Champions League Recap: November 6, 2024

On November 6, 2024, the Champions League continued to deliver thrilling matchups as teams vied for critical points in the new league phase format. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the day’s standout games, with Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Brest all securing impressive wins to solidify their positions in the standings.

Inter Milan 1-0 Arsenal

Inter Milan edged out Arsenal in a tightly contested match at the San Siro, thanks to a decisive penalty by Hakan Çalhanoğlu just before halftime. Inter’s defensive strength was crucial, with the backline repeatedly thwarting Arsenal’s attacks, especially during the second half when the Gunners tried to level the score. Despite Arsenal’s persistent pressure, Inter held firm, even clearing a potential equalizer off the line. This win propelled Inter to ten points in the standings, placing them in a strong position as they aim for a top-eight finish in the new format​.

Crvena Zvezda 2-5 Barcelona

Barcelona continued their dominant scoring streak with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Crvena Zvezda. Iñigo Martínez opened the scoring with a precise header, followed by a series of goals from Robert Lewandowski, who netted twice, capitalizing on assists from Jules Koundé. Raphinha and Fermín López also added to the scoreline, showcasing Barcelona’s depth in attack. Despite the home team’s efforts, including a well-taken goal by Silas and a late consolation from Felício Milson, Barcelona’s attacking force was simply unstoppable, pushing them up the league standings with another convincing win​.

Sparta Praha 1-2 Brest

French newcomers Brest continued their impressive Champions League campaign, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Sparta Praha. Edimilson Fernandes put Brest in the lead with a precise shot from the edge of the box, while a misjudged clearance by Sparta’s Kaan Kairinen resulted in an own goal, giving Brest a comfortable lead. Sparta managed to pull one back late in the game through Victor Olatunji, but Brest’s solid defense preserved their lead. This win kept Brest among the top teams in the standings, a remarkable feat for a club making its Champions League debut​.

Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Young Boys

Shakhtar Donetsk secured their first league phase victory by defeating Young Boys 2-1. After Young Boys opened the scoring through Kastriot Imeri, Shakhtar quickly responded with an equalizer from Oleksandr Zubkov, set up by Georgiy Sudakov’s precise cross. Sudakov then delivered the winning goal with a brilliant solo effort, cementing his influence on the game. This win left Young Boys still seeking their first points, while Shakhtar celebrated a much-needed victory​.

Bayern Munich 1-0 Benfica

Bayern Munich returned to winning form with a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica. Jamal Musiala’s headed goal in the second half, following a well-placed cross from Leroy Sané, broke the deadlock and ended Bayern’s two-game losing streak. Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made several impressive saves to keep his team in the game, but Bayern’s persistence paid off, securing three vital points​.

Club Brugge 1-0 Aston Villa

Club Brugge upset Aston Villa’s undefeated run with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a controversial penalty. Brugge’s captain Hans Vanaken converted from the spot after Tyrone Mings was penalized for an unusual handling error. Despite Villa’s attempts to equalize, Brugge’s solid defensive play preserved their lead, causing Villa to drop in the standings after previously leading the competition​.

Feyenoord 1-3 Salzburg

Salzburg earned their first Champions League victory this season, defeating Feyenoord 3-1 with a standout performance from Karim Konaté. Konaté’s two goals, including a smartly taken volley, set the tone for Salzburg’s attacking play. Despite Feyenoord’s response with a goal from Anis Hadj Moussa, Salzburg solidified their lead with a late goal from Daouda Guindo. This result breathed new life into Salzburg’s campaign​.

PSG 1-2 Atlético Madrid

In a dramatic finish, Atlético Madrid clinched a 2-1 victory over PSG at Parc des Princes. Warren Zaïre-Emery gave PSG an early lead, but Atlético quickly equalized through Nahuel Molina’s well-taken half-volley. Despite PSG’s control for much of the second half, Ángel Correa scored a last-minute goal to steal the win, marking a crucial victory for Atlético as they aim to secure a top spot.

Stuttgart 0-2 Atalanta

Atalanta continued their unbeaten run with a disciplined 2-0 win over Stuttgart. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring early in the second half, followed by a clinching goal from Nicolò Zaniolo. Atalanta’s defensive resilience ensured they kept a clean sheet, adding to their reputation as one of the strongest defensive teams this season​.

Champions League Standings Update

Following these matches, Liverpool remains at the top of the Champions League table, with Barcelona and Inter Milan close behind. Brest’s stunning run continues as they hold a top-four position, while Aston Villa’s loss dropped them to eighth. The competition remains fierce, with every point now crucial as teams aim for direct qualification to the round of 16 in the new league phase format.