Matchday 6 of the Champions League brought two nights of high-stakes football as teams fought for direct knockout qualification and playoff places. Manchester City’s comeback in Madrid, Arsenal’s perfect group-stage run, Ajax’s late surge, and Benfica’s composed victory were among the standout results. Across Europe, decisive wins, late drama, tactical stalemates and high-scoring battles shaped the final standings. Here’s a full match-by-match breakdown of all the action from December 10 and 11.
Manchester City 2–1 Real Madrid — Classic Bernabeu Thriller
Match stats summary
- Final Score: Real Madrid 1, Manchester City 2
- Rodrygo opened scoring for Madrid
- Haaland equalised; City completed comeback
City fell behind early to a sharp Rodrygo finish but responded with champions’ resilience in a vibrant Bernabéu atmosphere. Erling Haaland’s cool penalty restored parity before City’s sustained dominance pushed them ahead. The Premier League giants controlled long portions of the match, securing a statement result that strengthens their top-eight credentials.
Ajax 4–2 Qarabag — Late Surge Saves the Dutch Giants
Match stats summary
- Final Score: Qarabağ 2, Ajax 4
- Ajax scored three times in final 15 minutes
- Gloukh scored twice; Dolberg and Gaaei added goals
Ajax appeared headed for a setback as Qarabag held a 2–1 lead, but a devastating late attacking burst flipped the match. Gloukh spearheaded the revival with two sharp finishes, while Gaaei’s strike ensured all three points. Ajax’s final-quarter intensity and European experience proved decisive.
Benfica 2–0 Napoli — Rios Inspires a Crucial Win
Match stats summary
- Final Score: Benfica 2, Napoli 0
- Richard Rios scored one and assisted another
- Benfica secured back-to-back Champions League wins
Benfica displayed maturity and precision to outplay Napoli. Richard Rios delivered a standout performance with a composed goal and a key assist, while Benfica’s defensive shape nullified Napoli’s threats. The Portuguese side’s blend of structure and efficiency boosted their qualification hopes.
Arsenal 3–0 Club Brugge — Gunners Complete Perfect Group Stage
Match stats summary
- Final Score: Club Brugge 0, Arsenal 3
- Arsenal won all six group matches
- Madueke and Martinelli on the scoresheet
Arsenal sealed a flawless group campaign with commanding authority. Madueke’s early strike set the tone before Martinelli extended the advantage. The Gunners controlled possession, transitions, and tempo, cementing their status as one of Europe’s most in-form clubs heading into the knockout phase.
Leverkusen 2–2 Newcastle United — Late Equaliser Leaves Group Wide Open
Match stats summary
- Final Score: Leverkusen 2, Newcastle 2
- Both teams scored late in dramatic conclusion
- Crucial but frustrating point for both sides
In a match of shifting momentum, Leverkusen and Newcastle exchanged control and traded late goals to end level. The draw keeps qualification scenarios alive, with both sides showing flashes of quality but lacking the decisive finishing needed to claim all three points.
ALSO READ: Champions League Roundup: All the Key Results From December 9
Borussia Dortmund 2–2 Bodo/Glimt — High-Tempo Draw
Match stats summary
- Final Score: Dortmund 2, Bodo/Glimt 2
- End-to-end action throughout
- Neither side managed to find a late winner
Dortmund and Bodø/Glimt produced one of the night’s liveliest contests. Dortmund’s aggressive surges were matched by the visitors’ sharp counters. Chances flowed in both directions, but defensive interventions and missed opportunities ensured the game finished level.
Athletic Bilbao 0–0 PSG — Tactical Standoff
Match stats summary
- Final Score: Athletic Bilbao 0, PSG 0
- Strong defensive organisation from both
- Clear chances limited
Bilbao and PSG delivered a cagey match defined by compact structures and tactical discipline. While both teams probed for openings, neither could find the final ball. A point felt justified in a contest where risk-taking was minimal and defensive precision held firm.
Juventus 2–0 Pafos — Professional Finish in Turin
Match stats summary
- Final Score: Juventus 2, Pafos 0
- Controlled attacking performance
- Confident defensive display
Juventus wrapped up their group-stage campaign with authority, dictating tempo and creating high-quality chances. Their defensive shape stayed solid throughout, while Pafos struggled to break lines. A straightforward win reflected Juventus’ composure and efficiency.
What These Results Mean for the Knockout Phase
The final two nights of group-stage action delivered clarity at the top and chaos in the middle. Manchester City’s winning response in Madrid, Arsenal’s flawless run, Ajax’s dramatic comeback and Benfica’s precision all shaped the top-eight outlook. Meanwhile, draws involving Dortmund, Newcastle, PSG and Bilbao ensured several playoff paths remain tense. As the Champions League moves forward, momentum gained here could play a defining role in knockout fortunes.
