Champions League Roundup: Thrills, Spills, And Surprises From Matchday 5

POSTED ON November 30, 2023 • Football BY Lawrence Omoge •

The UEFA Champions League returned with a bang on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, as matchday 5 delivered a captivating blend of thrilling encounters, unexpected upsets, and decisive moments that shaped the destiny of several teams in Europe's top club competition.

Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United

In a dramatic turn of events, Galatasaray salvaged a late 3-3 draw against Manchester United at the Türk Telekom Stadium. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="673"] Manchester United drop out of Champions League as they draw Galatasaray.

Manchester United drop out of Champions League as they draw Galatasaray.

Onana faces backlash on his team's poor performance against Galatasaray. Photo Image: Anadolu/Getty Images[/caption] Manchester United gave up a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw at Galatasaray. United's Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Scott McTominay scored in a breathless game, but the single point kept them bottom of Group A on four points after five matches. The Red Devils are now out of the Champions League race and will not even play in the Europa League.

Real Madrid thrash Napoli with Four-Goal extravaganza

The Los Blancos continued their impressive Champions League campaign with a dominant 4-2 victory over Napoli at the Santiago Bernabéu.

[caption id="attachment_16132" align="aligncenter" width="623"] Real Madrid thrash Napoli 4-2

Real Madrid beat Napoli 4-2 to remain top of the group. | Credit: @realmadrid | Source: Instagram[/caption]

Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Paz Martinez, and Joselu were all on target for Real Madrid, while Giovanni Simone and Zmbo Anguissa scored consolation goals for Napoli. The victory solidified Real Madrid's position at the top of Group C with 15 points.

Arsenal 6-0 Lens, Gunner champion on

Arsenal delivered a stunning 6-0 win against Lens, securing their spot in the next round. With six goals, the Gunners cruise into the Champions League last 16.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="970"]

Jorginho scored a penalty in a champions league against Lens

Jorginho celebrates as he scores a penalty against Lens FC. | Photo Image: Getty Images[/caption]

The emphatic victory showcased Arsenal's strength in the competition. Havertz, Jesus Gabriel, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, and Jorginho all had their share in the match.

All five goals from the first half until substitute Jorginho completed the scoring with a late penalty, awarded following VAR intervention for a handball by Khusanov Abdukodir.

Benfica 3-3 Inter Milan

Benfica's Joao Mario had a beautiful hattrick in the first half, closing the half-time with 3 solid goals against Inter Milan. The second half overturned Benfica's hope of winning as Inter Milan fired back.

Marko Arnautovic scored the first goal for Inter Milan in the 51st minute, before Frattesi added the second in the 58th minute. Alexis Sanchez ended the match with a draw when he converted his penalty into the net.

The Champions League continues to deliver captivating drama and excitement, with the race for qualification intensifying as the group stage approaches its conclusion.

Matchday 6 promises another round of thrilling encounters and unexpected twists as teams battle for their place in the knockout stages of Europe's most prestigious club competition.