The Athletic FC Podcast Is the Champions League more fun than the Premier League?
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Jan 29, 2026 Seb Stafford-Bloor, tactical analyst of European football. Jack Lang, match reporter and commentator on Champions League action. They debate Benfica’s shock over Real, Mourinho’s role, goalkeeper goals and memorable moments. They dissect Premier League strength in Europe, Napoli and Conte’s campaign, Arsenal’s unbeaten run, Bayern’s integration of Musiala, and underdog stories like Bodo Glimt and Karabag.
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Benfica's Performance Outshone The Finale
- Benfica played superbly and almost controlled the game before late chaos changed everything.
- Jack says Mourinho deserved credit for the performance even if the finishing moments were chaotic.
Goalkeeper Goals Wormhole
- Seb went down a goalkeeper-goals wormhole after Trubin's finish and compared types of keeper goals.
- He contrasted box headers with wind-assisted long kicks and admired Trubin's composed header.
Real Madrid's Apathy Masks Inconsistency
- Real Madrid looked apathetic and were outplayed by Benfica's intensity and movement.
- Seb warns the club can still recover but this season shows worrying inconsistency in Europe.