A ludicrous night in Lisbon and Liverpool stay perfect – Football Weekly
Jan 22, 2025
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Sid Lowe, an insightful football journalist reporting from Lisbon, discusses the electrifying Benfica vs. Barcelona match that many are calling the greatest Champions League game ever. The conversation highlights the chaotic moments, including a controversial penalty and a comedic own goal. Lowe shares riveting details about key player performances and tactical strategies. The panel also reflects on Liverpool's impressive streak and debates football's complicated seeding systems, offering a mix of analysis and humorous banter.
Barcelona's extraordinary comeback against Benfica ended in a thrilling 5-4 victory, showcasing both teams' resilience and flair in a historic Champions League match.
Atletico Madrid's tenacity shone through in a chaotic 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen, demonstrating their ability to triumph despite being reduced to ten men.
Liverpool's strategic control against Lille, marked by Mo Salah's milestone goal, underscored their tactical discipline and efficiency in European competition.
Deep dives
Dramatic Lisbon Showdown
A thrilling match unfolded in Lisbon as Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback against Benfica, winning 5-4. The match featured a wild sequence of events, including a goalkeeping blunder where Wojciech Szczesny's attempt to clear led to a bizarre goal. The game showcased the tenacity and skill of both teams, with Barcelona sealing the victory in the 95th minute thanks to a stunning run and finish by Rafinha. This match is considered one of the best in recent Champions League history due to its mix of comedy, drama, and high-stakes action.
Simeone's Gritty Win
Atletico Madrid demonstrated their trademark resilience in a tense clash against Bayer Leverkusen, emerging victorious despite being reduced to ten men. The match was chaotic, with both teams engaging in aggressive play and emotional outbursts. Julian Alvarez's two goals highlighted his importance to Atletico's attack, showcasing his capability as a finisher. This performance reaffirmed Atletico’s ability to compete at a high level, embodying Diego Simeone's tactical strategy and fighting spirit.
Liverpool's Steady Success
Liverpool secured a methodical 2-1 victory against Lille, showcasing their defensive strength and control throughout the match. Mo Salah's well-placed goal marked a personal milestone, making him the first Liverpool player to score 50 goals in European competitions. Despite a lackluster performance, Liverpool exhibited their ability to maintain possession and reduce risks, making it difficult for Lille to create opportunities. This solidifies Liverpool's standing in the Champions League, emphasizing their tactical discipline and efficiency.
Dortmund's Managerial Shake-Up
Following a dismal performance against Bologna, Borussia Dortmund sacked their manager as frustrations mounted within the club. The team's inability to compete effectively, coupled with leadership issues among players, highlighted a disconnect in their strategy. This shift was prompted by increasingly poor results, showcasing a growing concern about Dortmund's potential to qualify for future Champions League seasons. The managerial change signifies a desperate attempt to restore the club's fortunes and stability moving forward.
Galatasaray's Rollercoaster Match
Galatasaray hosted Dynamo Kyiv in a match filled with drama as they initially took a 2-0 lead, only to let Kyiv back into the game. The atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying, drawing in fans eager to witness the spectacle. Andriy Yarmolenko made a significant impact, scoring two goals that underscored his experience and skill. This match not only highlighted the passion of Turkish football fans but also showcased the thrilling unpredictability of European fixtures.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen, Archie Rhind-Tutt and Sid Lowe as Benfica and Barcelona play out possibly the greatest Champions League game ever. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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