Euro Showdowns: Bayern at PSG and Madrid’s Liverpool Quest

Battle of the Contenders: Bayern at PSG

Bayern Munich head to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League’s fourth round to test whether their blistering domestic form translates to Europe, while Real Madrid travel to Liverpool for a heavyweight fixture.

Bayern have won 15 matches across all competitions, setting a record for the best start to a season in Europe’s five major leagues. Facing the European champions on their own soil will reveal where the Bavarians stand this season.

They have not trailed in most games, except for a five-minute lapse in the German Cup win over Köln on Wednesday, a rare blip in a flawless topple of opponents.

In the Bundesliga’s weekend clash with Bayer Leverkusen, coach Vincent Kompany left Kane, Colombian winger Luis Diaz, French winger Michael Olise, and French defender Dayot Upamecano on the bench for portions of the game.

The first half ended 3-0, boosted by Serge Gnabry’s return to form and the continued development of Senegalese loanee Nicolas Jackson, who is growing into his role at the club.

“We’ve won 15 matches; that’s good. But we must keep going. This is not enough yet,” Kompany told Bayern supporters at the club’s gathering on Sunday.

PSG and Madrid’s Tests, and Alonso’s Homecoming

PSG, typically dominant at home, must prove their mettle in Europe. Last season they finally reached the continental peak, lifting the Champions League title after a big win over Inter Milan.

Despite a Ligue 1 lead that has not always been smooth, PSG have kept their strongest European form, securing three league wins to stay level on points with Bayern, Inter, Arsenal, and Real Madrid on the continental stage.

The tie-setting narrative expands as Real Madrid’s coach Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield to face his former club, while Liverpool try to steady a wobbling domestic run. Real Madrid has enjoyed a thriving spell under Alonso, whose midfield mastery helped Liverpool lift the Champions League in Istanbul in 2005 before his move to Madrid.

After a season with Bayer Leverkusen following his Liverpool tenure, Alonso rejoined Real Madrid and quickly left a mark, with the team winning 13 of 14 matches this season. He has emphasized defense and balance, telling fans that “to win trophies, you must defend well and keep a clean sheet.”

Alonso plans training in Madrid before heading to Merseyside, joking, “We prefer to practice at home in our space, so they don’t flood us with cameras.” He also depends on Mbappe’s 18 goals this season and sees Jude Bellingham regaining his earlier form as key components for Madrid’s success.

Liverpool, under Dutch coach Arne Slot, beat Aston Villa 2-0 to snap a four-match losing streak in the Premier League and rise to third place, setting the stage for a demanding week of European football. Arsenal, atop the English standings, host Slavia Prague as they seek to stay flawless in the group stage and avoid an unwanted slip in the Czech Republic.

Madrid’s recent results have strengthened Alonso’s position, while Liverpool look to rebound in a clash that could redefine the balance of power in Europe this season.

All eyes are on the simulations of two coaches who know this stage well: Bayern’s relentless charge, PSG’s European pedigree, and Real Madrid’s new-era momentum under Alonso.

In a week where the continent’s best collide, expect chessboard-like adjustments, dynamic lines, and moments that will be remembered long after the final whistle.

Two punchlines to close: 1) If football were a math problem, Bayern would be solving for x—the number of goals they’re about to score. 2) And if goal celebrations had a union, they'd strike until the coffee is as strong as a defender’s resolve.