We are past the half-way point in the group stages, and therefore we are really hitting the key weeks for many teams as they battle for points to secure one of the top 2 spaces in their group. Some sides are cruising through their games, however many are now desperate to secure points to ensure they still remain in with a chance of qualifying. As things stand, we could see an early exit for some huge clubs, while there may be some surprise and shocks with teams making it to the knockout rounds.

This seasons’ edition is possibly the most intriguing for some time, as superstar players have made shocking transfer moves, while it truly could be anyone trophy this year, with some major players at a crossroads, while others are steamrolling domestically and are a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League.

After Gameweek 4 of the group stages, we have a real insight into the tournament, and what is to come in the coming weeks and months. In this post, we have picked out a few headline talking points from the second round of group games to digest and take forward. We will be producing these posts every Champions League week, so if something catches your eye, let us know about it on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and we might just include it.

Enjoy.

Would You Believe It…

He’s just unreal, Cristiano Ronaldo despite not being the most influential player on the pitch at times when struggling to get the service up front, just has to be on the pitch till the very end for moments like this. In 3 games in the Champions League, he has salvaged the 7 points that Manchester United have earnt in this years’ tournament. Although once again playing abysmal football for the most part, that man struck in the 91st minute to rescue a point on the road against Atalanta, leaving Ole’s side strong favourites to qualify from their group stage. As with every week that passes, questions keep being asked of Ole, but Ronaldo is keeping him in a job… for now at least.

Points On The Board…

FC Barcelona are a sorry state of affairs currently, suffering off-field and on-field as they struggle domestically and in Europe, however this week offered some relief, as they gained their first 3 points in Kiev against Dynamo Kyiv. Fati returning has given them a huge boost, and he was the difference as they scraped a 1-0 victory on the road, to keep them in some chance of qualification. This side need Champions League football to continue financially, however their on-field showing is just not good enough, and we may be seeing some big changes on the horizon sooner rather than later.

They’re Human After All…

Well, when we say human, we mean they can concede. Bayern Munich that is, who have finally conceded a goal in the Champions League, although scored 5 of their own to secure the 5-2 victory and 12 points from 12, guaranteeing qualification to the knockout rounds. Their main man Robert Lewandowski, is looking to go even better than his record breaking season last year, and is knocking in goals for fun, with another 3 in this one for his efforts. Just as pleasing for Bayern, is that they are getting other players around him in Sane and Gnabry on the scoresheet, showing they are dangerous not just from their Polish striker, but throughout the squad. Get your money on Bayern this year, they’re just unstoppable.