Champions League Review: Spurs stun Real Madrid, Aguero sets record, Chelsea crisis and more

Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid both lost last weekend and despite their overall success, the two managers have faced criticism. The manner of the defeats was certainly different and that was illustrated in Madrid’s display.

Zinedine Zidane’s men moved the ball slowly and gave it away far too easily, although Spurs deserve credit for the clinical nature that they took their chances. They had an element of luck in their first two goals, with Kieron Trippier appearing to be in an offside position before his cross to Dele Alli for the first and the huge deflection off Sergio Ramos from Alli’s shot in the second.

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Alli’s brace was the perfect response for the England international, as he had suffered a troublesome few weeks. It was his return to the tournament after he missed the first three games of European football due to his red card in the Europa League against Gent last term.

Christian Eriksen put the game beyond doubt with a good finish, although Cristiano Ronaldo did grab a consolation. It was Los Blancos’ heaviest defeat since they were thrashed by Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool in 2009.

Guardiola wasn’t just paying lip service to Napoli

Many English supporters were surprised when Pep Guardiola proclaimed that Napoli are “one of the best teams I have ever faced,” but regular observers of Serie A have seen the technical and tactical capability of Maurizio Sarri’s team. “There will be moments to defend, moments when we suffer like never before and I’m going to see how we react,” said the Manchester City boss pre-match.

His team did respond after Napoli displayed their movement and interplay at the Stadio San Paolo. Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens combined superbly for Napoli to deservedly break the deadlock.

However, City came back into the game through unlikely sources with goals from set-pieces and their centre-backs. Nicolas Otamendi connected with a header to score his first goal in the competition after Kevin De Bruyne’s quick corner was elevated into the area by Danilo.

Then, John Stones put City in-front when he beat Pepe Reina with his own powerful header, as the ball struck the underside of the bar and crossed the Spaniard’s line. The former Everton defender is growing into a real leader for the Cityzens.

Jorginho made it 2-2 from the penalty spot, but City weren’t finished as they counter-attacked with vengeance. Sergio Aguero became the club’s all-time top scorer when he scored at the ground that was made famous by his former father-in-law Diego Maradona, whilst Raheem Sterling made it four in stoppage time.

Man United get lucky once again

Manchester United beat Benfica, but once again they had to rely on a huge slice of luck. Nemanja Matic’s long-range effort hit the post, but unfortunately for 18-year-old Mile Svilar it rebounded off his back and into the net.

It was another cruel twist of fate for the Belgian goalkeeper, who had been culpable a fortnight ago and was otherwise outstanding. He had tipped Anthony Martial’s penalty around the post earlier in the game and never looked fazed by the occasion at Old Trafford.

Svilar was beaten at the penalty spot by Daley Blind in the second half, with Jose Mourinho indicating to the Dutchman that he wanted him to take it. Romelu Lukaku lined the ball up and Blind almost let the striker have the responsibility, but the United manager threw his arms in an aggressive manner.

Blind dispatched it straight down the middle and embraced his coach afterwards. United’s goalkeeper David De Gea made several impressive saves with Diogo Goncalves thwarted on one occasion.

Benfica played well and will certainly feel aggrieved that they didn’t get more from the game. They have scored only once and conceded 10 in their four games, but that didn’t stop the away supporters singing for the whole 90 minutes in Manchester.

Will Conte see the season out at Chelsea?

Chelsea became the first English side to lose in the Champions League this season, as Antonio Conte suffered his heaviest defeat as manager. The Blues had been given a severe test in the first meeting with Roma, but they clearly didn’t heed the warning.

Stephan El Shaarawy wasted little time, when he opened the scoring in the first minute with a quality strike utilising the outside of his boot. He doubled his and Roma’s tally when Antonio Rudiger inexplicably allowed the ball to run into his old teammate, with the former Milan forward having little trouble converting the opportunity.

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Former Sevilla winger Diego Perotti made it 3-0, but it could have been more as Chelsea capitulated. The speculation over Conte’s future continues to circulate around Stamford Bridge, whilst the Italian has been prickly in press conferences.

Whether he plans to walk away at the end of the campaign remains to be seen, but too many more results like this and he may have the option taken away from him. Chelsea are still well placed to qualify for the knockout stage as Atletico Madrid are four points behind with only two games remaining.

Salah has fitted in superbly at Liverpool

It wasn’t the hammering that many expected following Liverpool’s record setting seven goals in Slovenia, but it was a vital three points for the Reds. Mohamed Salah’s flick made it 1-0 after they had struggled to breakdown the deep defence in the opening 45 minutes.

The Egyptian winger has adapted to Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy with relative ease and has provided pace and directness in the absence of Sadio Mane. Maribor keeper Samir Handanovic pushed James Milner’s penalty onto the post, though Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge added further goals to put a gloss on the result.

Bayern have goals throughout their squad

With both Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller injured for the clash at Celtic Park, Bayern Munich started without a recognised striker. The German champions have a variety of other options for the role, but none that are a natural fit.

Juup Heynckes opted for James Rodriguez to lead the line in a 4-3-3. Celtic started well, although they were easily undone by a long ball from goalkeeper Sven Ulreich and Kingsley Coman kept his calm to give Bayern the advantage.

Callum McGregor gave Brendan Rodgers’ side a deserved equaliser, but they were level for only three minutes. Javi Martinez headed in the winner, as he gave Bayern the physical presence in attack that they missed without Lewandowski.