Manchester City suffered one of the most startling defeats in Champions League history on Tuesday, while reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain faltered on the road. In contrast, Arsenal continued their flawless European campaign, with Gabriel Jesus again the decisive figure.
Pep Guardiola’s City travelled to northern Norway as overwhelming favourites for their seventh and penultimate league-phase fixture against Bodo/Glimt. However, in freezing conditions some 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the Premier League champions were outplayed and beaten 3-1.
PSG also face mounting pressure in the race for automatic qualification after a late setback in Portugal. Sporting Lisbon turned the game on its head in the second half, with Luis Suarez scoring twice, including a decisive 90th-minute header, after substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had brought PSG level in the 79th minute. The defeat leaves the French champions fifth in the standings ahead of a final group-stage match at home to Newcastle.
Under the competition’s new format, the top eight sides progress directly to the last 16, while teams placed ninth to 24th must contest a two-legged play-off. The league phase reaches its climax next week, with all 18 fixtures kicking off simultaneously.
Real Madrid, now under the guidance of new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, produced an electrifying attacking display to lift spirits after recent disappointments. Kylian Mbappe scored twice against his former club, while Vinicius Junior — recently criticised by home supporters — added a superb goal to propel the 15-time European champions from seventh to second, behind leaders Arsenal.
Arsenal secured their place in the top eight thanks to another assured display in Italy. Gabriel Jesus struck twice from close range in the first half to extend the Gunners’ perfect record, leaving the Brazilian visibly emotional after full-time.
“It’s a dream night,” said the 28-year-old. “I always dreamed of being a footballer. I watched a lot of Serie A when I was a kid, so to be here in this stadium and score here brings tears to my eyes.”
While Arsenal celebrated in Milan, the mood was markedly different in Norway. Kasper Hogh’s first-half double and a second-half strike from Jens Petter Hauge sparked scenes of jubilation at the Aspmyra Stadion as Bodo/Glimt recorded a famous victory. Rayan Cherki pulled one back after Hauge’s goal, but City’s task became insurmountable when Rodri was sent off for two bookable offences.
Despite the artificial surface, there was nothing artificial about the outcome. It was Bodo/Glimt’s first win of the league phase and one that reignited their hopes of reaching the play-offs.
“Since the new year, many things have gone against us,” Guardiola said. “I know how good a team Bodo are — I didn’t underestimate them. They reached the Europa League semi-finals last season. We arrived without important players who give the team consistency, and that made us fragile.
“The players fought well with 10 men, but we need to change the dynamic quickly, starting with Wolves, and then the final game against Galatasaray.”
Elsewhere, Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank enjoyed a timely boost as Spurs beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to move into the automatic qualification places for the knockout stages.
In other matches, Copenhagen held Napoli to a 1-1 draw, Olympiacos claimed a 2-0 home win over Bayer Leverkusen, Ajax edged Villarreal 2-1 away, and Club Brugge swept aside bottom club Kairat Almaty 4-1.
Matchday seven concludes on Wednesday, with Mohamed Salah returning for Liverpool following Egypt’s fourth-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations as Arne Slot’s side travel to Marseille. Chelsea’s new head coach Liam Rosenior takes charge of his first Champions League match at home to Pafos, while Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich host Union St-Gilloise.
