Champions League discussion highlights: Mourinho’s tactical brilliance, major letdowns, standout moments, and additional insights.
A hectic Wednesday evening featuring 18 simultaneous matches concluded the league stage of the UEFA Champions League, and there is plenty to discuss!
Anatoliy Trubin’s remarkable performance will be remembered by Benfica supporters and neutrals alike — and likely by Real Madrid fans too! — after the goalkeeper netted a last-minute goal to secure the Portuguese team’s advancement to the knockout stage.
In other results, Arsenal achieved a perfect record, winning all eight of their league phase matches, while Chelsea triumphed 3-2 against Napoli, ensuring the Blues’ place in the Top 8 and eliminating Antonio Conte’s squad in the process.
With the league phase concluded and seedings established for Friday’s knockout playoff round draw, ESPN FC’s writers reflect on the events thus far and what lies ahead.
– UCL final matchday as it happened: Napoli out, Madrid fall into playoff
– Marcotti: The rise of set-piece royal rumbles is ruining soccer
– When is the Champions League knockout draw? Date, bracket, more
Q1. What a night! Real Madrid fell out of the Top 8 with a 4-2 loss to Benfica, a result that propelled the Portuguese team into the knockout playoffs. Was Jose Mourinho’s turnaround the most dramatic conclusion to a group stage since you began watching the Champions League?
James Olley: Interestingly, the most dramatic conclusions to the group stage aren’t particularly memorable. This competition is defined by knockout moments and trophy-winning instances. Real Madrid now faces two additional matches as heavy favorites, while Benfica barely makes it into a playoff. That latter scenario was certainly a dramatic moment, especially in how it unfolded, and the competition benefits from having a figure like Mourinho involved for a bit longer. Napoli’s unpredictable match against Chelsea was also entertaining. However, one enjoyable night in front of the screen shouldn’t overshadow the weeks of diluted action that led to this point. The teams that will not be seeded in the knockout rounds include Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, AS Monaco, FK Qarabag, Bodo/Glimt, and Benfica. Bodo reaching this stage is a good story, but does anyone genuinely expect significant upsets in this extra playoff round? So what was the point again?
Julien Laurens: I never want to hear again that this competition format is inadequate! I don’t want to hear any complaints about it. This was fantastic drama, just as we anticipated at the start of the night. There was bound to be some excitement! It could have emerged from PSG-Newcastle or another match, but it had to be Mourinho and Benfica! Who else? The storyline was perfect: Mourinho against his former club with the chance to eliminate them from the Top 8. He sent Trubin forward for a free kick that was never a free kick! The delivery was spot on, and Thibaut Courtois, who had made several crucial saves earlier, couldn’t stop the header. The only comparable moment might be Francesco Acerbi’s goal for Inter Milan in last season’s semifinals against Barcelona. That’s why we cherish football!
Beth Lindop: How can you not love football? Few sights in the sport are more thrilling than a goalkeeper scoring a goal, and for this one to be so crucial in keeping Benfica’s Champions League hopes alive makes it even more special. It’s hard to recall a more dramatic finish so early in the competition, and for supporters of the new format, it further demonstrates that the additional matches are worthwhile. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy more Mourinho antics on the touchline? Absolutely captivating.
Gab Marcotti: Absolutely! Because it’s Jose Mourinho against his former club! Because Benfica had lost their first four matches in the group stage! Because it’s Real Madrid! Because they had lost three of four matches in all competitions leading up to this one! Because they required several results to go their way for this to even be a possibility! Because they thoroughly outplayed Real Madrid (2.99 to 1.50 xG)! Because the goal came deep into injury time with the last touch of the match! Because the scorer, Trubin, is a goalkeeper! Because Trubin seemed unaware they needed a fourth and appeared to be wasting time seconds before his goal! Because it’s Mourinho!
Mark Ogden: What a conclusion! It only needed a Mourinho sprint down the touchline, but you can’t have everything. Credit must go to Mourinho because, with seven minutes of stoppage time played, he instructed Trubin to move forward for the last-minute free kick. Trubin headed in for an astonishing goal that secured Benfica’s playoff position. The most intriguing aspect of this story is that Real Madrid will now face either Benfica or Bodo/Glimt in the playoffs. Let’s hope it’s Benfica so we can see Mourinho get under Real’s skin once more.
Sam Tighe: I can’t think of anything that compares to that. The Real Madrid collapse (two red cards), the fact that a goalkeeper scored, and the involvement of Mourinho … that was outrageous. The best comparison I can offer is Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s 95th-minute winner for Tottenham Hotspur against Marseille in 2022, which secured their place in the knockouts. But let’s be honest. Højbjerg is not a goalkeeper, so it’s significantly less unique than the sheer madness we just witnessed.
Rob Dawson: In terms of drama, it doesn’t get much better than a goalkeeper scoring in the 98th minute to secure a spot in the Champions League knockout rounds. Goalkeeper Jimmy Glass remains a well-known name in the U.K. after he scored a last-minute goal that saved Carlisle United from relegation and kept them in the Football League in 1999. It’s likely that the name Trubin will be remembered in Lisbon for a long time.
Alex Kirkland: It was an incredible, dizzying few minutes, with Real Madrid suddenly out of the Top 8, and Benfica advancing, while Mourinho was in tears as he walked down the tunnel after the final whistle. It’s hard to recall a group stage conclusion that came close. The most notable turnaround involving a Spanish team in recent years was probably Atlético Madrid, who were at the bottom of their group before winning 3-1 at FC Porto in December 2021, with two of their goals coming in added time. But even that pales in comparison to this. Real Madrid was famously never eliminated in the group stage in the previous UCL format. Now, for two consecutive years, they have been forced into the playoffs.
Sam Marsden: For all the reasons mentioned, it was undoubtedly remarkable. Very few things can surpass a last-minute goal from a goalkeeper. How it will be remembered will depend on what follows, which we all hope will be another chapter of Mourinho vs. Alvaro Arbeloa. It’s unlikely Benfica would defeat Madrid over two legs (surely not?), but we all need Part II after the extraordinary scenes we witnessed in Lisbon. Football gods, do your thing.
play0:43Are Arsenal favourites to win the Champions League?
Alejandro Moreno and Steve Nicol debate who should be favourites to win the Champions League.
Q2. Who/what has been the biggest disappointment of the league phase?
Dawson: It has to be Napoli. Antonio Conte will argue that Italian clubs aren’t operating with the same budget as the European powerhouses — particularly in the Premier League — but the reigning Serie A champions shouldn’t be anywhere near the bottom of a 36-team table. Losing 6-2 at PSV Eindhoven and failing to secure a win against Eintracht Frankfurt at home are disappointing results. Conte has an impressive record in domestic competitions, but for some reason, he has never been able to replicate that success in the Champions League.
Olley: I would have to choose the league phase format itself. The second year of this Swiss model has reinforced my initial impression: the significance of matches between major teams is diluted, the additional two matches add nothing but an unnecessary burden on player workload, and the spectacle of Matchday 8 comes at too high a cost of sterile buildup. It resembles the European Super League by not-so-subtle design. Providing the top two with home advantage in the knockout rounds is merely an incentive to give a flawed system more meaning, and there is an argument that it overtly compromises the essence of knockout football — which the last-16 stage onwards always represented.
Ogden: I completely concur with James on this. The league phase may feature heavyweight matchups on each matchday, but the games lack real significance because the top teams know they will qualify regardless. Sure, you could argue that was always the case in the old group phase, but we did witness some super-clubs — Manchester United, Barcelona — drop into the UEFA Europa League in recent years, as there was more jeopardy and clubs understood they had less margin for error. This league phase has been a lengthy prelude to a somewhat inevitable conclusion.
Tighe: Apologies to James and Mark … I remain a strong supporter of this new format. There is enough risk involved throughout the first eight matches, and I cannot agree with the notion that some of these games “don’t matter” — they absolutely do. That’s why dropped points in the initial weeks can jeopardize your chances of finishing in the Top 8, as this first phase has effectively become a quest for perfection. The stakes are high from the start and remain so. Last year, Juventus, AC Milan, and Manchester City dropped into the playoffs and faced the consequences. This year, Real Madrid, Internazionale, Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Juve (again) risk the same fate. I am willing to stand firm on this: the league phase is beneficial!
play1:57Are Chelsea more entertaining to watch under Liam Rosenior?
Frank Leboeuf reacts to Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Napoli in the Champions League.
Marcotti: I feel compelled to address more than one issue here. The biggest disappointment has to be Villarreal. Their standings appear worse than they should because after the Dortmund defeat left them with one point from five matches, they eased off, which is understandable. However, this is still an embarrassment for a team that is third in LaLiga. Even with a depleted squad, more was expected.
Regarding the format, I appreciate it because it promotes attacking, less speculative football. In that sense, it’s definitely more entertaining. The “jeopardy” argument is valid, but I believe it’s because the seedings are largely meaningless (aside from finishing in the top eight). There is a simple solution, albeit one that only I and UEFA general secretary Theo Theodoridis support, which is why it won’t happen: Allow the top seed to choose their opponent for the knockouts. Then the second seed picks next, and so on. Not only would this add a layer of drama, but it would also make matches far more significant.
Last year, Liverpool topped the group stage. What was their reward (other than missing out on the playoff round)? Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16. Some reward!
Kirkland: I concur with Gab, it’s Villarreal. One point! For one of the best teams in Spain! Embarrassing is the word. This has been a campaign that makes you question: what’s the point of working so hard all season to qualify for the Champions League if you’re going to perform like this? Regardless of circumstances or mitigating factors — such as prioritizing LaLiga and facing tough fixtures in Europe — there is really no excuse. Losing to Tottenham Hotspur, Man City, and Dortmund is understandable, but to Pafos and F.C. København? I have a high regard for Marcelino Garcia Toral as a coach, but he has serious questions to answer.
Marsden: Yes, I have to agree with Villarreal as well. For a team from one of Europe’s top five leagues — and it doesn’t matter which one — to not win a single match is quite pitiful. Defeats to Pafos and at home to København were probably the low points of Villarreal’s campaign, but there are plenty of moments to choose from. What makes their results even more surprising is that, until recently, they were keeping pace with Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga. One point from eight matches is not a good reflection of the Spanish top flight.
Lindop: In terms of biggest disappointment, I will choose Inter Milan. Last season’s finalists will likely still qualify for the round of 16, but considering they’re five points clear at the top of Serie A, I think they’ve been somewhat underwhelming. Now, that may sound harsh given that they’ve won four of their eight matches, but they failed to truly assert themselves in either of their home games against Liverpool and Arsenal, and they were defeated away at Atlético Madrid. They haven’t demonstrated that they are ready to take the next step towards winning the competition.
Laurens: I really like this format, I did last year and I still do. In terms of disappointment, I agree on both Napoli and Villarreal too. How can you be third in LaLiga and second-bottom in the Champions League simultaneously? For many of us, Villarreal were expected to be a surprise package; instead, they’ve become a laughing stock! As for Napoli, Conte has always struggled in the Champions League, so it’s not surprising to see his team faltering this year. Eintracht Frankfurt has also been a mess, as have Ajax Amsterdam.
play2:12Klinsmann: Musiala’s return is huge for Bayern Munich
Jürgen Klinsmann praises Jamal Musiala after he scored on his first start since returning from injury in Bayern’s 2-1 win vs. PSV.
Q3. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are clearly the front-runners to win it all based on their dominance in the league phase. Is there any other team that comes close and can win it all?
Dawson: Real Madrid. It’s been a tumultuous season with the noise surrounding Vinícius Júnior and the departure of Xabi Alonso, but it’s still a squad filled with exceptional players. Often, Champions League knockout matches are decided by moments, and Real Madrid possesses the type of attackers who consistently deliver them. Additionally, there’s the weight of history. It’s something that can’t be quantified, but there’s an aura about Real Madrid in the Champions League. Despite their challenges, they are a team that no one will want to face in March and April.
Ogden: Arsenal and Bayern are the current favorites, but that means little because the slate is wiped clean at the start of the knockout rounds. The League Phase is essentially a glorified preseason, and now the real competition begins. So, feel free to mock, but I’m predicting Liverpool and PSG to reach the final if they avoid each other along the way. Discard all your league phase statistics and form guides because it’s an entirely different tournament when it comes to two-legged ties and sudden death. PSG will find their rhythm, and Liverpool too: we’ve all seen how Anfield can propel Liverpool to remarkable results.
Tighe: Mark is correct: The league phase isn’t a reliable indicator of what lies ahead. Just look at PSG, who last season came alive at the start of the year and became an unstoppable force. Predicting a team here is challenging, as there are numerous reasons to downgrade most teams’ chances (Barcelona have Pedri’s troublesome hamstrings, Liverpool are too vulnerable, Real Madrid are too unpredictable), so I’ll be rather unoriginal and select … the reigning champions, PSG, again.
Lindop: I have a strange feeling about Liverpool this season. I may end up with egg on my face as they’ve been quite poor at times in the Premier League this term, but for the most part, the Champions League has provided some relief, with Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Atlético Madrid among the opponents they’ve already defeated. With less emphasis on set pieces and physicality in Europe, Arne Slot’s side are better suited for success. They have many talented individuals and will believe they can overcome anyone in a knockout match at Anfield.
The fact that they won’t be involved in a title race in the spring could also work in their favor.
play1:34Burley: Barcelona’s attack will be a huge threat in UCL knockouts
Craig Burley reacts to Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Olley: Barcelona. The Premier League has produced three of the past six winners, which complicates the argument I’m about to make … but the intensity of English football can often catch up with teams that reach the latter stages of the competition. Three games a week for months on end, with no winter break, plus the pressure of a title race — which may now exist after Arsenal’s recent form — may all be factors. Barcelona appear more stable than Real Madrid, although I acknowledge Rob’s point about their pedigree and individual quality being a threat to anyone. We may all feel foolish for overlooking last season’s champions, PSG, as well.
Marcotti: These are somewhat two different questions. Being the third-best team currently and being the third favorite to win are not the same. If Arsenal becomes embroiled in an energy-sapping title race, they might not remain the favorites. A lot can change in a few months. For me, Barcelona are the third-best team right now (with all their flaws). As for third-favorites to win, I won’t discount Real Madrid, simply due to their pedigree, Kylian Mbappé, and Thibaut Courtois. I am somewhat surprised by how enthusiastic everyone is about Paris Saint-Germain. Compared to last season, they have downgraded their goalkeeper (at least in the short term), Marquinhos is a year older, and they have already lost to Marseille, Paris FC, AS Monaco, Bayern (at home!), and Sporting CP this season.
Kirkland: I have significant doubts about both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
