2023-12-13 00:53:17
The Champions League multiplex had surprises in store until the end. via REUTERS / RITZAU SCANPIX DENMARK / AFP / PETER POWELL
TOPS/FLOPS – Tuesday, the multiplex of the last day of the Champions League group stages delivered its verdict at the end of a suspenseful evening.
TOPS
Copenhagen surprise guest of the eighth
Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Galatasaray. At the time of the draw for the Champions League groups, few people would have imagined seeing the Danish club qualify for the round of 16 of the most prestigious European competition. However, Copenhagen achieved the feat of extricating itself from a group of death made up of clubs with high-sounding names. And it’s anything but undeserved for the little thumb of group A. Jacob Neestrup’s men laid the last stone of an impressive pyramid on Tuesday evening by beating Galatasaray (1-0). They now have two European giants on their roster, and they don’t intend to stop there. Beware of those who face them in the round of 16, it will not be a gift.
Di Maria conquers Europe
By signing for Benfica while the sirens of Saudi Arabia were available to him, Angel Di Maria chose to treat himself to one last European stint with his childhood sweetheart. By delighting his fans, “El Fideo” also allowed himself to experience great adventures. After scoring in the final of the Portuguese League Cup this summer, he took advantage of the final day of the Champions League group stages to allow his team to continue their European campaign. Facing Salzburg, the Lisbon side had to win with at least a two-goal margin to qualify for the round of 32 of the Europa League. Mission accomplished thanks to the Argentinian, author of a goal and a decisive pass against the Austrians. A football magician.
Joselu catches up
Arriving this summer from Espanyol, the Real Madrid striker did not have a dream start to the season at Casa Bianca. Often criticized by (severe) Madrid supporters for his ineffectiveness in front of goal, the La Roja player responded in the best possible way this evening. By scoring a double against Union Berlin, he allowed Réal to complete their group stages by signing six victories in six matches. He especially found his crown at the King’s club.
FLOPS
The Red Devils in hell
By losing to Bayern Munich at home on Tuesday evening, the Mancunians ended a catastrophic group stage by finishing in last place in their group. As a result, the European ambitions of ten Hag’s men come to an abrupt end, while the residents of Old Trafford are not celebrating in the championship either. If their group was certainly complicated, it would still have been logical to see this historic club finish ahead of Copenhagen and Galatasaray. But what was striking about the German ogre was the lack of rebellion in the face of certain elimination. Bad evening for the supporters of the now “second” Manchester club.
Inter Milan sad second
Certainly, the Interists will play in the round of 16 of the Champions League. But the recent finalist of the last edition of the C1 did not shine, far from it. At home, and while they had to win to finish first in their group against Real Sociedad, Marcus Thuram’s teammates were content with a sad 0-0, without showing much positive on the pitch . While the Basques had beaten them during the opening of the first leg. We will have to do better to hope to reach the quarter-finals and continue the quest for the Big Ears Cup.
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