UCL : Barca win big but face playoffs; Real Madrid crush Monaco, City stunned

 


Barcelona remain ninth in the UEFA Champions League 2025–26 standings despite securing a 4–2 away victory over Slavia Prague on Thursday (January 22, 2026), leaving them in danger of having to go through the playoff round to qualify.

Fermín López was the standout performer with a brace as Barça came from behind, with his stunning long-range effort the highlight of the night. Slavia took an early lead through Vasil Kušej in the 10th minute, but López struck twice to turn the match in Barcelona’s favour. However, a Robert Lewandowski own goal brought the hosts level before halftime. After the break, substitute Dani Olmo curled a fine shot into the top corner to restore Barcelona’s lead, before Lewandowski made amends with a late strike to seal the 4–2 win.

Elsewhere, it took just a week for jeers to turn into cheers for Real Madrid. Cornered both at home and away, the Spanish giants returned to their dominant best in the Champions League, crushing Kylian Mbappé’s former club Monaco 6–1. In contrast, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City suffered a shocking 3–1 defeat against debutants Bodø, while Arsenal booked their place in the round of 16 with a 3–1 win over Inter Milan.

Only a week ago, Real Madrid had been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second-division side Albacete. New coach Álvaro Arbeloa faced an uphill task after Xabi Alonso lost his job following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Vinícius Júnior had even been booed by the home crowd. This time, however, he responded in style with three assists and a goal. Mbappé, under heavy scrutiny, scored twice and apologised to Monaco after finding the net against his former club. One goal came via an own goal, while Jude Bellingham and Franco Mastantuono added the others. Real’s only blemish in an otherwise flawless performance was a misplaced pass by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, which allowed the French side to score.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have been struggling in the Premier League, but few expected them to falter in the Champions League as well — especially against Norwegian side Bodø, from Erling Haaland’s home country. It was the first time Bodø had ever beaten a Premier League team. Kasper Høgh put the hosts ahead with goals in the 22nd and 24th minutes, before Peter Haug added a third in the second half. Ryan Cherki pulled one back for City, but their hopes of a comeback faded amid a disjointed display, with captain Rodri failing to inspire. The margin could have been even wider if not for the goalposts, offside decisions and several saves by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

In another Champions League fixture, Arsenal defeated Inter Milan 3–1. A brace from Gabriel Jesus and a goal from Viktor Gyökeres ensured Mikel Arteta’s side became the first team to qualify for the round of 16. Elsewhere, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain also suffered defeat, losing to Sporting Lisbon.

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