Liverpool hit six, Benfica stun Real Madrid on dramatic Champions League night

Europe witnessed a goal‑soaked climax to the Champions League league phase on Wednesday, as Liverpool hit Qarabağ for six at Anfield and Benfica produced a statement 4–2 victory over Real Madrid in Lisbon. Premier League clubs largely thrived on a night loaded with storylines, shocks and late drama across 18 simultaneous fixtures.

English clubs shine on high‑stakes night

Arsenal edged a five‑goal thriller at the Emirates, beating Kairat Almaty 3–2 to cap a strong league-phase campaign and underline their status among the seeded contenders for the knockouts. Liverpool delivered the most emphatic result of the evening, dismantling Qarabağ 6–0 with a ruthless attacking display that sent a clear message to the rest of Europe. Manchester City were typically controlled in a 2–0 home win over Galatasaray, while Chelsea claimed a dramatic 3–2 away victory at Napoli to boost their position in the final standings. Tottenham added to the Premier League’s positive ledger with a composed 2–0 success at Eintracht Frankfurt, though Newcastle had to settle for a 1–1 draw away to Paris Saint‑Germain despite a disciplined performance.
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Benfica rock Real Madrid in Lisbon

The standout shock came at the Estádio da Luz, where Benfica beat Real Madrid 4–2 in a pulsating contest that swung repeatedly before the hosts pulled clear. Backed by a ferocious home crowd, Benfica’s aggressive pressing and incisive counterattacks repeatedly exposed Madrid’s back line, turning a finely balanced match into a signature European night in Lisbon. The defeat leaves Madrid facing a more complicated path in the knockout bracket, while Benfica’s win reinforces their growing reputation as one of the most dangerous sides outside the traditional super‑club elite.
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Giants slip as surprises land elsewhere

Not all of Europe’s heavyweights escaped unscathed. Atlético Madrid suffered one of the shocks of the round, losing 2–1 at home to Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt in a result that drew gasps around the continent. Borussia Dortmund also faltered, falling 2–0 at home to Inter in a performance that raised questions about their consistency at this level. Paris Saint‑Germain, meanwhile, were held 1–1 in their own stadium by Newcastle, a result that may yet have seeding implications in the next phase.
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Statement wins across the continent

Elsewhere, Barcelona breezed past FC København 4–1, while Bayer Leverkusen continued their strong European form with a 3–0 win over Villarreal. Club Brugge impressed with a dominant 3–0 victory against Marseille, and Bayern Munich secured an important 2–1 away win at PSV Eindhoven, underlining their credentials in a hostile environment. In other notable scorelines, Union Saint‑Gilloise edged Atalanta 1–0, Athletic Club lost a 3–2 thriller to Sporting CP, and Pafos enjoyed a memorable 4–1 success over Slavia Praha.
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League phase sets the stage for knockout drama

This matchday closed out the league phase of the revamped 2025–26 Champions League format, locking in the final table and determining the seeding picture for the knockout bracket. Arsenal and Bayern head into the draw among the top‑ranked sides, while the likes of Real Madrid, PSG, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs and Newcastle await their fate amid a field that looks more open than in recent seasons. With shocks, routs and late twists across Europe, Wednesday’s action has ensured the knockout rounds will begin with storylines already simmering and several giants nursing fresh scars.
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