Manchester City’s chances of securing automatic qualification to the knockout phase of the new Champions League format took a major hit as they were beaten 2-0 by Juventus on Wednesday, Afrosport reports.
Both teams met at the Allianz Stadium in Italy and after a cagey first half, the hosts took the lead in the 53rd minute through Dusan Vlahovic as the Serbian’s header beat City goalkeeper Ederson.
The Old Lady doubled their lead in the 75th minute as substitute Weston McKennie got on the score sheet despite being on the pitch for only six minutes. The American found the back of the net with a superb volley off an inviting cross from Timothy Weah.
Victory helped Juventus move into 14th in the Champions League standings, while City are currently 22nd with eight points from six games following two defeats and one draw in their last three games in the competition.
Juventus beat Man City 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/H4KL15iCke
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 11, 2024
At the Signal Iduna Park, Barcelona edged Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in an interesting five-goal thriller, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring a second half brace.
In-form Brazilian forward Raphinha put the visitors ahead in the 52nd minute, but Guinean forward Serhou Guirassy responded with a penalty for Dortmund eight minutes later after he was brough down by teenage defender Pau Cubarsi.
Torres came on in the 71st minute and the Spaniard quickly made his presence known with a goal four minutes later, and although Guirassy levelled proceedings for Dortmund once more, the former Valencia and Manchester City forward got the winner for Barcelona in the 85th minute.
Five wins in a row for Barcelona 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/LqbW2c3AWl
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 11, 2024
Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka bagged a brace and an assist as Arsenal recorded a 3-0 win over Monaco at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka opened the scoring for the Gunners in the 34th minute before doubling their lead in the 78th minute. The England international then turned provider for Kai Havertz in the 88th minute to lead the hosts to an emphatic win.
Saka at the double ⚽⚽#UCL pic.twitter.com/S6Zjh3zkj3
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 11, 2024
At the San Siro, goals from Rafael Leao and Tammy Abraham helped AC Milan secure a 2-1 home win over Red Star Belgrade.
Atletico Madrid saw off Slovan Bratislava 3-1 thanks to a wondergoal from Julian Alvarez and a brace from French forward Antoine Griezmann at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Icelandic winger Hakon Arnar Haraldsson scored an 81st minute winner for Lille in their 3-2 win against Sturm Graz at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Stuttgart recorded the biggest win of the day, thrashing Swiss club Young Boys 5-1; Feyenoord sealed a 4-2 home win over Sparta Prague; and Bologna played out a goalless draw away at Benfica.
