5 Top Storylines for Champions League Matchday 4
Two weeks after the third round of the Champions League group stages, the reverse fixtures will be played on Matchday 4, which features a host of interesting matchups.
As we look forward to 16 exciting games in Europe's premier competition this week, here are five storylines that will help set the tone and background for an intriguing fourth matchday.
Can Olympiacos Do the Business on the Road?
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In a group featuring La Liga champions Atletico Madrid and Serie A champions Juventus, it’s fair to say that Olympiacos’ current first place in Group A can be considered an overachievement.
The Greek champions’ UCL performances this season have arguably been understated—though their group-stage draw was kind to them, allowing them to face both powerhouses at home first.
They’ve so far proven hard to beat at home—a 3-2 win over Atletico and 1-0 victory over Juventus show that Olympiacos are far from underdogs—but a 2-0 loss away to Malmo will have sounded the alarm bells. Turin will be a challenging trip on Tuesday.
Will Liverpool Actually Capitulate?
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After the side lost 1-0 at Newcastle United, came to a draw 0-0 at home against Hull City and was taught a footballing lesson by Real Madrid at Anfield, 3-0, it’s clear Liverpool haven’t enjoyed the best run of form of late, and their season hasn’t been much better on the whole.
Not only has the Reds’ attack not been firing, but their defence has been in extremely concerning form. Brendan Rodgers’ continued troubles at both ends of the pitch and reluctance to revert to a tried-and-tested system have been frustrating Liverpool fans.
Liverpool have been struggling in front of goal, but Jordan Henderson has stressed that the players have been working hard to find the solution.
"We know that we need to be more ruthless and creative in the final third," Henderson said at a press conference on Monday. "That's what we've been working on and hopefully tomorrow we can do that. We'll continue to work on it in training and hopefully we can improve in that area."
Two weeks ago, Real Madrid had a Clasico against Barcelona to prepare for and took their foot off the gas after galloping into a commanding half-time lead. This time around, in front of their own supporters, they might not. Liverpool be warned.
Borussia Dortmund’s Schizophrenia
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It’s a measure of Borussia Dortmund’s schizophrenic season that they find themselves top of Group D with a perfect 3-0-0 record—nine goals scored with no reply—and joint-bottom in the Bundesliga with only seven points from their first 10 games.
With two away matches out of their way in the Champions League, Dortmund still have two home games to go, the first of which will be against Galatasaray on Tuesday—the same opponents they disposed of, 4-0, in Istanbul just two weeks ago.
At home in the Bundesliga, Jurgen Klopp’s side have taken only four points from a possible 15, and the home support have had to sit through some agitating performances. Perhaps Europe will provide some welcome respite.
Manchester City: Champions League Club or Super Club?
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Having proved their dominance in the Premier League in recent years, it’s natural that Manchester City want to prove their mettle on the European stage. Yet, in their first few seasons at the top level, they have struggled.
Their draw this season hasn’t exactly helped their chances, but City are in a perilous position with two points from their first three games, which featured a loss to Bayern Munich and two consecutive draws against AS Roma and away at CSKA Moscow.
They will take on the Russians this Wednesday, having halted a recent run of uninspiring form with a hard-fought win in the Manchester derby on Sunday. Is Manuel Pellegrini the man to elevate City to European super club status, rather than just perennial participants?
Can Paris Saint-Germain Hold on to Their Lead?
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In contrast to Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain have made decent strides in the Champions League in recent seasons, and their current first-place position in Group F is an encouraging sign of their progress as a European heavyweight.
A home win over Barcelona two matchdays ago could have signaled the true arrival of PSG, but winning their Champions League group would be an even bigger statement of intent, considering their group-stage opposition.
With PSG at home to APOEL and Barcelona visiting Ajax this week, the final twist in Group F might well have to wait until December 10, when Barcelona host PSG at Camp Nou. But if the French champions are to hold on to their lead in Group F, they must take care of the Cypriot minnows first.
