Champions League Wednesday: Arsenal cruise, City edge Real Madrid

Sports · Musa Abdi · December 11, 2025
Champions League Wednesday: Arsenal cruise, City edge Real Madrid
In Summary

Manchester City edged Real Madrid, Arsenal stayed perfect at Club Brugge, and late twists in Spain and Germany reshaped a tight Champions League Wednesday across Europe.

Manchester City 2–1 Real Madrid

Real Madrid grabbed the first punch through Rodrygo, yet the lift lasted only a moment. City settled, pressed, and forced the equaliser before Haaland buried a penalty with the sort of certainty you could build a house on.

Madrid’s run has now dipped to two wins in eight, and the Bernabéu air grows heavier with each result. Xabi Alonso’s ideas are under strain, and the team looks caught between intention and execution.

Club Brugge 0–3 Arsenal

Arsenal handled their trip to Belgium with a calm that borders on clinical. Noni Madueke took command of the evening, scoring twice and making Brugge’s back line look uneasy from the outset. Martinelli’s late finish completed a picture of a team in full stride.

Six games, six wins. Arsenal are moving through Europe with the composure of a side that understands its ceiling is much higher than the group stage.

Athletic Club 0–0 PSG

PSG dominated territory but offered little cutting edge. Athletic held firm, slowed the pace when needed, and earned a draw that keeps the group tight. Enrique’s side looked organised but strangely timid in the final third.

Bayer Leverkusen 2–2 Newcastle

A lively contest never quite settled. Leverkusen looked comfortable for long stretches but allowed Newcastle to stay alive, and the English side made them pay with a late equaliser that shifted the tone of the night. Leverkusen leave feeling they dropped points; Newcastle walk away with belief.

Dortmund 2–2 Bodø/Glimt

Another unpredictable encounter involving Norway’s favourite agitators. Dortmund led, lost control, and had to claw back to avoid a damaging defeat. Bodø/Glimt continue to punch above their weight and disrupt anyone who underestimates them.

Qarabag 2–4 Ajax

Ajax finally found a bit of rhythm, scoring twice late to flip a nervy night into something far more satisfying. It was far from perfect, but it was the kind of win that might steady a team that has been drifting for months.

Benfica 2–0 Napoli

Benfica were measured and methodical. They controlled the tempo, pressed intelligently, and didn’t allow Napoli the space they usually thrive in. A clean, mature victory from the Portuguese side.

Juventus 2–0 Pafos

Straightforward work for Juve. No fireworks, no panic — just a controlled performance that kept them on track.

Villarreal 2–3 Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s late push stunned Villarreal and reshaped the group. It was the kind of spirited finish that makes this competition unpredictable right to the whistle

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