaching this age while competing at such a high level, especially for a prestigious club like Porto, understands the immense dedication, sacrifice, and profound passion required for this sport. I aim to savour and enjoy this accomplishment to the fullest extent possible.
Breaking records and making history
veteran Porto defender Pepe surpassed Roma’s Francesco Totti to become the oldest scorer in Champions League history at the age of 40 years and 254 days. Totti held the previous record at 38 years and 59 days, achieved in 2014.
With this significant achievement, Porto, now with nine points, levelled with group leader Barcelona. Barcelona suffered a 1-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the other Group H match. Unfortunately, last-place Antwerp is no longer in contention for the top two spots.
Meanwhile, at San Siro stadium, AC Milan secured its first win and goals in this season’s Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Olivier Giroud, aged 37 years and 38 days, became the oldest French goalscorer in the competition, surpassing Laurent Blanc.
Rafael Leao contributed to Milan’s win, overturning an early Milan Skriniar opener. Borussia Dortmund also emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Newcastle, leading Group F with PSG, Milan, and Newcastle closely trailing by one, two, and three points, respectively. The group is now wide open with possibilities.
