The Champions League delivered another night of goals and drama, with 40 goals across nine games, yet a sense of emptiness persists over the new format's lack of jeopardy. Paris Saint-Germain staged a late comeback against Barcelona in a 4-2 victory, while Napoli edged Bodø/Glimt 4-3, and Liverpool overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Villarreal 4-3.
PSG and Liverpool Thrill, but Format Questions Linger
PSG's late rally against Barcelona included a remarkable toe-poke equaliser from Lamine Yamal, even in defeat. Scott McTominay scored twice for Napoli in their win, his first goals since returning from heart surgery, taking his tally to 29 in 86 appearances for the club. The midfielder's form has raised questions about Manchester United's decision to sell him.
Despite the excitement, the group stage's 36-team table continues to draw criticism for its absence of jeopardy. PSG, who finished 15th in 2024-25 with seven points from six games and 11th in 2025-26, have this season won all three of their opening matches, topping the table. Liverpool, already assured of progress after two wins, still delivered a memorable comeback at Anfield, with Florian Wirtz scoring the winner and Rio Ngumoha earning praise.
Carrick and Como: A Test for Manchester United
Michael Carrick's Manchester United side face a challenging trip to Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, with United having won just two of their last 11 games this season. The match carries weight for Carrick, who has denied claims of a toxic culture at Old Trafford, insisting he has a good relationship with the club's executives.
Villarreal's manager, Iñigo Pérez, admitted after the Anfield defeat: "We weren't able to handle the emotion." The visitors experienced the full Anfield atmosphere, a factor in their loss.
Kvaratskhelia Injury and Tifo Controversy
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will undergo surgery after sustaining an ACL injury during Napoli's 4-2 win over Barcelona. In a statement, he vowed to recover stronger, saying, "I know I have to come back stronger for my people, who are always by my side. I won't let you down – I promise I won't waste a single moment." Ousmane Dembélé and Marquinhos also suffered thigh tears, sidelining them for several weeks.
Barcelona have lodged a complaint with Uefa over a tifo displayed before the PSG match, which depicted a masked man holding a bloodied chainsaw above the words "Massacre, Parisien style." Uefa's disciplinary rules state that "the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit a provocative message that is not fit for a sports event" may result in disciplinary measures.
Other Football News
In other developments, Jonathan Bukabakwa, a coach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo banned for sexual abuse of a child, had his ban extended by five years to 2048 and was fined an additional $15,000 (£11,200). The Metropolitan police will use live facial recognition technology at Chelsea's match against Tottenham. Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich will miss the match against Arsenal due to a death in his family, and Michael Olise is suspended. Cristiano Ronaldo successfully reduced his punishment for leaving a Portugal training camp. Crawley Town have parted ways with head coach Colin Kazim-Richards, with the side five points adrift at the bottom of League Two.
