The UEFA Champions League reaches its midpoint this week amid a flurry of goals, with several high-stakes matchups across the league phase. Liverpool's prolific European form contrasts sharply with their domestic struggles, Porto face a critical home game against Napoli, and Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy looks to extend his scoring run against Real Betis.
Liverpool's attacking concerns
Liverpool have scored 12 goals in their first three Champions League games, with Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai among the scorers. However, in the Premier League they have managed only 11 goals in nine matches, ranking 11th for expected goals (xG). The team takes nearly 40% of shots from outside the box and leads Europe's top five leagues with 37.9% of shots blocked. Their Champions League xG of 7.23 suggests the high-scoring run may be flattered by favorable opponents such as LASK and Villarreal.
Porto's must-win scenario
Porto sit 35th in the league phase with zero points after three games. A home defeat to Napoli would likely end their knockout hopes, as projection models indicate nine points may be the cut-off after eight matches. Manager Francesco Farioli acknowledged the need for greater effectiveness, saying the team must raise its level. Porto have mustered only 30 shots worth 2.7 xG in the competition, with strikers Samu Aghehowa and Andre Silva combining for just four shots. The Portuguese side's domestic form has not translated to the European stage.
Guirassy's threat to Real Betis
Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy has 23 goals in 31 Champions League appearances, including a hat-trick against Barcelona in 2025. He has scored in every encounter with Spanish opposition and comes off a poacher's finish in a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich. Real Betis, despite conceding just over 2.5 xG in three European games, rank 18th in La Liga for set-piece xG allowed and goals conceded, potentially offering Guirassy another opportunity to exploit aerial situations.
