2021-22 UEFA Champions League matchday five recap
More teams booked their ticket to the knockout rounds of the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League. Here is our short rundown of what happened this week.
Manchester clubs top groups
Both Manchester City and Manchester United not just only qualified to the round of 16, but also grabbed first spot in their respective groups.
Manchester United, just days from relieving manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, played inspired and beat Villareal, 2-0.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho had late goals for the Red Devils, assuring the English club of first place on Group F.
On other hand, the reigning English Premier League champs had to claw their way back against Paris Saint-Germain, 2-1.
Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus’ combined effort provided the pushback on Kylian Mbappé’s goal at the 50th minute.
Regardless of their result, the two powerhouse clubs would still finish 1-2 after RB Leipzig tripped Club Brugge, 5-0.
Real Madrid, Inter, Chelsea officially in round of 16
It is all over but the shouting over on Group D, as Real Madrid and Internazionale clamped their respective opposition.
David Alaba, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema shared the spotlight with goals in Los Blancos’ 3-0 beating of Sheriff Tiraspol.
Meanwhile, Edin Džeko hogged the limelight in Inter’s 2-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
All that is at stake for the La Liga club and the Serie A side on December 7 is first place.
Finally, not only did Chelsea made it to the next round, they also overtook Juventus for first on Group H after the reigning UCL titleholders humiliated the Italian crew, 4-0.
Trevoh Chalobah opened the gates at the 25th minute. Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi then scored three minutes apart early at the second half. Timo Werner joined the fray in stoppage time.
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JP Abcede is a veteran sportswriter who has covered football, basketball, pro wrestling, and other sports for a variety of publications. Aside from sports, he also likes music and reading.
