Champions League Tuesday Recap: Liverpool Beat Real, Merino Shines in Prague, and Van de Ven Works Magic

Matchday 4 of the Champions League began on Tuesday, offering fans a night full of drama, emotion, and individual brilliance — from Anfield’s magic to London’s storm.

Liverpool – Real Madrid 1–0
Goal: Alexis Mac Allister
MOTM: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

The Anfield anthem sounded in triumph again. Arne Slot seems to have found the key to Real — for the second time this year, the Reds beat the Spanish giants. The decisive moment came in the second half: Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a perfect free-kick, and Mac Allister headed it past Courtois. A potentially season-defining win for Liverpool.
Captain Virgil van Dijk said:

“We knew we had to be perfect. Real punish every mistake, but tonight we executed our plan flawlessly.”

Napoli – Eintracht 0–0
MOTM: Robin Koch (Eintracht)

No goals, but solid defending. Both teams played disciplined football — a fair draw.

Slavia Prague – Arsenal 0–3
Goals: Bukayo Saka (pen), Mikel Merino (2)
MOTM: Mikel Merino (Arsenal)

Arsenal keep their perfect defensive record — four games, zero goals conceded. In Prague, the Gunners controlled the match after a tense start. Mikel Merino’s brace justified Arteta’s tactical gamble.
A historic moment came as 15-year-old Max Douman debuted, becoming the youngest player in Champions League history.

PSG – Bayern Munich 1–2
Goals: Neves — Luis Díaz (2)
Red card: Díaz (45’)
MOTM: Manuel Neuer (Bayern)

Bayern dominated the first half as Luis Díaz struck twice before being sent off. Despite the man advantage, PSG couldn’t break through — thanks to Neuer’s saves. Neves scored the lone Paris goal, but Bayern’s win was a statement of intent.

Atlético Madrid – Union Saint-Gilloise 3–1
Goals: Álvarez, Gallagher, Llorente — Sykes
MOTM: Giuliano Simeone (Atlético)

Atlético march toward the knockout stage. Simeone Jr. was the spark, Álvarez opened the scoring, Gallagher doubled, and Llorente sealed the result.

Juventus – Sporting 1–1
Goals: Vlahović — Araújo
MOTM: Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting)

Another draw for Juve, who deserved more but were denied by Rui Silva’s brilliance. Three straight draws — warning signs for Spalletti.

Tottenham – Copenhagen 4–0
Goals: Johnson, Odobert, Palhinha, Van de Ven
Red card: Johnson (55’)
MOTM: Xavi Simons (Tottenham)

Superb response from Spurs. Even with ten men, they scored twice more. The star of the night — Micky van de Ven, who ran the entire pitch to score a sensational solo goal. A contender for goal of the season.

Olympiacos – PSV 1–1
Goals: Martins — Pepi
MOTM: Gelson Martins (Olympiacos)

Olympiacos were close to victory, but Pepi rescued PSV in stoppage time.

Bodø/Glimt – Monaco 0–1
Goal: Folarin Balogun
Red card: Gundersen (81’)
MOTM: Folarin Balogun (Monaco)

Monaco earned three crucial points in the north. Balogun proved once again to be ice-cold in front of goal.

Hero of the Day – Micky van de Ven
The Tottenham defender’s stunning solo run and finish symbolized strength, speed, and confidence — the perfect reflection of a thrilling Champions League night.