Brugge, Belgium & Europe – Arsenal extended their flawless start in the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 3-0 victory at Club Brugge, keeping their 100 percent record intact. Noni Madueke scored twice, while Gabriel Martinelli added a third to secure Arsenal’s sixth win in as many group matches, virtually guaranteeing a top-eight finish and direct entry into the round of 16.

Arsenal Shine Despite Injuries

Arsenal fielded a rotated squad, giving Gabriel Jesus his first minutes in nearly a year as a second-half substitute. Madueke opened the scoring with a thunderous 25th-minute strike, then headed home his second goal early in the second half. Martinelli completed the scoring nine minutes later, marking his fifth Champions League goal of the season.

Sixteen-year-old Marli Salmon also made his senior debut at right back, becoming Arsenal’s fourth-youngest player to feature in a competitive match.

“I feel like we can win this competition and win the league,” said Madueke after the win.

Brugge were in turmoil following the recent sacking of coach Nicky Hayen, with Ivan Leko taking charge for his second spell.

PSG Held in Bilbao

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain played out a 0-0 draw at Athletic Bilbao, missing key chances despite dominating spells. Goalkeeper Unai Simon denied PSG on multiple occasions, while Ousmane Dembele’s absence was keenly felt.

PSG remain third in the group standings with 13 points, while Bilbao sit 28th with five points. PSG will next face Sporting Lisbon, and Bilbao host Atalanta.

“We have to do more. Sometimes we’re not at our level – we have to keep working,” said PSG fullback Nuno Mendes.

Other Group Highlights

• Newcastle United 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen: Alex Grimaldo’s late goal rescued a draw for the hosts after Newcastle had led 2-1 with goals from Anthony Gordon and Lewis Miley.
• Napoli 0-2 Benfica: Italian champions suffered a shock defeat in Lisbon.
• Juventus 2-0 Pafos: Weston McKennie scored to secure victory.
• Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Bodo/Glimt: Norway’s debutants equalised twice, denting Dortmund’s top-eight hopes.
• Ajax 4-2 Qarabag: Late goals sealed a comeback win in Baku.
• Villarreal 2-3 Copenhagen: A late Copenhagen surge earned them the win.

With just a few group-stage matches left, teams are scrambling for direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16 or spots in the playoff round.