Subbed CR7, Wonder Rodrygo & Walker in goal... Things learned from last night

Last night was jam-packed with action as the Champions League group stages took another step toward completion.

Bayern are headed to UCL last 16 after earning a 2-0 win over a lacklustre Olympiacoc; Douglas Costa sent Juventus through to the last 16 with a 93rd-minute winner in a 2-1 away victory over Lokomotiv; 

Rodrygo scored a hat-trick and Benzema also hit a double with an emphatic 6-0 win over Galatasaray; Son Heung-min scored twice as Tottenham beat Red Star Belgrade 4-0 to end their barren away run; And Man City finished with Walker in goal as their progression was stalled by Atalanta in a dramatic 1-1 draw. Also, A lacklustre Arsenal were held to a late 1-1 draw by Vitoria in the Europa League.

There were some memorable moments, What did we learn?

Ronaldo made to wait for new UCL record

Ronaldo's records in the competition are almost too numerous to list, but there is one which he is yet to attain.

His goal against Leverkusen on matchday 2 meant that the Germans were the 33rd club he has scored against in the Champions League and it saw him equal the mark set by his former teammate and Real icon Raul Gonzalez.

Messi soon joined the pair when he scored against Slavia on matchday 3, but the fixtures against Lokomotiv offered Ronaldo an opportunity to steer clear of the legendary duo.

However, for all of his best efforts, he could not find a way past Guilherme, as the Brazilian was in inspired form, while Ramsey's opener might well have gone into the back of the net had the Welsh international not poked the ball in.

Having failed to find the net over both legs against the Russians, it means that Ronaldo would have to wait until at least the knockout rounds to get the record, while Messi's upcoming fixtures against Dortmund and Inter could see him have the record all to himself if he scores against either.

Douglas Costa steps up to make the difference

Against Lokomotiv, the 29-year-old did his starting chances a world of good with a well-taken goal in injury time.

He had combined well with Gonzalo Higuain in the buildup, then showed good close control and quick feet before slotting a fine finish past Guilherme to give Juventus all three points with few minutes left to play in the game.

The goal was his first this calendar year and if he can stay fit, there is no doubt that he would play a key role in Juventus' charge on all fronts this season.

Rodrygo takes his chance centre-stage

Rodrygo made Champions League history on an unforgettable night for him and his development going forward. Not only did he score a hat-trick on just his second appearance in the competition, but he becomes the youngest Real Madrid player since Raúl in 1995 to score for the club - and scored the quickest Champions League brace of all-time two minutes later.

Despite a solid but unspectacular showing on Matchday 3, the 18-year-old Brazilian has firmly exploded onto the scene after his performance here: catching Galatasaray off-guard from minute one, full of purpose and proving an ever-present threat too. 

The visitors were slipping and sliding all over the place as they couldn't live with him, on an evening where he grew in confidence and made the Bernabeu fans purr with excitement over his world-class potential.

Benzema's tireless display earns memorable brace

Since the Ronaldo's departure, Benzema has stepped up to the plate and although he doesn't always score, the forward continues to deliver tireless displays which justify why he has such longevity at one of the world's best and biggest clubs.

With 88% pass success (45 completed), he won three duels while continuing to prove himself as a reliable passing outlet (67 touches) given the visitors were caught in two minds whether to mark him or attach more attention on Real's wingers.

His two goals were both straightforward close-range efforts, teed up by Rodrygo and Carvajal - though he had to get into those dangerous positions to begin with and has an uncanny ability to find himself unmarked in those situations. 

Then he turned creator to return the favour with a neat through pass for Rodrygo in stoppage-time. A well-taken brace and assist taking him up to nine goals and five assists for the campaign.

Ederson injury could leave City's season in tatters

Is there an image that suggests carnage more than the sight of your right back wearing goalkeeper gloves? Either way, Man City’s season could be under threat after Ederson’s half time substitution through injury. The Brazilian made way for Claudio Bravo, who failed to make a save before showcasing his capacity to complicate proceedings when his despairing challenge forced City to play with 10 men.

The Chilean will be available should Ederson not make the crucial Liverpool game on Sunday. But this may not be of any reassurance to City fans. Tonight he made less saves (0) than Kyle Walker (1).

On his fitness Guardiola told reporters after the game that Ederson “didn’t feel comfortable” and that he was taken off “to avoid risk”.  The Catalan boss added that he doesn’t know whether the Brazilian will be fit for the Anfield clash.

Bernardo the heir to David?

The meme where Spiderman points at his identical counterpart has never felt more appropriate. 

David Silva may have been Man City’s most consistent performer for nearly a decade, and his departure next summer may leave a huge void in midfield but, in Bernardo, City have the perfect Silva lining.

City’s goal tonight proved that, as Raheem Sterling’s interception gave Bernardo all the time and space he needed to slot a ball through to his front man Gabriel Jesus, who then teed up the Englishman to finish the move he started.

The Portuguese midfielder spent much of the evening in a classic no.10 position, picking up space and creating it for others when he occasionally drifted back out wide. 

Perfect tonic for Son

After a miserable few days in the aftermath of injuring Andre Gomes on Sunday, two second-half goals – both emphatic, close-range finishes – proved the perfect tonic for Heung-min Son.

Two goals on a plate – the first after brilliant work from Ndombele, the second made by Kane – left Son looking back his best and he appeared to offer an apology to Gomes when celebrating the first with his hands together , as in if prayer.

Pochettino must have been tempted to rest the forward, or even leave him at home altogether, so the Argentine also deserves credit for impressive man-management.

Son's double took him to five goals in just four Champions League appearances this season, netting in three straight games in the competition for the first time in his career.

Arsenal are bad and should feel bad

Arsenal have had a troubled season, really. They’ve not played well and have often needed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to save them. The Europa League had been a safe haven though, a place where the Gunners could forget their troubles and show their skills. 

Gabriel Martinelli was playing and producing Ronaldo-esque number, Joe Willock and Bukayo Saka showed that Arsenal had a bright future, they had won three out of three games, it was all good.

Tonight was a reality-check, where Arsenal’s domestic troubles came back to haunt them. A lack of clarity over what tactics they’re playing, bizarre rotation and decisions that simply don’t maximise all the talent available to the side. 

There was no Aubameyang, nor a miracle from Nicolas Pepe as there had been two weeks ago. No, this was Arsenal’s true nature laid bare for all to see. 

They are a bad side with a handful of brilliant players capable of carrying the side from week-to-week, but the basic structure of the side is quite simply terrible.

Have Bayern become too reliant on Lewandowski?

 On Wednesday, the hosts controlled the game and enjoyed possession for a majority of it. Yet, their attacking play alarmingly lacked conviction and a cutting edge.

However, akin to many a time before, a certain Polish striker stood up when the chips were down, ultimately scoring the opener. Lewandowski’s strike was his 21st of the season, which is just a shade more than 50% of the goals Bayern have scored in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

Apart from the forward’s goal, there was very little the home side created from open play and when the opposition was willing to defend stoutly; a pattern that has recurred quite frequently over the past couple of seasons.

And, though it might be too premature to jump to conclusions, one can’t help but wonder if Bayern are actually becoming too dependent on their Polish striker.