Man City humbled by Mbappé’s Real Madrid - next up leaders Liverpool
Feb 20, 2025
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Charlie Eccleshare, a football journalist, Tom Williams, a seasoned writer, and Liam Tharme, a football analyst, dive deep into the recent Champions League chaos. They dissect Real Madrid's dominant victory over Manchester City, spotlighting Kylian Mbappé's brilliance. The trio also examines Liverpool's mixed form leading up to their clash with City and reflects on the troubling fate of Serie A clubs in Europe. Their banter reveals tactical insights and emotional highs and lows that define the beautiful game.
Kylian Mbappé's hat-trick against Manchester City highlights his pivotal role in Real Madrid's Champions League success and unpredictability.
Liverpool's significant lead contrasts with City's struggles, making their upcoming clash crucial for title implications and momentum shifts.
Arsenal's resilience amid injuries showcases their tactical depth, maintaining pressure on league leaders as the season progresses toward its climax.
Deep dives
The Champions League Shockers
The recent Champions League matches showcased unexpected outcomes, notably with Real Madrid eliminating Manchester City 3-1. Kylian Mbappé starred with a stunning hat-trick, demonstrating his evolving role on the pitch. Meanwhile, Juventus faced a surprising exit at the hands of PSV Eindhoven, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament this season. Additional surprises included FC Bruges knocking out Atalanta and Celtic's near victory against Bayern Munich, underlining a shift in competitive dynamics within the tournament.
Liverpool and Manchester City's Upcoming Clash
The upcoming clash between Liverpool and Manchester City is set to be pivotal, especially given their contrasting forms this season. Liverpool currently enjoys a significant lead in the league while City grapples with injuries and an inconsistent defense, exacerbated by the absence of key players like Erling Haaland. Liverpool’s recent performances suggest they have the firepower to exploit City's weaknesses, particularly their vulnerability to crosses and high-pressure situations. This match could serve as a decisive moment in the title race, with Liverpool keen to capitalize on City's troubled season.
Arsenal's Pursuit of the Title
Arsenal continues to maintain pressure on the league leaders with an unbeaten run, buoyed by recent performances that reflect their resilience despite a lengthy injury list. With their next fixture against West Ham, a victory would further solidify their title ambitions, closing the gap to just five points behind Liverpool. The team's ability to secure points while missing key players has been commendable and is indicative of their collective strength and tactical depth. There's growing anticipation about whether they can convert this strong performance into a title challenge as the season progresses.
Emerging Narratives in the Top Four Race
The race for the top four has intensified, with teams like Nottingham Forest and Newcastle clashing for crucial points. Newcastle, facing the challenges of recent losses at home, seeks to recover against a Forest side that is experiencing fluctuating form. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s struggle for consistency puts them at risk as they aim to stabilize their position with an important match against Aston Villa. Each of these matchups carries the potential for seismic shifts in the standings and the pressure is mounting as the season heads toward its climax.
Everton's Unexpected Resurgence
Everton has seen a remarkable turnaround under David Moyes, enjoying an unbeaten streak that lifts them comfortably away from the relegation zone. This new momentum contrasts sharply with Manchester United's struggles, who are now languishing at the bottom end of the table. The upcoming match between these two teams promises to be a battleground as Everton looks to capitalize on their home advantage and push for further points. This match not only affects the top and bottom of the table, but it also symbolizes a shift in fortunes between these historic rivals.
Jimbo welcomes Charlie Eccleshare, Tom Williams and Liam Tharme into the studio after the conclusion of the Champions League knock-out play-offs.
Man City are taken apart by a Kylian Mbappé hat-trick at the Bernabeu. The chase for Champions League qualification resumes with the visit of Liverpool at the Etihad on Sunday.
Liverpool draw 2-2 on a Wednesday night again, this time at Villa Park. James Pearce reviews that game and looks ahead to a game with previously the Reds’ fiercest rivals for silverware.
Elsewhere in the Champions League, it was a disastrous week for Serie A with four Italian clubs in the competition becoming just one and some generational head losses.
Plus a defence of Brendan Rodgers, the first goal at Bramley-Moore Dock and what Tottenham want everyone to call them.
Produced by Charlie Jones.
RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Champions League headlines (02.30)
• PART 2a: Real Madrid 3-1 Man City (05.30)
• PART 2b: PSG smash Brest and Bayern break Celtic hearts (19.00)
• PART 2c: A miserable week for Serie A (25.00)
• PART 3a: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool with James Pearce (33.00)
• PART 3b: Man City v Liverpool & Arsenal v West Ham previewed (38.00)
• PART 4: The rest of the Premier League weekend (48.00)
