In an unusual night for the UEFA Champions League, both Manchester City and Inter Milan finished their rematch of the 2023 final with a 0-0 draw. This was not the only match to lack goals, as Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk also failed to find the net, contributing to a total of just 13 goals scored across six matches—an uncharacteristically low number compared to the 28 goals scored in the previous day’s fixtures.
Historically, draws are rare in this competition. After only 12 of 144 matches in the current league phase, two 0-0 results are already halfway to the total of four that occurred in 96 matches last season, when the group-stage format was in place. The competition averaged three goals per game last year.
In contrast to the goal-shy matches, Paris Saint-Germain secured a late 1-0 victory over Girona, thanks to a significant mistake by Girona’s goalkeeper, Paulo Gazzaniga, who mishandled a cross in the dying moments of the game.
Borussia Dortmund also made headlines with a decisive 3-0 win at Club Brugge, featuring late goals from substitutes Jamie Gittens and Serhou Guirassy, including a stoppage-time penalty.
The new format of the Champions League has welcomed both familiar teams and newcomers. Sparta Prague, returning to this level for the first time in 19 years, marked the occasion with a 3-0 victory over Salzburg. Meanwhile, Bologna, in its first appearance in the competition in 60 years, showcased attacking intent against Shakhtar but could not convert their efforts into goals. Shakhtar even had a penalty saved early in the match.
Slovan Bratislava, playing in its first Champions League match since the 1992-93 season, struggled against Celtic, losing 5-1. The Scottish champions, fueled by goals from Liam Scales, Adam Idah, Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, and Arne Engels, secured a commanding win.
Looking ahead, a rare Thursday slate of Champions League matches will feature Barcelona facing Monaco, Atalanta hosting Arsenal, and Bayer Leverkusen visiting Feyenoord.
Manchester City, unable to find the back of the net at home, managed to extend their unbeaten home run in European competition to 32 matches. This streak dates back to a defeat against Lyon in 2018. City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance despite the lack of goals.
On the other hand, Dortmund’s defense showcased its strength again, achieving a clean sheet despite Club Brugge’s persistent attempts, including a near miss that hit the crossbar early on. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel’s solid performance was crucial in maintaining their defensive record.
Salzburg, under new coach Pep Lijnders, faced a heavy workload this season. Having navigated two qualifying rounds, they are set for additional matches in the Club World Cup. Their new team dynamic was evident in Prague, where they fell short against Sparta.
As the tournament progresses, the mixed results illustrate the unpredictable nature of European football, where both familiar and new faces seek glory on the continental stage.
