5 Things We Learned From Last Week’s Fixtures (AND a Bonus)

The relentless pace of football continues to test the mentality and depth of Europe’s top clubs, with the past week delivering critical results across the UEFA Champions League and major domestic fixtures. While some teams used the big occasions to redefine their season, others showed worrying signs of regression. Here are five key takeaways from the action:

1. Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea Always Thrive Against The Best Opponents

Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, consistently demonstrate a unique determination when facing Europe’s elite, often thriving in the high-pressure environment of the big match. This determination was evident in their recent 3-0 Champions League drubbing of Barcelona midweek, and it extends back to their FIFA Club World Cup Final victory against PSG and over the weekend, the pattern continued as they battled league leaders Arsenal to an admirable 1-1 draw despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half. This tenacious, organized performance against their London rivals, anchored by the “imperious” leadership and defensive work of captain Reece James, confirms that Chelsea are constantly galvanizing themselves against their biggest opponents.

2. Real Madrid’s Regression Continues with Alarming Away Struggles

The early-season optimism at Real Madrid has been entirely replaced by concern as their form continues to regress to the maddening instability of the previous campaign. Their latest setback was a frustrating 1-1 draw away to 18th-place Girona, an outcome that confirmed their failure to secure a win in three consecutive La Liga away fixtures (Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona). The team’s lethargic attacks and awful tracking of runners in defense were painfully visible, requiring a second-half Kylian Mbappé penalty just to salvage a point. With a daunting away trip to San Mamés vs Athletic Club next on the calendar, the crisis is deepening for Xabi Alonso’s side.

3. PSG Have Finally Lost Their Grip on Ligue 1

For years, the French league title has been viewed as a procession for Paris Saint-Germain, but that era of dominance might have ended. Following their shocking 1-0 defeat away to Monaco this weekend, PSG were officially knocked off the top spot by Lens. The race for the title is now wide open. PSG’s second position in fact only retained its stability because their previous nearest challenger, Marseille, failed to capitalize, drawing 2-2 against Toulouse at home. This sudden, genuine competition confirms that the wealth of talent in the capital is no longer enough to guarantee domestic control, injecting real jeopardy into the Ligue 1 season.

4. Atlético Madrid Are Showing the Clinical Form Expected This Summer

While Real Madrid stumbled, their city rivals Atlético Madrid are peaking at the right time. They secured a 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo this weekend, marking their seventh straight win across all competitions. This impressive run of clinical football demonstrates that Diego Simeone’s side is finally showing the potent form that was expected after their significant summer investment, completely moving past their rather disgraceful start to the season. Crucially, this streak has allowed Atleti to rapidly close the points gap on the struggling Real Madrid as well as leaders Barcelona, reinserting themselves squarely into the La Liga title conversation. They take on Barcelona in their next fixture, with a chance to go top of the table.

5. Ademola Lookman and Atalanta Are Finding Form in Tandem

Atalanta appears to be emerging from their earlier slump, powered by the resurgent form of forward Ademola Lookman. The Super Eagles star has been pivotal in the club’s recent resurgence, which saw them secure two crucial victories: a dominant 3-0 win away to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League midweek, and a solid 2-0 win against Fiorentina in Serie A over the weekend. Lookman was instrumental in both, scoring his first Champions League goal against Frankfurt (and adding an assist), before finding the net again in the league. This consistency suggests that the forward has recovered his confidence, and Atalanta’s overall game is clicking perfectly under their new coach.

BONUS :

Filipe Luís Looks Like Diego Simeone’s Inevitable Successor at Atlético Madrid

The final piece of news from South America directly impacts Atlético Madrid’s future. Just this weekend, Atleti legend Filipe Luís guided his Brazilian club, Flamengo, to win the Copa Libertadores Final. This victory made him only the ninth person in history to win the prestigious continental trophy as both a player and a coach, achieving the feat in the shortest time ever after retirement. His rapid success with a tactical, modern style of football, combined with his deep history and affection for Atleti, confirms his position as the universally accepted and highly valued front-runner to succeed Diego Simeone when the Argentine eventually departs.

The relentless cycle of football has confirmed the volatility at the top of Europe’s leagues, from Real Madrid’s domestic wobble to the open nature of the title races in France and Spain. This intense weekend of action serves as the perfect curtain-raiser, as the spotlight now shifts entirely back to the continent for the return of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League fixtures this week.