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A Night of Surprises in the Champions League

Oct 03, 2024

Image: Real Madrid

They say all good things must come to an end. Just ask Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants’ remarkable 36-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to a screeching halt after a shock 1-0 loss to Lille in the Champions League group stage.

This was Real’s first defeat since January – when they went down 4-2 to Atletico in the Copa del Rey.

What’s more, it’s also their first loss in the Champions League since May 2023.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti later admitted that his side had struggled against Lille, although he’s also hoping the result will serve as a wake-up call for his star-studded side.

Real’s European title defense continues with upcoming matches against Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Liverpool.

Tears of joy at Villa Park

There was another shock result over 500km’s away in England…where Aston Villa pulled off a 1-0 win over six-time European champions Bayern Munich.

Jhon Duran came off the bench to score the 79^th minute winner, to cap off a memorable and electric night for the home side.

Image: Aston Villa FC

The supporters were out in full force, and for good reason… this was Villa’s first home game in Europe’s elite club competition in 41 years.

Their return to the Champions League has been going well so far, with the win over Bayern coming on the back of an earlier 3-0 opening victory over Young Boys.

It leaves Villa as one of just seven teams who’ve won both their Champions League group games so far.