Real Madrid bolstered their quest to retain the Champions League title with a commanding 5-1 win over Red Bull Salzburg at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite a shaky start to their group stage, Los Blancos delivered a dominant performance.
Rodrygo opened the scoring with a well-executed volley and later doubled the lead after a brilliant link-up with Jude Bellingham. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, with two goals, rounded off the scoring. Salzburg managed a consolation goal through Mads Bidstrup but were eliminated as Madrid guaranteed at least a play-off berth.
Read more: Real Madrid Dominates Pachuca 3-0 to Win Intercontinental Cup
Arsenal Near Champions League Knockout Stage
Arsenal moved closer to the Champions League last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium. Declan Rice scored just two minutes into the game, Kai Havertz added a header, and Martin Ødegaard sealed the win with a late strike.
Having conceded only two goals in this campaign, Mikel Arteta’s side needs to avoid a heavy defeat against Girona to secure direct qualification. Zagreb, unable to mount a challenge, are officially out. Arteta praised his team’s defensive strength and home advantage as key factors in their success.
AC Milan Edge Past Girona
AC Milan secured a narrow 1-0 win over Girona, thanks to Rafael Leão’s powerful strike in the first half. Leão converted Ismaël Bennacer’s through ball with a precise finish into the top corner.
Girona’s Bryan Gil had a goal disallowed for offside, sparing Milan a tense finish. Sitting sixth on the table, the Rossoneri need a result against Dinamo Zagreb to confirm automatic progression. Girona, with only three points, have been eliminated.
Inter Milan Defeat Sparta Prague to Boost Knockout Chances
Inter Milan edged closer to the Champions League last 16 with a 1-0 win over Sparta Prague. Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal early on, volleying home Alessandro Bastoni’s cross.
Inter’s formidable defence, which has conceded just one goal in seven matches, restricted Sparta to minimal opportunities. Currently fourth, Inter could still finish second if results favor them in their final match against Monaco. Sparta, meanwhile, are eliminated and turn their focus to Bayer Leverkusen.
Celtic End 12-Year Wait for Champions League Knockout Qualification
Celtic sealed a spot in the Champions League knockouts for the first time in 12 years with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Young Boys in Glasgow. An own goal by Loris Benito in the 86th minute, following Adam Idah’s effort, secured the win.
Despite Kyogo Furughashi’s three disallowed first-half goals and Daizen Maeda’s late red card, Celtic held firm, thanks in part to key saves from Kasper Schmeichel. The victory delighted the home fans as the Scottish champions advanced to the play-offs.
Feyenoord Upset Bayern Munich to Bolster Top-Eight Hopes
Feyenoord shocked Bayern Munich with a 3-0 triumph, significantly improving their chances of finishing in the Champions League’s top eight. Santiago Giménez scored twice, including a penalty, and Ayase Ueda added a late third goal.
Bayern struggled despite chances for Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala, leaving them 15th in the standings, just outside the top eight. Feyenoord, now 11th, face Lille in their final group match with automatic qualification in sight.
