We are now 2/3 of the way in the UEFA Champions League group stage and things in the knockout stage is getting to be a bit clearer. Teams are now qualifying for the knockout stage (Zenit has qualified), teams are being eliminated (Maccabi Tel Aviv has been eliminated), the action is moving thick and fast and these teams know their group stage mates just a little bit more now that they have all played each other once.
Biggest Win: Chelsea
Roma/Leverkusen was definitely the best and most entertaining game of the day but Chelsea’s win was bigger because it may have saved Jose Mourinho his job and it is now easier for Chelsea to qualify for the knockout stage. If the team and their fans want to have a turning point to their season, tonight could be that turning point.
Biggest Loss: Arsenal
Arsenal needed to win, at worse they needed a draw. While those two scenarios were admittedly difficult against the seemingly unstoppable Bayern Munich, a 5-1 defeat is the worst thing they needed. Unless they get upset by Dinamo Zagreb again, Arsenal is heading to the Europa League. They sit third, behind both Bayern Munich and Olympiakos. It’s not looking good for the Gunners.
Most Shocking Result: Gent defeating Valencia
Quick, where in the world is Gent? The Belgian Pro League leaders got themselves back into the knockout stage qualification hunt after beating 7th ranked in La Liga Valencia. While the possession was slightly favored toward Gent, Gent had more chances and they were rewarded with a 49th minute penalty by Sven Kums. Now as they are two points back of Valencia, they may have a shot at second place.
Results:
All Wednesday's #UCL results…
Game of the night was _______ ? pic.twitter.com/hxvuiNU39c
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 4, 2015
Best Tweet:
Predicted results: Chelsea draw, Roma win (88th minute thunderstrike), Arsenal lose 5-2.
— John Green (@sportswithjohn) November 4, 2015
This happened five minutes before Dynamo Kyiv scored the equalizer. I’ll hand it to John, there was a couple minutes where it looked as if he’d be 100% right. Still wasn’t bad, he kinda got it half right if we’re grading on a curve.
Best Goal: Willian – Chelsea
ICYMI: Willian scores yet another beautiful free kick goal to give Chelsea the important win vs Kiev. #UCLonFOX https://t.co/XCC3zdXZ4M
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 4, 2015
Let’s talk about how Willian has been a beacon of light and hope among the struggling Chelsea team. I know we talked about the team earlier but Willian has been a free kick machine in these first few months of the season. Three free kick goals in four Champions League games and is top goalscorer at Chelsea. If Chelsea are going to go on a run to salvage their season, Willian may be the guy to have to lead them to that.
Team in Most Trouble After Matchday 4: Arsenal
For obvious reasons, Arsenal must win their final two games and make up the goal differential and Bayern Munich or Olympiakos must lose both games for Arsenal to just tie.
Highlight Games for Matchday 5 (Groups E through H):
Barcelona vs. Roma (Group E)
Bayern Munich vs. Olympiakos vs. (Group F)
Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb (Group F)
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Chelsea (Group G)
