Champions League – Matchday 3: Goal Fest and Power Display by European Giants

The start of the third matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League, this Tuesday, October 21, offered us a true offensive fireworks display on European pitches. The big clubs showed up, sometimes brilliantly, confirming their continental ambitions. A look back at an evening marked by historical performances, records, and some surprises. Paris Saint-Germain: A Dominant Display in Leverkusen (7-2) Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain made a strong impression in Germany. Against Bayer Leverkusen, the Parisians delivered an unprecedented offensive masterclass, winning 7-2 and taking the lead in their group. Nuno Mendes, voted man of the match, scored a goal and provided an assist, while Désiré Doué, still brilliant, netted a brace. Dembélé, back after a long injury layoff, rediscovered his effectiveness and scored, as did Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia, who also provided assists. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, PSG became the first club in history to reach the 40-goal mark in a single calendar year in the Champions League, confirming the Parisian squad's rise in power. The Spanish coach now boasts a 66% win rate in the Champions League, surpassing the other Spanish genius, Pep Guardiola (62%). Barcelona Recovers Its Sparkle (6-1 against Olympiacos) Under the direction of German coach Hans-Dieter Flick, Barça put on a grand display against José Luis Mendilibar's men. Fermín López scored a hat-trick after a long injury absence, Lamine Yamal converted a penalty, and Marcus Rashford netted a brace. Despite a timid start to the match and a refereeing controversy over the penalty, the Catalans offered a total offensive spectacle. The Blaugrana club is regaining its form and efficiency, which it had been lacking for several matches. Inter Milan, Imperial Against Union Saint-Gilloise (4-0) The Nerazzurri continue their perfect run in the Champions League. Winning 4-0 away, at Lotto Park in Belgium, Cristian Chivu's men secured a third consecutive victory without conceding a single goal. Dumfries, Lautaro Martínez, Çalhanoğlu, and Esposito each contributed to the celebration. Inter, compact and clinical, establishes itself as one of Europe's most balanced teams at this stage of the competition. PSV Eindhoven – Napoli: A Monumental Correction (6-2) Surprise of the evening: PSV Eindhoven inflicted a true humiliation on Napoli (6-2) at the Philips Stadion. The Dutch, led by an explosive collective, and Peter Bosz, a coach who knows his craft well, made the Italians bend despite a brace from Scott McTominay. Dennis Man, Saibari, Pepi, Driouech, and Buongiorno scored the six Dutch goals. A result that completely reopens the debate and weakens a defensively unrecognizable Napoli. Arsenal, the Nemesis of Spanish Clubs Arsenal continues a historic streak: seven consecutive victories against Spanish clubs in the Champions League. The Gunners outclassed Atlético Madrid (4-0) thanks to a brace from Gyökeres and goals from Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhães. Mikel Arteta's team confirms its tactical maturity and realism. Three matches, three victories without conceding a goal: Arsenal is already positioning itself as a credible contender for the semi-finals. Manchester City Gets the Job Done (2-0) Without shining, Manchester City secured the essential against Villarreal. Haaland, ever more consistent (12th consecutive match with at least one goal), and Bernardo Silva allowed the Citizens to win 2-0. Pep Guardiola continues to precisely manage a deep squad, still a candidate to succeed Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain on the European throne. Borussia Dortmund Confirms in Copenhagen (4-2) Borussia Dortmund won authoritatively against Copenhagen. Nmecha, who scored a brace, Bensebaini (from a penalty), and Fabio Silva allowed BVB to secure a second consecutive victory. The Germans are gaining momentum and seem to have found their rhythm after a hesitant start to the campaign. Newcastle Sinks Benfica (3-0) The Magpies delivered a solid performance at home against a Benfica in full crisis. Barnes (brace) and Gordon secured the 3-0 victory. The English now total 6 points, while Benfica, at the bottom of the group, remains without a single point. A Day of Records and Confirmations This third matchday highlighted the offensive power of Europe's giants, with over 40 goals scored in total. Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, Arsenal, and Inter Milan confirm their status as favorites, while clubs like PSV and Newcastle are shaking up the hierarchy. The dynamics are emerging: teamwork and squad depth seem to take precedence over individual brilliance. Coaches like Luis Enrique, Cristian Chivu, Hansi Flick, and Mikel Arteta demonstrate that tactical consistency remains the key to success in the Champions League.