Arsenal continued their flawless Champions League run on Wednesday night. They secured a confident 3-0 victory against Club Brugge. This win extends their league-phase record to an impressive six triumphs from six matches.

Noni Madueke delivered a standout performance in Belgium. He scored a superb brace. Gabriel Martinelli also found the net. Arsenal, as the visiting side, controlled much of the game at the Jan Breydelstadion.

Arsenal’s Dominant Display

Manager Mikel Arteta opted for significant squad rotation. He reshaped his defence following recent injury setbacks. Christian Nørgaard partnered Piero Hincapié at centre-back for the club’s first competitive meeting with Brugge.

Arsenal settled quickly into the match. Martin Ødegaard forced an early save. Hincapié later struck the base of the post. Viktor Gyökeres also flashed a header just wide of the target.

Madueke opened the scoring in the 24th minute. He made a smooth solo run from inside the Brugge half. He finished with a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner.

Club Brugge responded before halftime. Carlos Forbs, Aleksandar Stankovic, and Christos Tzolis all tested David Raya with shots. However, Arsenal regained control immediately after the restart.

Just two minutes into the second half, Madueke doubled Arsenal’s advantage. He headed in at the far post from Martin Zubimendi’s floated cross. Martinelli then added the third goal soon after. He curled in a shot from the left. This extended his scoring run to five straight Champions League matches.

There was further good news for Arsenal fans. Gabriel Jesus returned to action after 332 days sidelined with an ACL injury. He struck the crossbar from an Ethan Nwaneri pass. He later forced another smart save. Sixteen-year-old Marli Salmon also made his senior debut. He became one of the youngest players to represent the club.

Brugge attempted a late comeback through Kaye Furo, Stankovic, and Bjorn Meijer. Yet, Arsenal held firm to secure the win. They remain three points clear at the top of their group.

The Gunners will now face Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday. They will then return to European duties against Inter Milan and Kairat Almaty in January.

Manchester City’s Comeback Victory Against Real Madrid

Manchester City also had a strong Champions League night. They came from behind to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu. This result intensifies scrutiny around Xabi Alonso’s position as Madrid’s coach.

Madrid scored first through Rodrygo Goes. However, City turned the match around before halftime. Nico O’Reilly capitalized on a fumble from Thibaut Courtois. Erling Haaland then converted a penalty. This gave Pep Guardiola’s side a deserved victory.

Real Madrid was without Kylian Mbappe due to knee discomfort. They have now won just two of their last eight games across all competitions.