Would Robert Lewandowski have dreamed of that? After a hard-fought and exciting 3-3 draw against Inter Milan on Wednesday (October 12th, 2022), his FC Barcelona must tremble for remaining in the Champions League.
Star striker Robert Lewandowski initially saved FC Barcelona from the first major disappointment of the season. The 34-year-old scored late against Inter Milan to make it 3: 3 (1: 0) – in a home defeat, the Catalans would have been eliminated from Group C early, but still have to worry a lot. The Catalans are third in Group C with just four points, with Inter in second having seven points. There are still two group games to play.
Former Dortmund player Ousmane Dembelé (40′) had put Barcelona ahead but Inter turned the game around in the second half after goals from Nicolo Barrella (50′) and Lautaro Martinez (63′). Lewandowski’s equalizer to make it 2-2 (82′) only lasted briefly because Robin Gosens (87′) scored. However, Lewandowski headed the score (90+2), goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen saved the important point with a world-class save.
Liverpool after falling behind with a resounding victory
Jürgen Klopp is about to reach the round of 16 with Liverpool FC. The English won 7-1 (1-1) at Glasgow Rangers. Roberto Firmino (24th minute, 55th) scored twice for the Reds after Scott Arfield (17th) gave the Scottish record champions the lead. Darwin Núñez (66′) increased before substitute Mohamed Salah (75′, 80′, 81′) made it all clear with a hat-trick. It was the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history. Harvey Elliott (87th) scored the final score.
Behind SSC Napoli (12 points), who have already qualified for the round of 16, Liverpool (9) have the best chance of progressing in Group A with two games left. Rangers (0) are only fighting for third place, Ajax Amsterdam (3) still have a small theoretical chance of second place.
Naples and Bruges are through
Former Italian champions SSC Naples and FC Bruges in the preliminary round group of Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen reached the round of 16 early on Wednesday (October 12th, 2022).
After three previous wins, Bruges in Group B was satisfied with a 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid on matchday four, while Napoli successfully defended their clean sheet in Group A against Dutch record champions Ajax Amsterdam 4-2 (2-0). After Madrid’s zero number, Bruges is one of the top two places in Group B despite being outnumbered in the final stages.