Champions League
Champions League Roundup: Mbappé Hits Four As David Luiz Scores On Return
The Champions League served up another unforgettable night of football on Wednesday, bringing together elite veterans, explosive young talents, and exciting drama across Europe.
From David Luiz’s emotional return to the competition to Kylian Mbappé’s historic scoring, the matchday provided storylines worthy of a blockbuster.
David Luiz’s European Comeback
After four years away from European competition, former Brazil and Chelsea star David Luiz marked his Champions League return in style.
Now 38 and playing for Cypriot champions Pafos, Luiz powered home a signature header in the 18th minute against Monaco his first Champions League goal since 2017.
The veteran defender, a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2012, showed his trademark aerial dominance and passion on the big stage.
Monaco temporarily went ahead after Folarin Balogun punished a defensive error in the 26th minute, but Pafos earned a dramatic late equaliser when a rebound struck Mohammed Salisu for an 88th-minute own goal.
The 2-2 draw kept the Cypriot underdogs dreaming in their debut Champions League campaign.
Luiz’s strike also made him the second-oldest goalscorer in Champions League history, behind Porto legend Pepe, who scored weeks shy of his 41st birthday.
Mbappé’s Masterclass
The headline act of the night belonged to Kylian Mbappé, who produced one of the greatest individual displays of his Champions League career.
The Real Madrid superstar scored four goals in a thrilling 4-3 win at Olympiacos including the second-fastest hat trick in competition history.
Mbappé struck in the 22nd, 26th, and 29th minutes, completing the hat trick in just seven minutes, before adding a fourth on the hour mark. It was a performance that reminded Europe why many consider him the heir to Ronaldo and Messi’s Champions League legacy.
At age 26, his dominance continues to grow but Wednesday also hinted at the next generation rising behind him.
Teen Talents Shine Across Europe
Lennart Karl (17): Bayern Munich
Karl produced a stunning first-time finish to equalise against Arsenal, displaying Bayern’s trust in their academy. Though Arsenal ultimately won 3-1, Karl’s composure stood out.
Viktor Dadason (17): FC Copenhagen
The 6-foot-3 Icelandic striker continued his meteoric rise by scoring the opener in a 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty. Already the third-youngest scorer in Champions League history, Dadason’s power, aerial ability, and fearlessness suggest a huge future.
Geovany Quenda (18): Sporting CP
Quenda opened the scoring in Sporting’s 3-0 victory over Club Brugge. Chelsea fans will be excited: the dynamic wing-back joins the Blues after this season.
From Mbappé’s four-goal haul to Dadason’s rapid ascent, the Champions League is becoming a fascinating mix of world-class superstars and fearless youngsters.
Arsenal, PSG, Atletico, and Atalanta Impress
Arsenal Top the table
Arsenal overcame Bayern Munich 3-1, reclaiming the top spot in their group. Mikel Arteta’s side is now the only team with five consecutive wins this season after Inter Milan fell to Atletico Madrid.
PSG Hit Tottenham for Five
Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain delivered a statement performance, beating Spurs 5-3 with a Vitinha hat trick. Their attack remains one of the most dangerous in Europe.
Atletico Madrid Leave It Late
A stoppage-time header from captain José María Giménez handed Atletico a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in another tense, physical battle.
Atalanta Score Three in Five Minutes
Atalanta’s explosive spell between the 60th and 65th minutes, sparked by Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, sealed a commanding 3-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Liverpool’s Troubles Deepen
Liverpool’s Champions League struggles continued with a shocking 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield. Defensive lapses and missed chances left fans frustrated as PSV punished every error.
