Champions League Recap: City and Newcastle Win at Home, Chelsea Stumble in Azerbaijan
Manchester City 4–1 Dortmund: Foden and Haaland Fire City to Dominant Win
Manchester City extended their remarkable run against German opposition to nine unbeaten matches with a commanding 4–1 win over Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium, marking their sixth victory in seven competitive games.
Dortmund started bravely, attempting to dictate play, but their adventurous approach left them exposed. Phil Foden forced Gregor Kobel into an early save with a 25-yard drive, and while Savinho blazed the rebound over, Foden made no mistake with his next effort. Found by Tijjani Reijnders in a pocket of space, he swept a precise shot into the bottom corner to give City the lead.
Erling Haaland doubled the advantage before the half-hour mark, hammering home from close range after Jérémy Doku recycled Savinho’s cross. Dortmund rarely threatened, though Karim Adeyemi tested Gianluigi Donnarumma before the interval.
Foden struck again on Bonfire Night, curling another low finish into the same corner as his first, putting City firmly in control. Savinho missed a volleyed chance to make it four before Dortmund pulled one back when Waldemar Anton converted Julian Ryerson’s low cross from a quick free-kick. John Stones produced a crucial block to deny Adeyemi soon after, settling City nerves. Substitute Rayan Cherki sealed victory in stoppage time, ensuring City’s unbeaten home run in the UCL league phase stretched to 23 games.
Newcastle 2–0 Bilbao: Magpies Continue European Charge
Newcastle United continued their strong UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2–0 win over Athletic Club, claiming a third successive European victory for the first time since 2007.
The Magpies responded to criticism following their domestic defeat to West Ham with a fast start at St James’ Park. Dan Burn opened the scoring after 12 minutes, meeting Kieran Trippier’s pinpoint free-kick with a superb header past a static Unai Simón.
Athletic fought back, with Unai Gómez and Adama Boiro both hitting the woodwork, but Newcastle’s aerial threat remained dangerous. Joelinton added a second midway through the second half, rising to meet Harvey Barnes’ floated cross and powering home from close range.
Nick Pope was called into action late on to deny Nico Serrano’s long-range strike, preserving a clean sheet as Eddie Howe’s men cruised to victory. With three wins from four UCL matches, Newcastle look well placed for progression, while Ernesto Valverde’s side have now lost five of their last six European away fixtures (D1).
Qarabag 2–2 Chelsea: Blues Held in Baku After Early Setback
Chelsea’s long trip to Azerbaijan ended in frustration as they were held 2–2 by Qarabag FK, who remain unbeaten at home in the UEFA Champions League this season. Enzo Maresca’s side at least halted a run of three away defeats in the competition.
Roméo Lavia’s early injury forced an eighth-minute substitution, with Moisés Caicedo coming on and immediately threatening from distance. Chelsea took the lead on 16 minutes when Andrey Santos set up Estêvão to cut inside and fire home at the near post.
Qarabag hit back before the half-hour as Camilo Durán struck the post and Leandro Andrade buried the rebound. Andrade then forced a handball from Jorrel Hato, and Marko Janković converted the resulting penalty to give the hosts a 2–1 half-time lead.
Chelsea equalised eight minutes after the restart when Alejandro Garnacho’s pass deflected back to him, and he finished smartly into the bottom corner. The Blues pushed for a winner as Enzo Fernández, Nariman Akhundzade, and Liam Delap all went close, while Facundo Buonanotte’s late effort swerved just wide. Despite late chances for both sides, the draw meant Qarabag avoided defeat to English opposition for the eighth time, while Chelsea dropped points for only the fourth time in 24 European games under Maresca.