Tuesday’s Champions League action delivered a staggering 40 goals across nine fixtures, headlined by Liverpool and Manchester City’s dominant victories. The marquee clash also lived up to expectations as Paris Saint-Germain overturned a deficit to defeat Barcelona 4-2, despite losing Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to injury.
Wednesday promises another compelling slate. Real Madrid’s record signing Yan Diomandé faces his former club RB Leipzig, while Inter Milan attempt to rebound from their surprise loss to Club Brugge—whose striker has captured Europe’s attention. The standout fixture, however, takes place at the Allianz Arena.
Arsenal test Bayern Munich’s squad depth
When these sides met 11 months ago, Arsenal offered perhaps the clearest validation yet of Mikel Arteta’s recruitment strategy. Missing all three senior centre-forwards and defensive linchpin Gabriel, the visitors not only fielded competitive lineups but improved as the match progressed—even after losing Leandro Trossard shortly after the half-hour mark. Arteta’s substitutes, whom he dubs “finishers,” proved decisive: Riccardo Calafiori provided a brilliant assist for Noni Madueke before Gabriel Martinelli exploited space behind Manuel Neuer to seal the win.
That pattern—tight contests broken open by bench strength—has defined Arsenal since the start of last season. Substitutes have contributed 28 goals across all competitions, including match-winners against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks. More crucially, Arteta’s squad depth allowed the team to withstand an injury crisis that deprived them of their first-choice attack until the eve of their Premier League title triumph. While standards dipped slightly after that Bayern victory—Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze are not Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard, but they sufficed—Arsenal’s defence remained elite despite William Saliba’s year-long absence, aided by England international Ezri Konsa’s reliability.
Bayern possess no such safety net. The Bundesliga’s standards have not yet descended to Ligue 1 levels, meaning Vincent Kompany cannot afford extensive rotation domestically. Furthermore, the German calendar—four fewer league matches and a single domestic cup—does not exhaust top clubs like the English schedule. Only 18 Bayern players have reached triple-figure minutes this season; by May, perhaps only Serge Gnabry will join them. Arsenal, by contrast, should comfortably exceed 23 or 24.
Current absences exacerbate Bayern’s thin margins. Michael Olise is suspended and Jamal Musiala injured, likely forcing Ismaël Saibari and Lennart Karl into starting roles, with Gnabry the sole senior forward capable of altering a tight match from the bench. Joshua Kimmich missed Tuesday’s training for personal reasons but is expected to feature; any limitation could see 21-year-old Tom Bischof introduced.
None of these players lack quality, nor do backup full-backs Josip Stanišić and Nathaniel Brown. However, they lack the profile of game-changers against elite opposition. Meanwhile, Arsenal can likely summon Bruno Guimarães, Martín Zubimendi, Ben White, Gyökeres and Eze. The first 60-70 minutes promise parity; what follows may decide the tie.
Viewing information — Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Bayern Munich +105; Draw +270; Arsenal +210
Is Tresoldi this season’s breakout striker?
The elite-level sample remains modest, yet Nicolo Tresoldi’s Champions League form explains the multi-nation, multi-club tug-of-war for his services. Coveted by Germany and Italy internationally, the 22-year-old has been linked with Inter, AC Milan, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton. That interest will only intensify after his hat-trick against Inter—a performance that scarcely looks like an outlier. Since joining the Belgian side at the start of last season, Tresoldi has eight Champions League goals, including two penalties this campaign and another in a qualifier against Rangers.
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Tresoldi is not merely on a hot streak; he is slightly outperforming his 8.8 expected goals (xG)—nearly one xG per 90 minutes alongside almost four shots. These are elite numbers against frequently elite opposition, complemented by strong domestic returns. Wyscout data shows 1.03 xG per 90 in the Belgian Pro League, and his shot selection reveals an uncoachable poacher’s instinct.
While he may enjoy more time against La Louvière than against Europe’s top-five leagues, Club Brugge’s recent export record inspires confidence. Loïs Openda, Antonio Nusa, Igor Thiago and Christos Tzolis have all transitioned swiftly and successfully. Given Tresoldi already appears equipped for the highest level, the Champions League will likely see much more of him—the only question is in which colours.
Viewing information — Club Brugge vs. Lens
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Jan Breydel Stadium, Bruges, Belgium
Live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Club Brugge +100; Draw +275; Lens +225
Diomandé’s Leipzig reunion
Recent weeks have been kind to Yan Diomandé at Real Madrid. Increased playing time has showcased the talent that made him a star for RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast at the World Cup—though his manager sees room for growth.
After a purposeful run and ferocious finish earned Diomandé a goal to accompany his assist in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Sevilla, José Mourinho offered a blunt assessment: “He has a lot to improve and a lot of room for improvement. He’s young, naive, and an unfinished product. At Real Madrid, the level of demand is very high.
“Instead of playing with the number 25 on his back, he’s playing with the 125 [million euros] they paid for him.” A classic Mourinho blend of carrot and stick. “He’s growing and needs to improve his finishing,” he added. “He often reaches dangerous areas and struggles to relax in the final moment, make better assists, and lift his head to see his teammates.”
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In fairness, Mourinho expressed confidence in Diomandé’s trajectory, comparing him to an early Vinícius Júnior—a comparison that may undersell the Ivorian. Vinícius managed 15 goals in 118 games across his first three Madrid seasons; Diomandé has two goals and three assists in just 11 appearances.
Early days demand caveats—limited minutes, many as a substitute, and variable opposition quality. Yet among players with 400+ minutes in Europe’s top five leagues, Diomandé leads successful one-on-ones at 4.74 per 90, alongside 1.59 non-penalty expected goals and assists per 90. If this represents a level that fails to satisfy Mourinho, the ceiling appears remarkably high.
Viewing information — Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
Live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Real Madrid -400; Draw +500; RB Leipzig +750