Matchday 6 of the UCL League Phase: Arsenal Stay Perfect, City Win in Madrid, and Ajax Complete a Stunning Comeback

December 10 delivered one of the most eventful days of the current UEFA Champions League league phase. Teams played the sixth round of fixtures, with two decisive rounds still ahead in January 2026. These matches were filled with intrigue, spectacular goals, upsets, and standout individual performances.

Here is the full roundup of Wednesday’s action.

Villarreal — Copenhagen 2:3: Danish Determination and a Late Cornelius Winner

Villarreal goals: Comesaña, Oluwaseyi
Copenhagen goals: Elyounoussi, Achouri, Cornelius
Player of the Match: Mohamed Elyounoussi

Copenhagen, now on seven points, delivered one of their finest performances of the campaign. The team showed courage, discipline, and attacking flair. Despite allowing Villarreal to equalise twice, the Danes pushed until the end and secured victory thanks to Andreas Cornelius’ late strike.

UEFA Technical Observers on Mohamed Elyounoussi:

"Excellent both going forward and tracking back. Scored, showed leadership and composure. Changed the rhythm of the game."

Qarabag — Ajax 2:4: Gloukh Shines as Amsterdam Side Mounts a Comeback

Qarabag goals: Durán, Silva
Ajax goals: Dolberg, Gloukh (2), Gaaei
Player of the Match: Oscar Gloukh

Qarabag took the lead twice, early in each half, but Ajax showed character and secured their first win of the league phase. The substitutes had a decisive impact, making the visitors’ attack far more dynamic.

UEFA Technical Observers on Gloukh:

"He became the key figure during the turning point of the match. Took responsibility, provided incisive passes, and scored twice."

Athletic — PSG 0:0: Simón Saves the Lions

Player of the Match: Unai Simón

Paris Saint-Germain dominated, especially after the break, but ran into the phenomenal form of Unai Simón. The Athletic goalkeeper produced several crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Simón’s words:

"If I receive an award like this, it means I had to suffer a lot on the pitch. Against Paris, you always have to be ready for waves of attacks."

Verdict: Despite missing seven players — many of them defenders — Athletic produced a mature performance and stayed in the race for the playoffs.

Bayer — Newcastle 2:2: End-to-End Battle and Grimaldo’s Equaliser

Bayer goals: Guimarães (own goal), Grimaldo
Newcastle goals: Gordon, Miley
Player of the Match: Anthony Gordon

After Gordon delivered a brilliant second half, recording a goal and an assist, it seemed Newcastle would take all three points. But Alejandro Grimaldo struck to restore parity, leaving the match without a winner.

Benfica — Napoli 2:0: Ríos Shines as Mourinho’s Team Reignites Their Campaign

Benfica goals: Ríos, Barreiro
Player of the Match: Richard Ríos

Benfica produced one of their most assured performances of the season. Mourinho’s side immediately took control: cohesion, compactness, and well-timed attacks secured three crucial points in the race for qualification.

Mourinho’s comment:

"We played excellently, confidently. This win keeps us alive ahead of very tough matches against Juventus and Real."

UEFA Observers on Ríos:

"The Colombian was everywhere. Initiated the press, broke lines, scored and provided an assist. The absolute leader of the match."

Borussia Dortmund — Bodø/Glimt 2:2: Brandt Brace and Norwegian Persistence

Dortmund goals: Brandt (2)
Bodø/Glimt goals: Aasami, Hauge
Player of the Match: Julian Brandt

Despite Dortmund’s control, the Norwegians found ways to come back twice. Hauge’s late goal sparked euphoria among the Bodø/Glimt supporters.

Club Brugge — Arsenal 0:3: Madueke on Fire and a New Youth Record

Goals: Madueke (2), Martinelli
Player of the Match: Noni Madueke

Arsenal continue to dominate the league phase and remain the only team with a perfect record. Madueke terrorised the right flank, scoring twice.

A highlight of the night was the appearance of Marley Salmon, who became the 6th youngest player in Champions League history (16 years and 103 days).

Real Madrid — Manchester City 1:2: A Madrid Classic and O’Reilly’s Brilliance

Real goal: Rodrygo
City goals: O’Reilly, Haaland
Player of the Match: Nico O’Reilly

One of the best matches of the season: intensity, pressing, technical quality — all at the highest level. City withstood the pressure and demonstrated mature European football.

UEFA Observers on O’Reilly:

"Very intelligent performance; ability to adapt to multiple positions; an important goal; strong control of transition phases."

Juventus — Pafos 2:0: Second-Half Surge

Goals: McKennie, David
Player of the Match: Kenan Yıldız

After a balanced first half, Juventus shifted gears and decided the match within six minutes. Yıldız was the main creative force — dribbling, incisive passes, and constant danger.

League Phase Standings After Matchday 6

Two rounds remain, to be played in January 2026.