Champions League 2018-19: Key discussion points from match-day 3
What's the story
It was another frantic match-day, as plenty happened in the UEFA Champions League, which gave us a clearer picture of what to expect. Giants Barcelona and Dortmund maintained their 100% win record. Tottenham Hotspur's agony continued while Napoli held Paris Saint-Germain to a tie. Klopp's Liverpool thrashed Red Star Belgrade as Salah gained control. Here are the key discussion points.
Barca
Barca favorites this term, no doubt about that!
Messi-less Barcelona thrashed Inter Milan 2-0 to bag their third successive win and are only inches away from being promoted to the knock-out stages. Unlikely scorers Rafinha and Jordi Alba netted in to take the pressure off the big names. Barca dominated the show and also forced Inter goal-keeper to make nine saves. To brag about favorites, we already have one.
Dortmund
Sancho the rising star in Dortmund's heroics
Dortmund breached the meanest defense in Europe, as they scored four outstanding goals against Atletico Madrid. The German club showed that they are back in business after years of oblivion. Dortmund are the team that have lit up proceedings this season and English teenager Jadon Sancho is in the thick of things. Sancho became the second youngest Englishman to score in Champions League.
PSG
PSG not producing their best football
Paris Saint-Germain may have all the money and the galacticos in the world, but when it comes to the Champions League, they have delivered sheepish performances. After losing a high-voltage clash against Liverpool, the French giants almost faced a similar faced against Napoli. Credit to Angel Di Maria's stupendous strike in injury-time to force a 2-2 draw. But things look bad for PSG.
Spurs
Spurs are clearly not Champions League elite
The London club, Tottenham Hotspur, do not possess silverware characteristics, despite putting in years of work in Premier League. And now, once again, they are in danger in the Champions League. A 2-2 draw against PSV, means that Mauricio Pochettino's side are likely to be relegated to Europa League. One point from three games has done little to justify talks about Spurs.
Liverpool
Salah, Mane's form the relief factor for Liverpool
The form of Salah and Mane, in recent past, has been a talking point, but these two found their feet, last night. Salah scored a brace, with Mane scoring one. The attacking display against Red Star Belgrade will give boost Klopp's confidence. Liverpool are at the top of their Group, something PSG would have liked. But they don't have magician Salah in the mix.