On a night that saw a record seven USMNT players feature in the UEFA Champions League and Chelsea progress to the round of 16, let’s a look at some of the stories you may have missed.
1. Record number of USMNT players
Weston McKennie was one of seven USMNT players involved in UCL action on Tuesday – a record for a single Champions League night. But his Juventus side suffered their biggest ever UCL defeat in a 4-0 loss at Chelsea. Christian Pulisic, who manager Thomas Tuchel praised to CBS Sports pre-game, played 72 minutes at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea qualified for the knockout stage.
Jordan Pefok got Young Boys’ opener in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Atalanta. It was his second Champions League goal this season, after also scoring the winner against Manchester United, and it boosts his chances of another international call up.
Elsewhere, Tim Weah (Lille), Brenden Aaaronson (Salzburg), John Brooks (Wolfsburg) and Sergino Dest (Barcelona) all featured.
2. Jesus brought to his knees
Benfica coach Jorge Jesus fell to his knees after Haris Serferovic missed an open goal that would have beat Barcelona. The Swiss forward fluffed his lines three minutes into added time as Benfica drew 0-0 at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona still have their UCL fate in their own hands, but it was a disappointing Champions League managerial debut for Xavi. The mood of the night was summed up when Ronald Araujo injured himself celebrating a disallowed goal five minutes before time.
3. Neuer almost slips up
Manuel Neuer made his 124th Champions League appearance as Bayern won 2-1 at Dynamo Kyiv in the snow. But the German goalkeeper was almost left red-faced after he let a sliding interception from Leon Goretzka slide under his feet. Fortunately for Neuer, the ball came back off the post.
Neuer has now equalled Gianluigi Buffon’s UCL appearance record for a goalkeeper. Only Iker Casillas (177) has played more games in the competition.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski’s bicycle-kick goal means the 33-year-old becomes the first player to score in nine successive Champions League games twice, having also achieved the feat in August 2020.
4. Carrick ends English drought
Michael Carrick became the first English manager to win his first game in charge of Manchester United (excluding second spells) since Walter Cricke back in 1931. Wilf McGuinniss, Dave Sexton and Ron Atkinson all failed to win on their United debuts.
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho sent Manchester United into the knockout stage as they beat Villarreal 2-0. Ronaldo has now scored in all five Champions League games, while Sancho’s goal was his first for the club in 15 appearances.
5. Lille get first home UCL win in 15 years
The in-form Jonathan David handed Lille a 1-0 victory over Salzburg and in doing so secured their first home Champions League win since a 3-1 triumph over AEK Athens back in 2006. Canadian forward David has now scored 11 of Lille’s last 15 goals in all competitions and has 15 goals for club and country this season.
Lille moved top of Group G, but are still only three points clear of bottom side Wolfsburg, whom they travel to face on December 8.
