3' min
The fifth round of the Champions League delivered thrills, goals, and unexpected twists for several top teams. Let’s start with the positives. Liverpool, under the guidance of Slot, is building on Klopp’s legacy with a fresh approach and different tactics. The results speak for themselves: a perfect five wins out of five in the group stage and dominance in the Premier League.
The Dutch coach has quickly established his influence, bringing innovation and tactical tweaks that have maximized his squad's strengths. Liverpool has already secured at least a playoff spot, but with a relatively manageable schedule featuring Girona, Lille, and PSV, a direct path to the round of 16 seems all but certain.
Barcelona, meanwhile, has rebounded impressively. After losing their opening match, they’ve strung together four consecutive victories, including a commanding 3-0 win over Brest. Robert Lewandowski, with a brace that took his tally to 101 Champions League goals, and his teammates have proven they’re a talented, youthful squad eager to grow. With 12 points secured, the final stretch will be crucial, featuring daunting matches against Dortmund and Benfica away, followed by a home clash with Atalanta. These fixtures will define Flick’s team’s ambitions.
The clash against Borussia Dortmund is shaping up as a showdown between titans, with both teams level at 12 points. Dortmund has been stronger in the Champions League than domestically and is eager to replicate last year’s run to the final, where they fell to Real Madrid. Speaking of Madrid, the reigning champions are one of the competition's biggest disappointments so far. With just six points from two wins, they sit precariously in the playoff zone.
Three consecutive Champions League defeats - against Lille, Milan, and Liverpool - have put Carlo Ancelotti’s squad under pressure. The Merengues must now deliver in their final three games against Atalanta, Salzburg, and Brest to avoid a shocking early exit.
Arsenal, after a resounding 5-1 victory over Sporting CP, looks poised to make waves in the remaining group stage matches. Their upcoming fixtures against Monaco, Dinamo Zagreb, and Girona seem within reach, and 19 points would secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Similarly, Bayern Munich, after a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona, has recovered with key wins, including a 1-0 triumph over PSG. Their fate will be decided in matches against Shakhtar, Feyenoord, and Slovan Bratislava, determining whether they progress directly or face playoffs.
Manchester City’s journey has been more turbulent. Despite being preseason favorites, injuries - particularly to Rodri - have disrupted their form across competitions. The dramatic 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, after leading 3-0, underscores their struggles. The Citizens’ next match against Juventus is critical, as their final two opponents, PSG and Brugge, won’t make things easier.
PSG is another high-profile underperformer. Luis Enrique’s side has managed just four points in five games and risks missing out on the playoffs entirely. Their path to redemption includes matches against Salzburg, City, and Stuttgart.
Looking beyond the traditional powerhouses, teams like Monaco, Brest, Lille, and Sporting CP have emerged as potential surprises among the 24 squads vying to advance in February. This reflects the balance and unpredictability of the new Champions League format, which could deliver fresh excitement and surprises this season.
