Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Wednesday November 6, 2024 at 11:45 p.m.
The posters for the 4th day of the Champions League kept their promises with striking performances and twists and turns.
In a duel where Arsenal dominated possession and increased attempts, it was Inter Milan who came away with the three points, sealing a precious victory (1-0) thanks to a penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu at the end of the first half. time. The Nerazzurri struck in the opening minutes, with Denzel Dumfries' powerful shot hitting the crossbar. Arsenal tried to respond with Bukayo Saka, but Yann Sommer was imperial in the Milan cages. In the second half, the Gunners increased the pressure, Dumfries even saving on his line in the 58th minute. However, despite their repeated attacks, Mikel Arteta's men failed to break through Inter's solid defense. With this victory, the Italian team positions itself among the favorites for qualification.
Bayern Munich also won a narrow victory against Benfica Lisbon (1-0) in a match marked by long-tested offensive efficiency. Anatoliy Trubin, Benfica goalkeeper, delayed the deadline by making several decisive saves against attempts by Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry. Despite constant domination, the Bavarians struggled to find the fault until the 68th minute, when Jamal Musiala finally freed his team with a tight recovery under the crossbar. Bayern thus secures its leading position in its group, while Benfica will have to rethink its strategy to stay in the race.
Barcelona impresses in Belgrade
For its part, FC Barcelona played in Belgrade, winning 5-2 against Red Star in an impressive offensive display. Inigo Martinez opened the scoring quickly for the Blaugranas before Red Star came back thanks to Silas. But Barcelona, led by an inspired Robert Lewandowski, regained the advantage before the break and continued to increase their lead in the second half. Lewandowski scored twice, while Koundé shone with his assists. Red Star tried to limit the damage, but Barcelona left with a resounding victory, asserting its superiority and ambition in this Champions League.
In the other results of the evening, RB Salzburg signed its first victory in C1 against Feyenoord Rotterdam 1 – 3, thanks to a double from Karim Konaté, thus relaunching its European campaign. Atalanta won in Germany against VfB Stuttgart 0 – 2, with Lookman and Zaniolo scoring, confirming the team's good form. Chakhtior turned things around in ten minutes to win after being behind, leaving Young Boys 2 – 1 without answer. Finally, Bruges scored a big blow against Aston Villa 1 – 0 with a decisive penalty from Vanaken, inflicting a first defeat on the English in C1. This 4th day of the Champions League confirmed the hierarchy in the groups, but still leaves room for surprises in the race for the next round of the competition.
