Champions League: 5 things we learnt from Wednesday’s games

These are five things we learnt from Wednesday's Champions League games.

Matchday four of the Champions League is done with the final games played on Wednesday, November 1.

These are five things we learnt from the fixtures

1. Real Madrid are jaded (Tottenham 3 Vs Real Madrid 1)

Real Madrid had played some of the best football we have ever seen in the last two years. Their back to back Champions League titles supports this. There is only one way to go when you are on top, that’s down.

Real Madrid were thrashed 3-1 by Tottenham at Wembley, their first loss in the Champions League for two years. Talks of a crisis at Real Madrid have been slightly over exaggerated, the players are just jaded and out of form.

This is not about tactics-although Zinedine Zidane has not been convincing in this area- this is also not about the players.

Real Madrid’s recent poor form is as a result of a dip in form; yes,  it happens to even the best.

2. Tottenham get big Champions League moment (Tottenham 3 Vs Real Madrid 1)

 

Tottenham have lofty dreams of joining the European elite and on Wednesday they got a taste of what it looks like at the top. Hosting and beating Real Madrid on an European midweek game is always a highlight for any club.

Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Real Madrid at Wembley is now their biggest Champions League night. If Daniel Levy’s big dreams are anything to go by, Tottenham have more big nights to come.

3. Borussia Dortmund fading out of Europe (Borussia Dortmund 1 V s APOEL 1)

Borussia Dortmund became one of Champions League favourite overachievers following the impressive performances of Jürgen Klopp’s well-drilled sides.

Klopp has since moved on from Dortmund along with a host of the players and Dortmund are no longer a force in Europe.

Dortmund who are without a win this season in the Champions struggled to a 1-1 draw at home to APOEL Nicosia and are on the verge of falling into the Europa League. They are fading fast from Europe.

4. RB Leipzig crumble on big stage (Porto 3 Vs RB Leipzig 1)

RB Leipzig were the exciting surprise package in Bundesliga last season where they finished second in their first season in German top-flight.

Their second-place finish in the Bundesliga ensured they booked their place in the Champions League many expected the fairy tale to continue.

But the Ralph Hasenhüttl side have crumbled on the big stage, winning just one game in four. Their 3-1 loss away at Porto leaves them in third place in Group G.

5. Manchester City strong enough to go all the way (Napoli 2 Vs Manchester City 4)

 

Manchester City had been brilliant so far in the Champions League but a trip to face Napoli who gave them a run for their money in the first leg at the Etihad posed to be their biggest threat yet.

But Pep Guardiola’s men glided past Napoli in the manner that shows they are ready to go all the way.