UEFA Champions League: Spectacular evening in Paris and Madrid

PSG hits hard against Chelsea

Holding the title, Paris Saint-Germain launched their eighth final with authority by winning 5-2 against Chelsea at the Parc des Princes, after a lively and eventful match.

Yet, the Parisians approached this appointment with doubts. Having qualified with difficulty against AS Monaco in the play-offs, PSG seemed physically marked by a busy schedule and several injuries, notably that of Fabian Ruiz. Luis Enrique nevertheless fielded a very competitive team around Marquinhos, Vitinha, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola.

The beginning of the meeting quickly set the tone. After some initial scares, Barcola scored a superb run (10th), ending a long personal drought in the Champions League. Very enterprising, Paris even almost took the break by Dembélé a few minutes later.

Chelsea however reacted by exploiting the spaces on the right side of Paris and Malo Gusto equalised at the back post (28'). Just before the break, Dembélé gave back the advantage to the Parisians with a cross-try (45').

The second period was marked by several defensive errors in Paris. Enzo Fernandez took advantage of a ball loss to equalize (57'). But the end of the match turned to the advantage of the European champions. Vitinha gave PSG the advantage with an astute lob (74th) before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia definitively tipped the game with a spectacular double at the end of the match (86th, 90th).

With this wide success (5-2), PSG takes a serious option before the return match at Stamford Bridge.

Valverde pulls a ruthless Real Madrid
In the other shock of the evening, Real Madrid delivered a demonstration against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu (3-0).

Deprived of several executives including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, the Madrid players nevertheless dominated the meeting thanks to an exceptional Federico Valverde.

The Uruguayan opened the scoring after a recovery and a sharp race concluded with composure (20th). Seven minutes later, he doubled the amount of a hit in a closed corner (27th). Before the break, Valverde completed his recital with a spectacular recovery after an air traffic control (42').

Despite some attempts by Mancunian players in the second period, notably Erling Haaland and Jérémy Doku, Andrea Pirlo’s men mastered the end of the game. This clear victory allows Real Madrid to approach the trip to the Etihad Stadium with a very comfortable lead.

Bodø/Glimt creates the surprise
In the most unexpected display of this eighth season, Bodø/Glimt confirmed their beautiful European campaign by largely beating Sporting CP (3-0).

The Norwegians dominated the match thanks to their pressing and their intensity. Sondre Fet opened the scoring on the penalty spot (32nd) before Ole Didrik Blomberg doubled the lead just before the break. In the second period, Kasper Høgh sealed the victory (71st).

With this success, the Norwegian club takes a serious option before the return match in Lisbon.

Arsenal barely survive in Germany
Finally, Arsenal were kept in check at home by Bayer Leverkusen (1-1).

Dominating in possession but little inspired offensively, the Gunners were surprised when Robert Andrich opened the scoring for the Germans from a corner after the locker room.

Long in difficulty against the German bloc, the Londoners finally snatched the equalizer thanks to Kai Havertz on a penalty at the end of the game (88th). A result that leaves the qualification completely open before the trip to Germany.

The results
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
Real Madrid 3-0 Manchester City
Bodø/Glimt 3-0 Sporting
Paris SG 5-2 Chelsea