Matchday 3 of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League has concluded, and the standings among the 36 teams are beginning to take form.
Aston Villa surprisingly leads Europe, but the standout performances from players like Christian Pulisic and Vinícius Júnior has truly captivated attention. Meanwhile, the struggling heavyweights, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, may start to feel the pressure.
Writers from ESPN, Gab Marcotti, Mark Ogden, and Julien Laurens, delve into some pressing questions following three rounds of matches.
Is this the authentic Pulisic or merely a passing hot streak?
Ogden: Pulisic, now 26, is entering the prime of his career, and it’s evident. His stint at Chelsea proved to be challenging and didn’t unfold as he hoped, yet that experience in the Premier League enhanced his abilities, even if it occasionally affected his confidence. AC Milan is now benefiting from the growth he achieved during his time at Stamford Bridge.
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The goal he scored against Liverpool on matchday 1 was exceptional, and he followed it up with another stunning effort against Club Brugge this week. He has taken on a leading role at Milan, presenting a different demeanor—he appears settled, appreciated, and recognizes his importance to the team. So yes, this is indeed the authentic Pulisic, one who is unlocking his potential after overcoming the adversities he faced.
Marcotti: He has matured significantly, which is crucial. His fitness level is also a major factor. Moreover, he brings valuable intangible qualities to Milan. He understands that, in contrast to the U.S. national team, he doesn’t far outshine his teammates, and thus doesn’t feel the need to be the primary focus. With numerous other talented players around him, his contribution is needed in terms of work ethic, dependability, and a team-first mindset—qualities that should persist regardless of whether he’s in a scoring run (and I’m unsure if he is: his talent is undeniable). I expect he will remain significant for Milan for an extended period, or at least until their play starts to gel cohesively. Even against Club Brugge, they secured a win, but the Rossoneri only looked genuinely impressive in the final thirty minutes.
Laurens: This is truly the Pulisic we are witnessing and he is indeed experiencing a hot streak! Both statements are accurate. His next challenge is to maintain this level of performance consistently. The real test will be sustaining this form and continuing the displays he showcased on Tuesday and throughout most of the season. He appears more mature and fit, and it’s clear he feels valued and cherished by both his club and manager, particularly after a solid season last year. I am confident he can become that key player—the standout man at Milan—especially given Leao’s current struggles.
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Christian Pulisic showcases his Italian skills after scoring at the Olimpico.
Following a remarkable direct goal from a corner kick during Milan’s 3-1 Champions League victory against Club Brugge, Christian Pulisic conducts his post-match interview in Italian.
Has Vinícius’ hat trick secured the Ballon d’Or?
Ogden: Even with Rodri fit and actively playing for Manchester City, Vinícius appeared to be the definitive frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. However, his hat trick against Borussia Dortmund solidified his chances. Rodri’s ACL injury effectively cleared the path for Vinícius, as he was the only legitimate competitor to the Madrid forward’s candidacy.
Jude Bellingham has been largely absent for Los Blancos since his spectacular start in the first half of the previous season, while Toni Kroos ruled himself out of contention by retiring this summer. Is it too harsh to say that 2024 hasn’t been a remarkable year for Ballon d’Or hopefuls? Without a standout candidate, Vinícius is now in a strong position to take home the award.
Marcotti: I suppose it’s an affirmation, but little else. Most, if not all, votes are already cast. There have been murmurs suggesting he’s likely secured it. The Ballon d’Or voter is quite unpredictable; they tend to reward significant performances from top teams in crucial matches. Vini definitely made a mark against Bayern Munich, but I suspect he already had it locked down.
Laurens: Vini’s hat trick on Tuesday won’t influence the Ballon d’Or outcome — the votes are already submitted and tallied. He had clinched it prior to his phenomenal second half against Borussia Dortmund. Presently, he is the best player in the world, and no right-back can successfully match him. Personally, I favor Rodri as a potential Ballon d’Or recipient, yet Vini’s exceptional talent allows him to win games single-handedly, as demonstrated on Tuesday.
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Ancelotti: Vinícius Júnior will win the Ballon d’Or
Carlo Ancelotti praises Vinícius Júnior following his hat trick in Real Madrid’s 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Which major team is facing difficulties?
Ogden: Both Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have struggled to meet expectations thus far, yet PSG can at least argue that Luis Enrique’s squad is transitioning from the club’s era of superstars to one focused on developing young talent. They will experience challenges and may need to adjust their targets this season. Conversely, Bayern lacks such excuses, and their loss to Barcelona — following a defeat to Aston Villa on matchday 2 — revealed significant issues obstructing their path to challenge for
the Champions League this season.
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Their center-backs, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae, lack the necessary speed and quality expected at a club of Bayern’s stature. Meanwhile, players like Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, and Manuel Neuer are well past their prime. Even though Harry Kane is sure to find the back of the net and Michael Olise shows incredible promise, Bayern’s overall weaknesses remain a concern. Their upcoming match against PSG next month will be fascinating for numerous reasons.
Marcotti: I don’t believe any of the top teams are genuinely in “trouble” if “trouble” is defined as failing to finish in the top eight and avoiding the playoff round. Bayern, Milan, and Atletico Madrid currently stand at three points, yet they are only four points away from eighth place, with five games remaining. If “trouble” implies not qualifying for the playoff round, then the answer is no—at least not yet. This appears to be the nature of the new format.
Laurens: I don’t see any signs of trouble for any team at this stage. With three games played and five more to go, there are still 15 points up for grabs. There’s no reason for panic for PSG, Bayern, Atletico, or even RB Leipzig. Nonetheless, it is quite entertaining to observe the mounting pressure on these powerhouse teams, especially with Paris, Munich, and the Colchoneros set to clash in the coming weeks. Expect plenty of drama, which is precisely what we want and what this new Champions League format delivers.
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Nicol: Bayern’s defensive strategy ‘made no sense’
Steve Nicol is bewildered by Bayern Munich’s high defensive line during their 4-1 loss to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
With Frenkie De Jong, Dani Olmo, and Gavi all available, how will Hansi Flick manage his midfield? And who will miss out in the upcoming El Clasico this Saturday?
Ogden: In my view, the only plausible addition to the starting lineup against Madrid is Olmo. Gavi has played a mere 12 minutes this season, and De Jong has only appeared for 24 minutes across all competitions. Therefore, it would be a risk—possibly even a reckless move—by Flick to include one or both players, particularly after such a clear victory over Bayern. I don’t understand how or why Flick would contemplate dropping Marc Casadó or Fermín López. It’s essential to include Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, making it likely that Casadó and López will be the ones sidelined. However, they shouldn’t.
Marcotti: The recent thrashing of Bayern was the first match back for both Olmo and De Jong, and Gavi has only made a couple of appearances. Thus, the Clasico may be premature for them. Yet, if De Jong were completely match-fit, I would undoubtedly include him. Looking ahead, it’s challenging to see how these players will mesh. One could expect De Jong to take Casadó’s spot. Raphinha is enjoying the best form of his career, and Yamal is proving himself as a solid player alongside Gavi and Olmo.
Ultimately, I anticipate that Gavi will join Pedri and De Jong in a midfield trio, while Olmo will alternate on the wing with Raphinha and Yamal. Both Raphinha and Yamal have logged significant playing time so far, and let’s not overlook that Yamal is only 17. Additionally, I believe Olmo will step in when Robert Lewandowski requires a break (which he likely will at 36), although <a data-player-guid="84dc37ee-3f62-aca9-7302-fd812273bfdc" href="http://espn.com/soc…
Ferran Torres likely presents a better option regarding his off-the-ball work. How Flick approaches this in the future will be truly intriguing. There are no definitive solutions, which might be the reason he commands a high salary.
Laurens: In the short term, particularly for the Clasico this weekend, I would opt for the same lineup that dominated Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Flick has no justification for making alterations. I would retain Pedri and Casado in the midfield. Additionally, I would leave De Jong and Gavi on the bench. Fermin should have a free role in midfield, focusing on both attacking and pressing, while also dropping deeper when out of possession to support the double pivot. Employing a high defensive line against Real Madrid may carry risks, but Barça is aware that they can capitalize on the current excellent form of Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Lamine to challenge the Merengues.
UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 Recap: Aston Villa’s Surprise Lead and Standout Performances from Pulisic and Vinícius
Aston Villa Takes the Lead
On Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, Aston Villa shocked fans and analysts alike by taking a commanding lead in their group. With a perfect record of three wins from three matches, they solidified their position at the top of Group E after defeating Bologna 2-0. This victory marked Villa as the first team to reach nine points in the league phase, showcasing their impressive early form in this prestigious tournament.
Match Highlights
- Final Score: Aston Villa 2 - 0 Bologna
- Goals:
- Vinícius scored the opening goal, demonstrating his scoring prowess.
- Another goal from a well-placed set piece sealed the victory for Villa.
- Key Performers:
- Vinícius: Star of the match with his pivotal contributions.
- Christian Pulisic: Provided crucial support and creative play.
Standout Performances
Vinícius: A Match-Winner
Vinícius has been in excellent form this season, and his performance against Bologna was no exception. Scoring the opening goal not only set the tone for the match but also highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments. His dynamic play on the left wing proved to be a constant threat to Bologna’s defense. With this goal, Vinícius has now netted three goals in the tournament, making him one of the early favorites for the top scorer title.
Christian Pulisic: The Creative Force
Christian Pulisic’s contributions in the midfield were vital for Aston Villa’s control of the game. His vision and passing accuracy enabled Villa to maintain possession and launch effective counter-attacks. Pulisic’s ability to link up with Vinícius and other attackers created numerous scoring opportunities, showcasing his importance in Villa’s attacking setup. As he continues to find form, Pulisic could be a key player as Villa progresses in the tournament.
Group Standings After Matchday 3
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Bologna | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Other Teams | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Other Teams | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Match Analysis
Aston Villa’s tactical approach under their manager has been a revelation. From the outset, they pressed Bologna high up the pitch, forcing errors and capitalizing on defensive lapses. The midfield trio controlled the tempo, allowing Villa to dictate play and maintain their advantage throughout the match.
Defensive Solidity
Defensively, Aston Villa were resolute, with their backline demonstrating excellent organization. Their goalkeeper made several key saves, ensuring that Bologna couldn’t find a way back into the match. This defensive discipline will be crucial as Villa continues in the Champions League.
Implications for the Tournament
With Aston Villa now firmly at the top of their group, they will be looking to maintain this momentum in the upcoming fixtures. Their strong start positions them well for a possible advance into the knockout stages, raising expectations among their supporters.
What’s Next for Aston Villa?
In the next matchday, Aston Villa will face off against their group rivals, a fixture that will be pivotal in determining their path forward. Maintaining their current form will be essential, especially with teams like Bologna looking to bounce back and contest for the top position.
Key Strategies Moving Forward
- Continue to exploit wing play and speed through Vinícius.
- Enhance midfield creativity to support strikers effectively.
- Remain defensively compact to minimize opponent scoring chances.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The fanbase has reacted positively to Villa’s performances, with many expressing excitement about their potential in the tournament. Social media is abuzz with discussions about their chances of advancing far into the Champions League, and comparisons are being drawn to their historic successes in the past.
Social Media Buzz
Fans are taking to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to celebrate Villa’s achievements, sharing highlights and praising players like Vinícius and Pulisic for their standout performances. The Villa Park atmosphere during these matches has also been electric, underscoring the community’s passion for the team.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to Matchday 4, Aston Villa’s impressive start has set the bar high, and their journey in the UEFA Champions League promises to be exhilarating. With key players firing on all cylinders and a strategic approach that highlights their strengths, Villa fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.
