Champions League: Liverpool end losing run as Chelsea, Bayern, and Real Madrid shine in Europe | Football News
Liverpool secured a commanding 5-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid also recorded wins in their respective matches, with Madrid maintaining its perfect start to the tournament.Liverpool’s triumph in Germany marked a significant turnaround from their recent four-game losing streak, which included a defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League and a loss to Galatasaray in their previous Champions League match.“I don’t know if it’s a statement but it is a win and something to build on,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk told TNT Sports. “I’ve been in the football business for a while, so not relief. Obviously we are disappointed with losing games, so it’s something we have to deal with, stick together and keep working. We don’t get dragged into the negative things that are going around. The only way you can play your game is to focus on the task ahead.“Rasmus Kristensen opened the scoring for Frankfurt in the 26th minute, but former Frankfurt player Hugo Ekitike equalized nine minutes later with a low shot under goalkeeper Michael Zetterer.Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté scored headers from corners before halftime, giving Liverpool a comfortable lead. Florian Wirtz provided two assists in the second half, setting up Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai to complete the rout.Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Juventus, with Jude Bellingham scoring his first Champions League goal of the season in the 57th minute following VinÃcius Júnior’s effort that hit the post.Chelsea dominated Ajax in a 5-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, featuring three teenage scorers in a match that saw five first-half goals, a red card, and three converted penalties.Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor received a red card in the 15th minute for a foul on Facundo Buonanotte. Marc Guiu and Moises Caicedo put Chelsea ahead before Wout Weghorst scored from the penalty spot for Ajax.Enzo Fernández and Estêvão converted penalties for Chelsea before halftime, with Estêvão becoming Chelsea’s youngest Champions League scorer. Tyrique George added another goal after the break.Bayern Munich celebrated a 4-0 victory over Club Brugge, with 17-year-old Lennart Karl becoming Bayern’s youngest Champions League scorer. Harry Kane, Luis DÃaz, and Nicolas Jackson also scored for the German team.Athletic Bilbao earned their first points in this season’s Champions League with a 3-1 comeback win over Qarabag. Substitute Roberto Navarro scored a crucial goal five minutes after coming on in the 65th minute.Qarabag had taken an early lead through Leandro Andrade, but Gorka Guruzeta scored twice to secure the victory for Bilbao.In other matches, Galatasaray defeated Bodø/Glimt 3-1 with Victor Osimhen scoring twice. Sporting Lisbon came from behind to beat 10-man Marseille 2-1.Tottenham drew 0-0 at Monaco, while Atalanta and Slavia Prague also played out a goalless draw.Madrid joined four other clubs, including Bayern, at the top of the league table with maximum points from their matches. Juventus extended their winless run in Europe, having not won since September 13.
