On the same night that Gianluigi Donnarumma returned to the San Siro, AC Milan defeated Paris Saint-Germain, while Shakhtar Donetsk stunned Barcelona at the Volksparkstadion. In the day’s first match, Borussia Dortmund defeated Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United 2-0.
AC Milan came from behind to defeat Paris Saint-Germain, opening up the UEFA Champions League Group F.
PSG seemed to be on course to clinch the title when Milan Skriniar gave them the lead, but goals from Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud flipped the game on its head.
When Skriniar stooped low to nod in a flick-on from Marquinhos on nine minutes, it did not seem probable.
Milan replied well, with Leao acrobatically volleying home after Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was greeted warmly by his old club’s supporters, had saved an effort from Giroud.
PSG’s Kylian Mbappe squandered a golden opportunity by stabbing wide after sprinting free, while Ousmane Dembele had a volley smash off the crossbar.
Milan took the lead on 50 minutes as Giroud climbed high to head home Theo Hernandez’s wonderful cross.
Milan now has five points, one more than PSG. After defeating Newcastle earlier in the day, Borussia Dortmund now leads the group.
SHAKHTAR KNOCKS OUT BARCA
With a 1-0 victory against Barcelona, Shakhtar Donetsk revitalized Group H.
Barcelona went into the game knowing that a victory would ensure their passage to the knockout rounds with two games to spare, but they were severely unhappy in losing at the Volksparkstadion.
As Shakhtar opened up the group, Danylo Sikan’s header on 40 minutes was capable of winning any game.
Shakhtar started strongly, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to hold his head up to deny Mykola Matviyenko.
The Ukrainians limited Barcelona to long-range attempts in the first half, with Raphinha blasting over from 20 yards being the most prominent effort, and it came as no surprise when Shakhtar took the lead with a stunning goal.
Georgiy Sudakov sent a sweeping cross-field ball to Giorgi Gocholeishvili, who whipped in a tempting cross from the right, which Sikan headed into the top corner.
Shakhtar Donetsk stun Barcelona 😳
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 7, 2023
The Ukrainians achieve their first win over the Spanish champions since 2008 as Barça's qualification from Group H is put on hold...#UCL pic.twitter.com/UcOxJn03NX
Sikan had a great opportunity to increase Shakhtar’s advantage after being slipped in by Oleksandr Zubkov, but his shot was blocked by Ter Stegen’s knees.
Xavi’s thoughts about Barcelona’s performance were summed up when he brought in four subs – Pedri, Joao Felix, Lamine Yamal, and Alejandro Balde – soon before the hour mark.
Following the adjustments, Barcelona improved but were unable to get through, and Newerton believed he had clinched the victory only to be penalized for offside.
With seven minutes of additional time, it was a tense finale, but Shakhtar prevailed.
Pepe scored as Porto defeated Royal Antwerp 2-0 to join Barcelona on nine points. Shakhtar has six points, while Antwerp has none.
DORTMUND CAME OUT ON TOP, BEATEN NEWCASTLE
Newcastle United’s qualifying hopes were given a devastating blow when they were defeated at Borussia Dortmund.
The Magpies were upset by Dortmund last month after opening their Champions League campaign with a draw at AC Milan and a victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
Niclas Fullkrug gave Dortmund the lead on 26 minutes, blasting home from close range after Newcastle failed to clear many times.
Newcastle were unable to respond, and Julian Brandt clinched the victory on 79 minutes with a breakaway goal.
Dortmund now has seven points, while Newcastle is fourth in Group F with four points.
CITY WIN AND SECURE THEIR QUALIFICATION
Manchester City advanced to the knockout rounds with two games to spare after defeating Young Boys 3-0.
On 31 minutes, Erling Haaland scored from the penalty spot, sparking controversy about whether he should have won the Ballon d’Or.
On the stroke of half-time, Phil Foden increased the advantage with a superb, low finish.
On 52 minutes, Haaland scored the game’s only goal, blasting a 20-yard shot with his left foot into the top corner.
RB Leipzig triumphed 2-1 against Crvena Zvezda to advance to nine points and join City in Group G qualification.
ATLETICO MADRID ROUNDLY DEFEATED CELTIC
Celtic’s qualifying dreams were dashed with a 6-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata both scored twice, with Samuel Lino and Saul Niguez grabbing the other two, leaving The Bhoys with one point from four games.
With eight points, Atleti moved to the top of Group E.
Lazio overcame Feyenoord courtesy to a Ciro Immobile goal and now lead the Dutch side by one point.