The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 is heating up, and some teams are already making waves, while others are left scrambling to keep up. As Matchday 4 kicked off, we witnessed a series of thrilling encounters that showcased the tournament's intensity and unpredictability. But here's where it gets controversial: are the early frontrunners truly unstoppable, or are they just benefiting from a favorable draw? Let's dive into the action and find out.
Arsenal and Bayern München continued their flawless campaigns, securing their fourth consecutive wins. Arsenal's victory over Slavia Praha was particularly noteworthy, as Mikel Merino's brace and Max Dowman's record-breaking appearance stole the show. Dowman, at just 15 years old, became the youngest player in Champions League history, breaking Youssoufa Moukoko's record. Meanwhile, Bayern München edged out Paris Saint-Germain in a tense clash at Parc des Princes, with Luis Díaz's double and Manuel Neuer's heroics between the posts proving decisive. And this is the part most people miss: Neuer's performance was so outstanding that it sparked debates about whether he's still the best goalkeeper in the world.
Liverpool's triumph over Real Madrid was another highlight, with Alexis Mac Allister's header sealing the deal. The Reds' victory was a testament to their resilience, especially after Thibaut Courtois' earlier heroics. Speaking of Courtois, his performance was so impressive that it begs the question: Is he the most underrated goalkeeper in modern football?
Elsewhere, Monaco secured their first win of the season, narrowly defeating Bodø/Glimt in Norway, thanks to Folarin Balogun's maiden Champions League goal. Atlético de Madrid bounced back from recent setbacks, overcoming Union Saint-Gilloise in a hard-fought battle. However, the match that left fans divided was Juventus' draw with Sporting CP, where Dušan Vlahović's equalizer saved the day for the Italian giants. Was it a fair result, or did Sporting deserve more?
Tottenham's dominant display against Copenhagen showcased their attacking prowess, despite Brennan Johnson's red card. The 4-0 victory was a statement of intent, but it also raises the question: Can Spurs maintain this form throughout the tournament?
As the group stage progresses, the stakes are higher than ever. Who will emerge as the dark horse, and which favorites will stumble? One thing's for sure: this Champions League season is far from predictable. What do you think? Are Arsenal and Bayern München the teams to beat, or is there a surprise contender waiting in the wings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
