Manchester, Oct 22 (AP) Paris Saint-Germain showcased their attacking prowess with a thrilling 7-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, while Barcelona ran riot with a 6-1 demolition of Olympiakos, and Erling Haaland continued his prolific form, netting his 24th goal of the season in an eventful Champions League night.
Across nine matches, the net bulged 43 times, with six teams scoring four or more goals. PSV Eindhoven stunned Italian champions Napoli with a 6-2 rout, whereas Arsenal and Inter Milan maintained their flawless beginnings in European competitions with significant wins.
However, it was defending champions PSG who led the way, topping the standings after their emphatic win against Leverkusen, even as both sides were reduced to ten men before the break.
Barcelona's powerful response to earlier setbacks saw them crush Olympiakos 6-1, bouncing back decisively from a previous defeat by PSG at the start of the month. Premier League’s front-runners Arsenal dispatched Atletico Madrid 4-0, powered by Viktor Gyokeres' brace, and last year’s Champions League runners-up, Inter, matched the scoreline against Union Saint-Gilloise.
Haaland continued his goal-scoring spree, contributing to Manchester City’s 2-0 triumph at Villarreal.
PSG Runs Wild in Leverkusen
By halftime at the BayArena, PSG held a commanding 4-1 lead over Leverkusen. The first half was rife with drama, including a red card for both teams and two penalties awarded to Leverkusen. Desire Doue's two goals ensured PSG’s domination, and the second half saw Nuno Mendes extend the lead, while Ousmane Dembele marked his return from injury with a goal.
"Three games, three wins, and we're at the top of the UEFA Champions League table," Dembele acclaimed. Aleix Garcia, despite a majestic long-range goal, remained a mere footnote in an action-packed game.
Lopez Treble
Barcelona's Fermin Lopez hit a memorable hat trick, and Marcus Rashford bagged two goals as they steamrolled over a diminished Olympiakos squad, down to ten men after Santiago Hezze's controversial dismissal. Lopez’s three goals marked his career first, while Lamine Yamal added one from the spot.
Having regained momentum at 2-1 through Ayoub El Kaabi’s penalty, Olympiakos faltered defensively following Hezze’s sending off, conceding four goals in just eleven minutes. Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, commented on Barcelona’s overwhelming attacking resources, noting, "Goals are the least of our worries."
Arsenal Powers Past Atletico
English Premier League leaders, Arsenal, maintained their top form with a resounding second-half display at Emirates, where they comfortably brushed aside Atletico Madrid 4-0. Viktor Gyokeres, breaking a seven-game goal drought, closed the scoring with a quick brace.
"He fully deserves it, and his work rate is outstanding," manager Mikel Arteta praised Gyokeres’ contribution, as Arsenal's European campaign remains perfect.
Red Hot Haaland
Erling Haaland is proving uncontainable, netting his 24th goal in 14 appearances and extending his scoring streak to twelve games. His strike, combined with Bernardo Silva's goal, propelled City to victory in Villarreal.
Only Spurs have kept him at bay this season, in a 2-0 defeat back in August. City now sits fifth on the table.
Napoli Stunned in Eindhoven
The night’s biggest upset unfolded in Eindhoven, where a rampant PSV dismantled Napoli 6-2. This marks consecutive defeats for Antonio Conte’s side, coming on the back of a 1-0 loss to Torino. A late surge by PSV, scoring thrice in the closing stages while Napoli was reduced to ten men, highlighted their struggles.
In Europe, Napoli’s form has been lackluster, with just one win from three outings. Unlike Napoli, Inter boasts a perfect European record after easing past Union Saint-Gilloise, aided by Lautaro Martinez’s scoring exploits.
Newcastle and Dortmund Win
Elsewhere, Newcastle triumphed over Benfica with a 3-0 victory, thanks to a Harvey Barnes double, while Borussia Dortmund overcame Copenhagen 4-2.
Kazakh side Kairat gathered their first point in the elite club competition, holding Pafos to a 0-0 draw. AP SSC SSC
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