Welcome to our European roundup. From Madrid to Istanbul, with a stop in Monaco, here’s everything that went down on Champions League night.
Real edge past Juventus
Against a Juventus side far less inspired than at the start of the season, Real Madrid found their breakthrough in the second half thanks to Jude Bellingham, alert to a rebound off the post from a Vinícius shot. The 1–0 scoreline flatters Juve, as Real dominated and produced several impressive pressing sequences. Michele Di Gregorio kept the Italians in the game with eight saves, but Xabi Alonso’s men ultimately earned a well-deserved win ahead of the upcoming Clásico.
Heartbreak draw for Monaco
Monaco will be haunted by the sight of Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. At the Stade Louis II, the Monegasques produced a strong display in Sébastien Pocognoli’s first home match as manager. Akliouche dazzled, while Golovin and Minamino created plenty of chances — but finishing once again let them down, highlighted by another poor outing from U.S. international Folarin Balogun. Twice, Balogun found himself one-on-one with Vicario, and twice the Italian came out on top.
The signs of progress are there for Monaco, but they’ll need to start converting soon if they want to stay in the Ligue 1 title race — and secure a top-24 spot in the Champions League.
OM’s self destruct once again
A spectacular act of self-sabotage from Marseille at the Estádio José Alvalade. After a bright start and an early goal from Igor Paixão, OM imploded following Emerson Palmieri’s red card. The first yellow, for a handball that appeared accidental, was harsh — but the second, for an absurd dive, was pure folly.
How can a player simulate so blatantly knowing VAR is there to expose it? And how could Slovenian referee Rade Obrenović fall for such an obvious act? His officiating was abysmal — inconsistent, confusing, and entirely out of control, especially after the scuffle between Araujo and Pavard. His initial decision to send off Araujo was later overturned by VAR, further highlighting the chaos.
While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rightly criticized the refereeing afterward, it’s worth noting that poor decisions went both ways. More importantly, Emerson’s idiocy and Roberto De Zerbi’s overly defensive substitutions after taking a 1–0 lead were just as damaging.
Sporting weren’t brilliant, but they walked away with a gift of a victory.
Elsewhere in Europe, in Istanbul, Galatasaray cruised thanks to a stratospheric Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker scored a stunning brace and was instrumental in Akgün’s goal through relentless pressing.
Atalanta continue to stall, held to a 0–0 draw by Slavia Prague, while Qarabağ fell 3–1 to Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés.