The UEFA Champions League returned with thrilling action on January 21 and 22, 2025, as Matchday 7 of the league phase delivered high-stakes drama, incredible goals, and unforgettable performances. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key matches and results from these two action-packed days.
January 21, 2025: Key Matches and Results
The first day of Matchday 7 featured nine matches, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs battling for crucial points in the league phase.
Benfica vs. Barcelona (4-5)
This match was an absolute thriller at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Barcelona edged out Benfica in a nine-goal spectacle. Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis scored a remarkable first-half hat trick (2′, 22′, 30′), and an own goal by Ronald Araújo (68′) added to their tally. However, Barcelona’s resilience shone through as Robert Lewandowski netted two penalties (13′, 78′), Raphinha scored twice (64′, 90+6′), and Eric García added another (87′) to secure the dramatic win35.
Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen (2-1)
Atlético Madrid hosted Bayer Leverkusen in a tightly contested match. Bayer took the lead through Piero Hincapié in first-half stoppage time (45+1′), but Atlético’s Hugo Álvarez turned the game around with a brace in the second half (52′, 90′), securing a vital victory for Diego Simeone’s side37.
Liverpool vs. Lille (2-1)
Liverpool maintained their perfect record in the Champions League with a hard-fought win at Anfield. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 34th minute, followed by Harvey Elliott’s goal in the second half (67′). Lille’s Jonathan David pulled one back in the 62nd minute, but it wasn’t enough to stop Liverpool from claiming all three points37.
Other Results
- Atalanta dominated Sturm Graz with a resounding 5-0 victory.
- Monaco edged Aston Villa 1-0 thanks to an early goal by Wilfried Singo.
- Bologna upset Borussia Dortmund with a 2-1 win.
- Club Brugge and Juventus played out a goalless draw.
- PSV Eindhoven defeated Red Star Belgrade 3-2.
- Stuttgart overcame Slovan Bratislava with a convincing 3-1 victory37.
January 22, 2025: Key Matches and Results
Day two of Matchday 7 saw another set of nine matches, including some marquee clashes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester City (4-2)
At Parc des Princes, PSG delivered a statement win over Manchester City. After a goalless first half, Jack Grealish (50′) and Erling Haaland (53′) gave City a brief lead. However, PSG roared back with goals from Ousmane Dembélé (56′), Bradley Barcola (61′), João Neves (78′), and Gonçalo Ramos (90+6′) to seal an emphatic victory46.
Real Madrid vs. RB Salzburg (5-1)
Defending champions Real Madrid dismantled Salzburg at Santiago Bernabéu. Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior each scored twice, while Kylian Mbappé added another after capitalizing on a goalkeeper error. Salzburg managed a late consolation goal through Mads Bidstrup, but Madrid’s dominance was undeniable46.
Feyenoord vs. Bayern Munich (3-0)
Feyenoord stunned Bayern Munich at Stadion Feijenoord with an impressive performance. Santiago Giménez scored twice, including a penalty on the brink of halftime, while Ayase Ueda added the third late in the game to secure a memorable win for the Dutch side46.
Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb (3-0)
Arsenal cruised past Dinamo Zagreb at Emirates Stadium with goals from Declan Rice (2′), Kai Havertz (66′), and Martin Ødegaard (90+1′). The Gunners’ dominant display solidified their position as one of the tournament’s top contenders46.
Other Results
- RB Leipzig defeated Sporting CP 2-1.
- Shakhtar Donetsk beat Stade Brestois 2-0.
- Celtic narrowly overcame Young Boys with a late own goal for a 1-0 win.
- AC Milan secured a slim 1-0 victory over Girona thanks to Rafael Leão’s first-half strike.
- Inter Milan edged Sparta Prague with Lautaro Martínez scoring the only goal in their 1-0 triumph46.
League Phase Standings Update
As Matchday 7 concluded:
- Liverpool remained at the top of the standings with an unblemished record.
- Barcelona held onto second place after their dramatic win over Benfica.
- Real Madrid climbed into contention for automatic qualification despite their earlier struggles.
- Bayern Munich’s shock loss to Feyenoord put them under pressure heading into Matchday 867.
Looking Ahead
The final matchday of the league phase is scheduled for January 29, where teams will fight for playoff spots or automatic qualification to the Round of 16. Key fixtures include:
- Barcelona vs. Atalanta
- Real Madrid vs. Stade Brestois
- PSG vs. Stuttgart
- Manchester City vs. Club Brugge1113.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as Europe’s elite aim to secure their places in the knockout rounds.
The Champions League action on January 21 and 22 showcased everything fans love about this competition—stunning goals, dramatic comebacks, and high-stakes battles between Europe’s best teams. As we approach Matchday 8, expect even more excitement as clubs vie for glory in this revamped format of Europe’s premier club competition!
