Arctic Shocks and Bernabéu Blowouts: Champions League Matchday 7 Wraps Up First Half of Action

The penultimate round of the UEFA Champions League league phase kicked off with a night of pure European theatre. From the freezing temperatures of Norway to the hallowed turf of the San Siro, Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, will be remembered as the night the "new format" truly bared its teeth.

The Arctic Miracle: Bodø/Glimt 3-1 Manchester City

The headline of the night came from the Aspmyra Stadion. In a result that has sent shockwaves across the continent, Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt secured their first-ever Champions League victory by dismantling Manchester City 3-1.

The match turned on its head when Rodri saw red after two yellow cards in under a minute, but the damage was already being done. Kasper Høgh became a local hero with a clinical first-half brace, and Jens Petter Hauge sealed the historic win with a stunning long-range strike that left Gianluigi Donnarumma helpless. Despite a late consolation from Rayan Cherki, Pep Guardiola’s injury-ravaged squad—missing 14 key players—now faces a nervous final matchday to secure a top-eight finish.

Madrid’s Magnificent Six

While City faltered, Real Madrid flourished. Under the lights of the Santiago Bernabéu, the "Merengues" put on a masterclass, crushing Monaco 6-1. Kylian Mbappé haunted his former club with two goals, while Vinícius Júnior responded to recent criticism with a goal and two assists. Jude Bellingham added the sixth to cap off a night that confirms Madrid as the team to beat in the knockout rounds.

London Power: Arsenal and Spurs Statement Wins

In Milan, Arsenal continued their perfect European campaign. A brace from a rejuvenated Gabriel Jesus and a late sealer from Viktor Gyökeres saw the Gunners defeat Inter 3-1 at the San Siro. With seven wins from seven, Mikel Arteta's side has officially secured a top-two finish in the league phase.

Across the English Channel, Tottenham kept their playoff hopes burning bright with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund's night was ruined early by a red card, allowing Spurs to control the tempo and capitalize on their man advantage.

Drama in Lisbon and Beyond

• Sporting CP 2-1 PSG: In a massive blow to the French giants, Luis Suárez scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner to secure all three points for Sporting. Despite PSG’s 74% possession and a goal from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, they leave Lisbon empty-handed.

• Olympiacos 2-0 Leverkusen: The Greek champions produced a defensive masterclass to shut out Xabi Alonso’s men.

• Copenhagen 1-1 Napoli: A gritty 10-man Copenhagen held on for a draw against Napoli, who will be frustrated they couldn't find a winner despite a late man advantage.

The Stage is Set: What’s Coming Today (January 21, 2026)

The drama continues tonight as the second half of Matchday 7 gets underway. Here is the schedule for the remaining fixtures:

17:45 Kick-offs

• Galatasaray vs. Atlético Madrid: A hostile RAMS Park awaits Diego Simeone’s men. Atleti need points to stay in the hunt for a direct Round of 16 spot.

• Qarabag FK vs. Eintracht Frankfurt: The German side travels to Baku looking to cement their place in the top 24.

20:00 Kick-offs

• Marseille vs. Liverpool: The heavyweights of the night. Liverpool arrives at the Vélodrome in top form, but Marseille is always dangerous at home.

• Slavia Praha vs. Barcelona: After a mixed run, Barça will look to find their clinical edge in Prague.

• Newcastle vs. PSV: St. James' Park will be rocking as the Magpies look to climb the league table.

• Juventus vs. Benfica: A classic European clash that could decide which side earns home advantage for the playoff round.

• Chelsea vs. Pafos: The London side are heavy favorites against the Cypriot debutants.

• Bayern vs. Union Saint-Gilloise: Expect goals at the Allianz Arena as Bayern aim to improve their goal difference.

• Atalanta vs. Athletic Club: A tactical battle between two of the most disciplined sides in Europe.

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