Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League fixtures produced one of the most explosive evenings in tournament history; 43 goals, five red cards, and six penalties (five converted) in just nine games.
It was a night where chaos met brilliance, and Europe’s elite sides delivered unrelenting entertainment. From Haaland’s unstoppable streak to PSG’s seven-goal frenzy, Tuesday’s Champions League matches had everything goals, controversy, and spectacle.
Only twice before has there been a higher total of goals scored on a single Champions League night;
– 64 in March 2024 (across 18 games), and
– 44 on 1 October 1997.
With an astonishing 4.78 goals per game, Tuesday’s fixtures now stand among the most prolific in UCL history.
PSG Hit Seven as Leverkusen Collapse in Paris
Reigning champions, Paris Saint-Germain produced a merciless attacking display, dismantling Bayer Leverkusen 7–2 at the Parc des Princes.
Two goals from Desire Doue, alongside strikes from Willian Pacho, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, Ousmane Dembele, and Vitinha, sealed a perfect three-from-three start to their title defense.
The match had it all; two red cards, a missed penalty, and a masterclass in finishing.
Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo missed a crucial spot-kick before captain Robert Andrich was dismissed. PSG took full advantage, racing into a 4–1 halftime lead and never looked back.
Arsenal’s 14-Minute Goal Rush Stuns Atletico
At the Emirates, Arsenal continued their flawless European campaign with a 4–0 demolition of Atletico Madrid.
After a cagey first half, Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock from a Declan Rice free-kick, triggering a ruthless 14-minute goal flurry.
Gabriel Martinelli struck next, followed by a Viktor Gyokeres brace — ending his seven-game goal drought.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised his striker:
“Gyokeres makes Arsenal a much better team. His hunger and work rate inspire everyone.”
The Gunners have now scored 10 goals from set pieces this season, with Rice ranking second only to Hakan Calhanoglu across Europe’s top leagues for dead-ball assists (10).
Haaland Scores Again as City End Away Drought
In Spain, Erling Haaland extended his incredible scoring streak to 12 consecutive games, leading Manchester City to a 2–0 victory at Villarreal.
The Norwegian’s opener which was his 24th goal of the season, set City on their way before Bernardo Silva added a second.
City dominated the game, securing their first Champions League away win in over a year.
Manager Pep Guardiola was satisfied:
“We played really good football tonight. The team’s vibe feels right again. It’s a good step for us in this tournament.”
Rashford and Lopez Shine in Barcelona Rout
At Camp Nou, Barcelona humiliated Olympiakos 6–1, with Fermin Lopez netting a stunning hat-trick and Marcus Rashford scoring twice.
Teen sensation Lamine Yamal added a penalty as Barça recorded their biggest Champions League win since the famous 6–1 comeback against PSG in 2017.
Seventeen-year-old Dro Fernandez, making his European debut, impressed with an assist, another glimpse of Barça’s La Masia pipeline at its best.
PSV’s Stunning 6–2 Comeback Over Napoli
In Eindhoven, PSV turned a 1–0 deficit into a remarkable 6–2 victory over Napoli.
After Scott McTominay’s opener, PSV roared back with goals from Ismael Saibari, Dennis Man, Ricardo Pepi, and Couhaib Driouech.
Napoli finished with 10 men after Lorenzo Lucca was sent off for dissent.
The Dutch side’s emphatic display lifted them to 11th in the 36-team league phase, while Napoli dropped to 22nd.
Barnes and Gordon Fire Newcastle Past Mourinho’s Benfica
At St. James’ Park, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon scored to hand Newcastle United a commanding 3–0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.
Gordon opened the scoring before Barnes struck twice, continuing his European hot streak.
Benfica had early chances through Dodi Lukebakio, but Nick Pope’s saves kept Newcastle in control.
Inter, Dortmund, and Others Round Off a Wild Night
Elsewhere, Inter Milan maintained their perfect start with a 4–0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise, featuring goals from Dumfries, Martinez, Calhanoglu, and Esposito.
Borussia Dortmund beat Copenhagen 4–2, with Felix Nmecha scoring twice and Jobe Bellingham providing his first assist for the club.
In contrast, Kairat Almaty and Pafos played out a goalless draw despite an early red card for the Cypriots.
By the Numbers: A Night of Records
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43 goals in 9 matches (4.78 per game)
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5 red cards
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6 penalties awarded, 5 converted
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9 goals from English clubs
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6 goals from Spanish players
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7 goals from PSG alone
Wednesday UEFA Champions League Fixtures
A quick look at the Premier League sides line up in Matchday 3 (Wednesday) of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.
Read More: 2025/26 UEFA Champions League – Matchday 3 Fixtures
Chelsea vs Ajax
Wednesday, 22 October | 20:00 BST | Stamford Bridge
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Chelsea eye a second straight UCL victory after beating Benfica.
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Ajax have endured a poor start; no wins, no goals, and bottom of their group.
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Enzo Maresca’s Blues have risen to fifth in the Premier League and regained momentum.
Liverpool vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Wednesday, 22 October | 20:00 BST | Deutsche Bank Park
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Liverpool look to avoid a fifth consecutive loss in all competitions; a first since 1953.
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Frankfurt’s games have averaged three or more goals.
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Hugo Ekitike faces his former club after a summer transfer.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Monaco
Wednesday, 22 October | 20:00 BST | Stade Louis II
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Spurs are sixth in the Premier League despite poor home form.
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Monaco are winless in four and have yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
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Eric Dier misses the reunion with his former club due to injury.
Read Also: Champions League Day 2: PSG Stun Barcelona, Arsenal Stay Perfect as City Stumble in Monaco
2025/26 UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 Fixtures
Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Kick-off: 17:45
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Barcelona 6-1 Olympiacos
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Kairat 0-0 Pafos
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Newcastle United 3-0 Benfica
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PSV Eindhoven 6-2 Napoli
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Bayer Leverkusen 2-7 Paris Saint-Germain
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Union Saint-Gilloise 0-4 Inter Milan
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FC Copenhagen 2-4 Borussia Dortmund
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Villarreal 0-2 Manchester City
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Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Kick-off: 17:45
Kick-off: 20:00
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Chelsea vs Ajax
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Real Madrid vs Juventus
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Sporting CP vs Marseille
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Monaco vs Tottenham Hotspur
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Atalanta vs Slavia Praha
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Eintracht Frankfurt vs Liverpool
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Bayern Munich vs Club Brugge
