Manchester City suffer major upset, champions PSG falter, Arsenal stay unbeaten
Manchester City endured one of the most surprising defeats in Champions League records on Tuesday, as defending champions Paris Saint-Germain also slipped up, though Gabriel Jesus ensured Arsenal maintained their flawless run.
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City travelled to cold Norway for their seventh and near-final league phase encounter with unassuming Bodo/Glimt, entering as strong favourites.
Yet they struggled in the icy weather at the venue 200km above the Arctic Circle, falling to a 3-1 loss.
In the meantime, PSG must now strive for straight advancement to the knockout rounds next week following a late lapse in Portugal.
Luis Suarez netted a pair for Sporting Lisbon during the latter stages, clinching the win with a header in the 90th minute after replacement Khvicha Kvaratskhelia levelled for PSG in the 79th minute.
The Parisian outfit slipped to fifth place ahead of their final group match at home versus Newcastle.
While the leading eight teams gain direct access to the round of 16, those from ninth to 24th face an extra two-match playoff to progress.
Next week, the league stage reaches its thrilling conclusion with every one of the 18 fixtures starting simultaneously.
Real Madrid, led by fresh manager Alvaro Arbeloa, delivered a sparkling offensive performance to ease supporters' worries from prior setbacks.
Kylian Mbappe scored a brace against his old club, and Vinicius Junior, who faced boos from home fans in a recent victory over Levante, added a stunning strike to propel the 15-time European kings from seventh to second, trailing the relentless Arsenal.
Jesus was elated following his two near-post goals in the opening half, securing the Gunners' spot in the top eight.
"This is a fantastic evening," remarked the 28-year-old.
"I have always wanted to play professional football. As a child, I used to watch games. I followed Serie A closely, so playing in this arena and finding the net brings tears to my eyes, as it fulfils a lifelong ambition."
Arsenal's delight in Italy stood in sharp contrast to Manchester City's gloom in Norway.
Kasper Hogh's double in the first period, plus Jens Petter Hauge's effort after the break at the jubilant Aspmyra Stadion, sparked a massive shock.
Rayan Cherki responded post-Hauge's strike, but Rodri's sending off for two yellows left City disarrayed and braced for a lengthy return journey.
Though the surface was synthetic, the outcome was genuine, marking Bodo/Glimt's inaugural league phase triumph and boosting their playoff aspirations.
"Since the start of the year, numerous factors have turned against us in various ways," Guardiola commented.
"I am aware of Bodo's quality. I never took them lightly. I do not know everything about them, but they made the Europa League semi-finals last term and appeared mentally sharp.
Relief for Tottenham
"We were missing key personnel in several areas who provide stability to the squad. They seem somewhat vulnerable, similar to a phase last season.
"The way they battled with 10 men against 11, several players stepped up, yet we need to shift the momentum swiftly for the upcoming Wolves clash and then the finale versus Galatasaray."
In other action, beleaguered Tottenham manager Thomas Frank found welcome relief as his team triumphed 2-0 over Borussia Dortmund, positioning Spurs for automatic knockout progression.
Copenhagen drew 1-1 with Napoli, Olympiacos overcame Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at home, Ajax edged Villarreal 2-1 away, and Kairat Almaty posed no threat of their first points haul, as the league's lowest ranked side lost 4-1 to Club Brugge.
On Wednesday, the seventh matchday wraps up with Mohamed Salah returning to Liverpool post his fourth-place finish with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, as Arne Slot's team visits Marseille.
Chelsea's incoming coach Liam Rosenior experiences Champions League action for the first time in a home fixture against Pafos, while dominant Bundesliga frontrunners Bayern Munich host Union St-Gilloise.