The UEFA Champions League returned on Tuesday, serving up a thrilling night of action and upsets across Europe. AC Milan shocked reigning champions Real Madrid with a 3-1 win, exploiting Madrid’s defensive struggles. Liverpool impressed with a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield, thanks to a hat-trick from Luis Diaz. Sporting CP pulled off a stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester City, ending City’s unbeaten run as Viktor Gyokeres notched a hat-trick.The UEFA Champions League returned on Tuesday, serving up a thrilling night of action and upsets across Europe. AC Milan shocked reigning champions Real Madrid with a 3-1 win, exploiting Madrid’s defensive struggles. Liverpool impressed with a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield, thanks to a hat-trick from Luis Diaz. Sporting CP pulled off a stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester City, ending City’s unbeaten run as Viktor Gyokeres notched a hat-trick.
In the marquee clash of the night, AC Milan stunned reigning champions Real Madrid with a comprehensive 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu. The visitors wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet, with Malick Thiaw heading in a Christian Pulisic corner early in the game. Madrid responded swiftly, however, as Vinicius Junior netted a penalty to equalize.
The second half saw Milan take control, with Alvaro Morata, a former Real Madrid player, capitalizing on a rebound to score against his old club. Rafael Leao then set up Tijjani Reijnders, who sealed the win with a clinical finish, exploiting Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities. The defeat leaves Real Madrid questioning their defensive stability as they look to defend their title.Sporting CP delivered a shock to Manchester City’s unbeaten streak, defeating the English champions 4-1. Phil Foden gave City an early lead with a powerful strike, reaching his 18th Champions League goal to equal Ronaldinho’s tally. However, Sporting soon took charge, with Viktor Gyokeres equalizing by outpacing City’s defenders.
The Portuguese side continued their aggressive approach after the break, as Maximiliano Araujo scored to put them ahead. Gyokeres converted a penalty minutes later, and then scored another spot-kick to complete his hat-trick, sealing a memorable win for Sporting. Haaland missed a penalty that could have brought City back into the game, and City now face their first three-game losing streak in all competitions since 2018.
