3 Things We Learnt From Tuesday’s Champions League Action

Discover the key takeaways from Tuesday's Champions League matches, where thrilling performances and surprising twists unfolded. From standout players to pivotal moments, we break down the three essential lessons that emerged from the day’s action.

The 2024/25 Champions League began with a bang. With several elite European clubs starting off their campaign yesterday, there were plenty of talking points and record-breaking performances that left fans on the edge of their seats. 

European giants like Real Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich all started their Champions League campaign yesterday with a win. Bayern flexed their muscles with a resounding win over Dinamo Zagreb, while Real Madrid had to dig deep for a hard-earned victory against Stuttgart. Over at the San Siro, Liverpool pulled off a stunning comeback against AC Milan, stealing the headlines with a dramatic win. Juventus also impressed with a dominant 3-1 triumph over PSV Eindhoven, and Aston Villa made history with their first Champions League win in 41 years, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Young Boys. With those fixtures on the backburner now, we decided to take a look at the talking points after Tuesday’s thrilling Champions League action. 

1) Harry Kane – The Greatest English Goalscorer 

While the debate over the greatest English player of all time may never truly be settled, there’s little argument when it comes to England’s finest goalscorer. Harry Kane continues to shatter records. And on Tuesday night, Kane added another chapter to his ever-growing legend, becoming the top English scorer in Champions League history. With a stunning four-goal haul against Dinamo Zagreb, Kane took his tally to 33 goals in Europe’s elite competition, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s mark of 30. What’s even more remarkable? Kane did it in just 45 appearances, while Rooney needed 85 games to hit that milestone. 

his record-breaking performance came hot on the heels of another significant moment in Kane’s career—his 100th appearance for the England national team, making him one of only nine players in English football history to reach that milestone. And as if that wasn’t enough, with 68 goals for the Three Lions and 280 goals for Tottenham Hotspur, Kane holds the top scorer titles for both his country and his boyhood club. Furthermore, he’s the second highest goalscorer in Premier League history with 213 goals, only behind Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals.  

English football has seen its share of legendary goal scorers—Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, and Jimmy Greaves to name a few— but Harry Kane’s achievements and goalscoring exploits puts him head and shoulders above the rest. Kane’s greatness isn’t just a possibility anymore—it’s a reality. And the scary part is, Kane’s story is far from over. 

2) Europe’s most in-form goalscorer isn’t Erling Haaland, it’s Victor Gyokeres  

You could be forgiven for thinking that Erling Haaland is the most in-form goalscorer in Europe. While the Norwegian has netted 9 goals in just four Premier League games, Gyökeres' numbers are even more jaw-dropping. In just nine appearances for both club and country this season, the Swedish forward has bagged 12 goals and chipped in with five assists. His red-hot form has undoubtedly caught the eye of Europe’s elite clubs, but instead of seeking a move to the big leagues, Gyökeres has shown loyalty, choosing to stay with Sporting Lisbon. 

The 26-year-old's meteoric rise is a testament to his grit and determination. The 26-year-old striker was let go by Premier League side Brighton in 2023, despite scoring 21 goals in the Championship for Coventry City. However, joining Sporting CP has been the defining moment of Gyökeres’ career. Under the guidance of Ruben Amorin, Gyokeres has hit the form of his life. Last season, he lit up Liga Portugal, scoring 29 goals and delivering 10 assists. His scoring exploits led Sporting to the Liga Portugal title, overcoming arch-rivals Benfica by 10 points.  

Now, Gyökeres is ready for the ultimate test—the UEFA Champions League. With all eyes on him, the Swedish sensation is eager to show that he can deliver on Europe’s biggest stage. This season could be the one where Victor Gyökeres cements himself as one of the most prolific forwards in world football, proving he’s every bit as deadly as the likes of Haaland. And given his current form, don’t be surprised if he lights up the competition. 

3) Liverpool have finally found their heir to Fabinho 

The role of the midfield pivot is arguably the most important role in modern football. For a long time, Liverpool had one of the best pivots in Fabinho. However, his departure in 2023 left a big hole in Liverpool’s midfield. The Reds tried to fill that hole by signing Wataru Endo last season. But the Japanese international isn’t suited for new coach Arne Slot’s style. Therefore, the Liverpool hierarchy tried to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer. However, the Spanish midfielder rejected Liverpool’s advances to stay with his boyhood club. 

This left Liverpool fans wondering who could step into such a crucial role in Slot’s high-octane style of play. Enter Ryan Gravenberch. The 22-year-old Dutchman is tailor-made for Slot’s system. Gravenberch is at ease receiving the ball in deep areas, confident when taking on opponents, and, most importantly, has the ability to drive the ball forward with either a dribble or a perfectly threaded pass. And if there were any doubts about his fit, his performance last night at the San Siro would have silenced them. 

Gravenberch was the catalyst for Liverpool's dramatic comeback against AC Milan. He dictated play from deep, pressing high to win back possession and delivering a few sublime early passes that shifted the momentum entirely in Liverpool's favor. His composure, vision, and relentless energy were key to turning the tide in a hostile environment. If he keeps up this level of play, Liverpool may have found a long-term midfield gem who could dominate the game for the next decade.