UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 review, goals and highlights

UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 concluded this week with some exhilarating performances. All the top teams emerged victorious in the week which could be the defining week in the Champions League group stages. Here are the top five games from Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League. 

Champions League: Club Brugge 0-5 Paris Saint-Germain, October 23, 2019

The game will always be remembered by PSG fans as Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in 22 minutes after coming on as a substitute. Though PSG seemed to be in control of the game, they seemed to lack an attacking flair which was rightly injected by the 20-year-old attacker. The win puts them five points ahead of 2nd placed Real Madrid in Group A and poised for another run in the knockouts of the tournament.

Also read | Champions League: Toni Kroos Scores A Century Of UCL Appearances

Champions League: Galatasaray 0-1 Real Madrid, October 23, 2019

Sticking with Group A, Real Madrid secured their first Champions League victory of the season which should come as a relief to their manager Zinedine Zidane. Toni Kroos scored the only goal of the game which could and should have seen more goals. Real Madrid's marque signing Eden Hazard seemed to falter under pressure as he failed to find the open net after rounding the goalkeeper. 

Champions League: Genk 1-4 Liverpool, October 24, 2019

Though the home side has a reputation of frustrating opponents, Liverpool were always expected to win this fixture. But unlike the scoreline, the game was much more open-ended as both the sides were having a go at one another. Genk, despite scoring just once had numerous chances to add to their tally, with one goal also being ruled out by VAR. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's stunning goal with the outside of his foot will probably be the best goal from the week.

Also read | Chamberlain Takes Plaudits As Brace Fires Liverpool To Genk Victory

Champions League: Slavia Prague 1-2 Barcelona, October 24

Lionel Messi became the first player to score in 15 consecutive Champions League games when he opened the scoring for the visitors in the 3rd minute. Let the result not fool you, as Barcelona just narrowly escaped with a victory, thanks to Peter Olayinka's own goal. Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde was left disappointed after his side failed to dominate for much of the game.

Also read | Lionel Messi's Historic Goal Helps Barcelona Edge Slavia Prague

Champions League: Manchester City 5-1 Atalanta, October 23

Man City vs Atalanta at home, there could have only been one outcome. Pep Guardiola's side despite their league struggles and injury issue were overwhelming favourites to win the game. Raheem Sterling scored the second hat-trick of the week as Man City dominated their opponents on and off the ball. Even if their manager doesn't think they are ready yet, based on this performance it is hard to argue against their tag of being tournament favourites.

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