Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League delivered drama across Europe as Barcelona edged a six-goal thriller in Prague, Arsenal set a new club record in Milan, and Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Juventus all claimed vital wins in the race for direct qualification. With one round remaining in the league phase, the battle for the top eight — and the playoff spots — is finely poised.
Barcelona Show Character in Prague as Lewandowski Reaches New Milestone
Barcelona were pushed to their limits in Prague but ultimately emerged with a vital 4–2 victory over Slavia Praha, underlining their growing resilience in high-pressure situations. The Czech champions stunned the visitors early, forcing Barça into a response that showcased both tactical flexibility and individual quality.
Fermín López was central to Barcelona’s revival, scoring twice in a breathless first half, while Robert Lewandowski added further weight to his remarkable European legacy. The Polish striker reached 114 goals in UEFA competitions, once again proving decisive on the biggest stage. Dani Olmo’s long-range strike after the break swung the momentum back in Barcelona’s favour, before Lewandowski sealed the result late on.
The result keeps Barcelona firmly in contention for a direct place in the Round of 16, with their attacking depth once again proving decisive when margins were tight.
Arsenal Break New Ground with Statement Win at Inter
Arsenal’s 3–1 victory away to Inter was not only one of the standout results of Matchday 7 but also a landmark moment in the club’s European history. For the first time ever, the London side have won seven consecutive Champions League matches, underlining their evolution into one of the competition’s most consistent teams.
Gabriel Jesus led the way with a brace, while substitute Viktor Gyökeres added a third to cap a dominant display. Arsenal’s ability to punish mistakes, control transitions and maintain defensive discipline was evident throughout, as they limited Inter despite spells of Italian pressure.
This win confirmed Arsenal’s place in the Round of 16 and secured first place in the league-phase standings. They remain the only team with a perfect record after seven matches, boasting both the competition’s most potent attack and its tightest defence.
Liverpool Cruise in Marseille as Slot Highlights Tactical Context
Liverpool delivered one of the most controlled performances of the round, easing to a 3–0 victory away to Marseille. Dominik Szoboszlai’s clever free-kick broke the deadlock, before second-half goals sealed a result that significantly strengthened the Reds’ position in the top-eight race.
Despite the convincing scoreline, head coach Arne Slot later pointed to a broader tactical theme behind Liverpool’s season. He explained that his side thrive when games open up, allowing players to attack space and break lines, while compact low blocks continue to pose a different type of challenge. The Marseille match, with both teams pressing high and building from deep, played directly into Liverpool’s strengths.
The result leaves Liverpool well placed heading into the final matchday, where direct qualification remains firmly within reach.
Bayern Reach Historic Milestone Despite Early Struggles
Bayern Munich became only the second club in Champions League history to record 250 wins in the competition, overcoming Union Saint-Gilloise 2–0 in Munich. After a slow first half, Harry Kane took control with two goals in quick succession early in the second period, once again underlining his value in decisive moments.
Even after being reduced to ten men following Minjae Kim’s dismissal, Bayern maintained control, reflecting the composure highlighted by head coach Vincent Kompany. He acknowledged the lack of tempo before the break but praised his team’s reaction after half-time, stressing that Champions League matches are often decided by moments rather than sustained dominance.
Bayern remain firmly in contention for a top-eight finish ahead of Matchday 8.
Juventus Build Momentum as Spalletti Emphasises Modern Demands
Juventus continued their upward trajectory with a 2–0 home win over Benfica, extending their winning run in the league phase to three matches. Goals from Khéphren Thuram and Weston McKennie reflected a performance built on intensity, timing and improved collective understanding.
After the match, head coach Luciano Spalletti highlighted the growing importance of counter-pressing in modern football, noting that Juventus had occasionally made life difficult for themselves through unnecessary ball losses. However, he stressed that the team’s overall progress was clear, with greater involvement and responsibility shown across the squad.
Juventus remain firmly in the hunt for direct qualification, with their recent performances suggesting increasing tactical clarity.
Newcastle, Chelsea and Qarabağ Deliver Crucial Home Wins
Newcastle United strengthened their push for the knockout rounds with a convincing 3–0 victory over PSV Eindhoven, extending their perfect defensive record at St James’ Park. Yoane Wissa starred with a goal and an assist, while the Magpies once again demonstrated their growing maturity in European competition.
Chelsea also secured a narrow but important 1–0 win against Pafos, with Moisés Caicedo’s late header settling a match defined by patience and control. Head coach Liam Rosenior pointed to the team’s energy, pressing and defensive solidity as key positives, particularly with consecutive clean sheets restoring confidence.
In Azerbaijan, Qarabağ produced one of the most dramatic moments of Matchday 7, defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 3–2 with a stoppage-time winner. Head coach Gurban Gurbanov declined to expand on controversial refereeing decisions, noting that the club’s president had already addressed the issue, as Qarabağ kept their European hopes alive in remarkable fashion.
What Matchday 7 Means for the Final Round
With the league phase nearing its conclusion, Matchday 7 clarified the identity of the competition’s most consistent teams while intensifying the fight for the remaining places in the top eight. Arsenal’s dominance at the summit contrasts with the tightly packed chasing group, where a single result on Matchday 8 could dramatically alter the standings.
The final round will determine which clubs advance directly to the Round of 16 and which must navigate the playoff route, ensuring maximum tension across Europe as the Champions League league phase reaches its decisive conclusion.
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