Best games of the final UCL groupstage week!

Red Bulls Leipzig 3-2 Manchester United

Leipzig and Man United come into this game knowing that it is a must win for both of them. A win for either team guarantees a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, while the loser will be sent packing to the Europa League. Man United won the reverse fixture a few weeks back at Old Trafford, by five goals to zero. , and with their astounding away record this season, know that they have what it takes to go through. Leipzig know they can go through as well, but a tie won’t cut it, as their goal differential is inferior to that of Man United. 

Leipzig were extremely dominant in the first half of the game. They were too hot to handle for the Man United defense, maintaining great ball possession. Marcel Sabitzer continued his great run of form today, working as the metronome for the team in dictating tempo. Daniel Olmo was used to devastating effect, drawing in defenders to allow other players to move higher up the pitch. Leipzig’s first goal provided a great example. Sabizer put in a great cross, and Olmo, having dragged in two defenders, allowed Angeliño enough space to score a half volley. The second goal came just a few minutes later, Angeliño on the giving end this time with a brilliant cross for Amadou Haidara, easily headed down and into the net. 

The goal that wound up sealing the win came from a lack of communication within the Man United defense, an uncleared ball from Harry Maguire allowing Justin Kluivert to clip it past David DeGea. However, Leipzig’s defensive issues almost let the win slip, with Man United scoring two late goals. Leipzig still managed to hang on for the win, securing a place in the round of 16. Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann must have been delighted.

For most of the game, Man United didn’t put up a convincing fight. Being a must-win, you would expect lots of players to step up. However, the only person who looked to have any kind of spirit was Bruno Fernandes. The Portugese was the only player who put up forward passes constantly throughout the game. Again, their defense was extremely unorganized, and a lack of communication was what sealed their exit from the UCL. United pulled one back in the 77th minute, when a foul from Ibrahima resulted in a successful Bruno Fernandes penalty. Another United comeback somehow appeared possible when Paul Pogba headed United just a goal away from equalizing. However, this time it wasn’t to be another miracle. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be in serious threat of losing his job now. 

A thoroughly entertaining game resulted in Leipzig going through! The German side were able to stay firm long enough to get the reward that they probably deserved. For Man United, it is thoroughly disappointing. Another year in Europa League, and most likely finishing outside of the Premier League top four, will not sit well with owner Ed Woodward. The Manchester derby next week is truly a must-win for the Norwegian boss. 

Juventus 3-0 Barcelona

 Barcelona and Juventus have both already qualified for the knockout stages, but the winner of the group is yet to be decided. Juventus know that it is a must-win for them to go top of the group, while Barcelona know that only a win is needed to secure first place. Messi and Ronaldo clash again, and this mouthwatering prospect will have everyone on the edge of their seats. Barcelona have the upper hand coming into this game, having beaten Juve 2–0 in the reverse fixture in October.

Barcelona were submissive the whole game. Their attackers had no bite in the final third.  Its crazy how a team that had actually won the champions league the only five years ago, doesnt have the determination to win at home. Nobody looked like they wanted to stand up when the team needed a leader, to encourage them and keep fighting. Messi was nowhere to be seen, but I guess you can’t blame him for having quiet games, when for the last two years, the entire club has relied on him. Two of the three goals that were scored on them were Cristiano Ronaldo penalties. In my opinion, the first penalty wasn't a foul, but Barcelona can be blamed for loosing concentration that would result in Ronaldo being in on goal. More damning that anything else, Barcelona weren’t able to keep Juve out of their penalty box. This allowed the Old Lady to have free range over the wide areas, which was how Barcelona conceded the third goal. 

However, there were a few good things to take away from this game for Barcelona. Many of the young players are showing their talent, for instance, Sergino Dest, Rui Puig, and Pedri are all playing very consistently. However, Ronald Koeman knows there is a lot of work to do.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus came to the Camp Nou and pulled off a statement win. Juve’s midfield was able to easily unlock and stretch the subpar Barcelona defense. Juan Cuadrado was able to put together some great plays, and was the assistor for the only open goal of the night. Buffon, who had his critics going into this game asking if he was still able to play at a top level at his age of forty two, made some great saves to deny Messi and others. The first goal that Juve scored was a penalty, when Ronaldo was fed in by Cuadrado, and then pushed over by Ronald Araujo. Ronaldo stepped up and sent Marc-Andre Ter Stegen the wrong way. The second goal came courtesy of Weston McKennie, When the American found a large pocket of room right in front of goal. Juan Cuadrado put in another delightful clip for McKennie to scissor-kick the ball right into the net. The final goal was another penalty, when Clément Lenglet hit the ball with his hand. Cristiano Ronaldo sent Ter Stegen the wrong way again. Juve go top of the group, and could pose a real threat in the knockout stages as well.

A dominant Juventus performance proves to be decisive,  as Juventus take all three points. Barcelona didn’t look to be up for the fight, and in the end it was just a matter of Juventus wanting the win more than Barca. Andrea Pirlo will be ecstatic with his team’s recent performances, being unbeaten in Serie A and finishing first in their UCL group. It looks like it's back to the drawing board for Messi and his men, who look to put this game behind them when they host Levante in La Liga.