{"id":7534,"date":"2024-11-07T08:23:18","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T08:23:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/?p=7534"},"modified":"2024-11-07T08:23:19","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T08:23:19","slug":"champions-league-matchweek-four-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/champions-league-matchweek-four-review","title":{"rendered":"Champions League Matchweek Four Review: Rampant Raphinha, Shock at the Bernabeu and is Viktor Gyokeres the best striker in the world?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/uefa-champions-league-572\">Champions League<\/a> roared back to life this week with a round full of drama, dominance, and a few moments of pure shock. Matchweek Four served up a blend of scintillating performances, unexpected upsets, and breakout stars that reminded us why this tournament is unmatched in the footballing world. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/fc-barcelona-132\">Barcelona<\/a> continued their resurgence with another high-scoring display, as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/raphinha-39789\">Raphinha<\/a> and co. put the continent on notice with a show of force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/ac-milan-227\">AC Milan<\/a> stunned <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/real-madrid-131\">Real Madrid<\/a> at the Bernabeu in a night to remember, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/liverpool-108\">Liverpool<\/a> underlined their continental aspirations with a clinical demolition of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/bayer-leverkusen-333\">Bayer Leverkusen<\/a>. But perhaps the biggest question emerging from this week is whether Sporting\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/viktor-gyokeres-64922\">Viktor Gyokeres<\/a>, in breathtaking form, has become Europe\u2019s most in-form striker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the underdog story of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/brest-534\">Brest\u2019s<\/a> fairytale run to the knockout stages to Gyokeres\u2019 remarkable scoring spree, here\u2019s a breakdown of the key talking points from another thrilling Champions League matchweek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Champions League Matchweek Four Review<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#rampant-raphinha-and-barcelona-keep-marching-forward\">Rampant Raphinha and Barcelona keep marching forward<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#real-madrid-suffer-a-shock-defeat-to-ac-milan\">Real Madrid suffer a shock defeat to AC Milan<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#viktor-gyokeres-is-the-most-in-form-striker-in-the-world-right-now\">Viktor Gyokeres is the most in-form striker in the world right now<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#liverpool-smash-leverkusen\">Liverpool smash Leverkusen<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#brest-are-battling-with-the-big-boys\">Brest are battling with the big boys<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rampant-raphinha-and-barcelona-keep-marching-forward\">Rampant Raphinha and Barcelona keep marching forward<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Barcelona&#8217;s long-awaited resurgence in the Champions League has arrived, and they\u2019re not just winning \u2013 they\u2019re dominating. Following years of middling performances since their infamous 2018-19 semifinal exit, Barcelona are finally clicking into gear under Hansi Flick. With five matches in their last seven featuring them scoring four or more goals, the Catalan side has sent a clear message to Europe: they\u2019re back, and they mean business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their victories against top-tier teams like Real Madrid, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/bayern-munich-331\">Bayern Munich<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/sevilla-135\">Sevilla<\/a> underscore their growing strength, while emerging talents, notably <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/lamine-yamal-131182\">Lamine Yamal<\/a>, provide a tantalizing glimpse of a promising future. Raphinha, who bagged a hat trick against Bayern and continued his scoring spree this week, embodies their newfound tenacity. With a mix of experienced players and young stars, Barcelona look poised to contend for a sixth Champions League trophy. Flick\u2019s management has balanced their potent attack with defensive resilience, cultivating a squad that might just be on the cusp of a dynastic run in European football.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-2172974597-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Champions League : Raphinha is in incredible form\" class=\"wp-image-7536\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Jose Breton\/Pics Action\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"real-madrid-suffer-a-shock-defeat-to-ac-milan\">Real Madrid suffer a shock defeat to AC Milan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bernabeu, so often a fortress for Real Madrid, was left stunned after AC Milan walked away with a remarkable 3-1 Champions League victory. Milan, inconsistent in Serie A, showed a level of dominance rarely seen from them this season. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/rafael-leao-53910\">Rafael Leao<\/a>, dropped in earlier matches by new manager Paulo Fonseca, put on a show, combining with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/theo-hernandez-41870\">Theo Hernandez<\/a> to destroy Madrid\u2019s defense. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/alvaro-morata-3440\">Alvaro Morata<\/a> restored Milan\u2019s lead after Leao\u2019s shot was parried, only for Leao to tee up Tijjani Reijnders to ice the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madrid had their chances, outshooting Milan 23-14 and controlling 57% of possession, but Milan\u2019s clinical edge won out. Despite their league struggles, Milan reminded everyone that their best, spearheaded by Leao and Hernandez, can dismantle even Europe\u2019s finest. For Real, the loss is a reminder that dominance in possession and shot count doesn\u2019t always equate to victory \u2013 especially against a Milan side clicking at the right time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Real Madrid&#39;s week from hell continues! ? <br><br>After a devastating El Cl\u00e1sico loss and Vinicius Jr.&#39;s Ballon d&#39;Or snub, they suffer a shock defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zfxIe5Z3B3\">pic.twitter.com\/zfxIe5Z3B3<\/a><\/p>&mdash; 365Scores (@365Scores) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/365Scores\/status\/1854136456870015273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 6, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"viktor-gyokeres-is-the-most-in-form-striker-in-the-world-right-now\">Viktor Gyokeres is the most in-form striker in the world right now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Viktor Gyokeres is the name on everyone\u2019s lips in Europe right now, and for good reason. His hat-trick this week against Manchester City elevated him to an astounding 23 goals in 15 matches for club and country this season. In Sporting\u2019s remarkable victory, Gyokeres proved himself not just an in-form striker but perhaps the most lethal forward in the game at the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a fitting twist, Sporting fans showed their appreciation with a massive tifo reading &#8220;Obrigada&#8221; as manager Ruben Amorim approaches his move to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/manchester-united-105\">Manchester United&#8217;s<\/a> new head coach. Gyokeres took centre stage in a clash of high-profile Nordic strikers, decisively outshining his opposition. His scoring prowess is not just a statistic; it\u2019s a statement of Sporting\u2019s attacking philosophy. Gyokeres has consistently delivered big-game performances, a feat few strikers can claim. As the world watches his rise, questions loom: can he sustain this form, and is he truly the best in the world right now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Viktor Gy\u00f6keres could be on his way to Manchester to reunite with his former manager, R\u00faben Amorim. The Swedish striker has been impressive in the Championship? <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/tBWDdJ7pNo\">pic.twitter.com\/tBWDdJ7pNo<\/a><\/p>&mdash; 365Scores (@365Scores) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/365Scores\/status\/1852341452111482886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 1, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"liverpool-smash-leverkusen\">Liverpool smash Leverkusen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anfield is not the place to visit if you&#8217;re looking for an easy game, and Bayer Leverkusen learned that the hard way. Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 victory, maintaining the only perfect record in the Champions League\u2019s new format, and showcased a team in total harmony under Arne Slot. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/luis-diaz-47123\">Luis Diaz<\/a> was the star of the night, netting a sensational second-half hat trick that left the Anfield crowd roaring. His cheeky chip over the keeper was the crowning moment of the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Slot has swiftly integrated his dynamic style into Liverpool\u2019s DNA, and it\u2019s paying dividends in both the Premier League and Champions League. While Leverkusen\u2019s impressive run last season was always going to be tough to repeat, Liverpool\u2019s ruthless performance underscores the gulf in class and confidence between the two sides. Slot\u2019s side is purring, and with a side this electric, Liverpool might just be Europe\u2019s team to beat.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"735\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-2168410882-735x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Arne Slot has Liverpool smashing it in the Champions League\" class=\"wp-image-7496\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Nick Taylor\/Liverpool FC\/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"brest-are-battling-with-the-big-boys\">Brest are battling with the big boys<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a year of Champions League surprises, Brest\u2019s extraordinary run might top them all. Just five years after their promotion to Ligue 1, Brest are punching well above their weight on Europe\u2019s grandest stage. With a commanding 2-1 win over Sparta Prague, they\u2019ve taken their tally to 10 points, surpassing expectations and nearly guaranteeing a spot in the knockout rounds. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/edimilson-fernandes-26451\">Edimilson Fernandes\u2019s<\/a> volley set the tone, and an own goal forced by Brest\u2019s relentless pressing secured the win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even with a slim squad, Brest are making every minute count, peppering Prague with 18 shots. They\u2019ve proven themselves against stronger teams like Leverkusen and Red Bull Salzburg, showing resilience and grit that their domestic form doesn\u2019t quite reflect. Brest\u2019s story is a testament to underdog resilience, and as they eye a knockout berth, fans and neutrals alike are savoring every moment of their unexpected journey in the Champions League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Micah Richards says Brest are \u201ca bit lopsided\u201d\u2026??? <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/txYJ18v29v\">pic.twitter.com\/txYJ18v29v<\/a><\/p>&mdash; The 44 \u26bd\ufe0f (@The_Forty_Four) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/The_Forty_Four\/status\/1841233729710158268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">October 1, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>By Nicky Helfgott \/ @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep up with all the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/uefa-champions-league-572\/stats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/uefa-champions-league-572\/stats\">Champions League stats<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/uefa-champions-league-572\/news\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/uefa-champions-league-572\/news\">latest news<\/a> on the&nbsp;365Scores website and app!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"riddle2-wrapper\" style=\"margin: 0 auto; max-width: 100%; width: 640px;\" data-rid-id=\"NMdAJaHi\" data-auto-scroll=\"true\" data-is-fixed-height-enabled=\"false\" data-bg=\"#fff\" data-fg=\"#00205b\"><script src=\"https:\/\/www.riddle.com\/embed\/build-embedjs\/embedV2.js\"><\/script><iframe title=\"Who's going to win the 24\/25 Champions League?\" src=\"https:\/\/www.riddle.com\/embed\/a\/NMdAJaHi?lazyImages=false&amp;staticHeight=false\"><section data-block=\"SingleChoice\"><h2>Who&#8217;s going to win the 24\/25 Champions League?<\/h2><ul><li>Real Madrid<\/li><li>Manchester City<\/li><li>Barcelona<\/li><li>Arsenal<\/li><li>Bayern Munich<\/li><li>Other (let us know who @365Scores)<\/li><\/ul><\/section><\/iframe><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Champions League roared back to life this week with a round full of drama, dominance, and a few moments of pure shock. Matchweek Four served up a blend of scintillating performances, unexpected upsets, and breakout stars that reminded us why this tournament is unmatched in the footballing world. Barcelona continued their resurgence with another &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":7535,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2509,9],"tags":[140,2590,2045,1095,1316,2745,1126,2746,2445,2747,14,2069,255,314,59,2723,1078,257,165,2744],"class_list":["post-7534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-champions-league","category-soccer","tag-ac-milan","tag-anfield","tag-arne-slot","tag-barcelona","tag-bayer-leverkusen","tag-brest","tag-champions-league","tag-champions-league-knockout-stages","tag-european-football","tag-hansi-flick","tag-liverpool","tag-luis-diaz","tag-rafael-leao","tag-raphinha","tag-real-madrid","tag-ruben-amorim","tag-sporting-lisbon","tag-theo-hernandez","tag-uefa","tag-viktor-gyokeres"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7534","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7534"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7534\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7534"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7534"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}