Champions League takeaways: Vinicius Junior makes case for world’s best; USMNT’s Christian Pulisic stars

Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League action served as a spotlight for some of the sport’s current stars and most in-form talents, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Christian Pulisic and Viktor Gyokeres kicking off Matchday 3 in fine form. Vinicius was the standout for Real Madrid as his hat trick led their come-from-behind victory over Borussia Dortmund at home, while AC Milan’s first Champions League win of the season came on the back of crucial personnel decisions by manager Paulo Fonseca. Sporting Lisbon, meanwhile, kept their unbeaten run alive as Gyokeres stakes his claim as Europe’s next top striker.

Here are takeaways from Tuesday’s action.

Tuesday’s results

• Monaco 5, Crvena Zvezda 1
• AC Milan 3, Club Brugge 1
• Arsenal 1, Shakhtar Donetsk 0
• Juventus 0, Stuttgart 1
• Sturm Graz 0, Sporting Lisbon 2
• Real Madrid 5, Borussia Dortmund 2
• Paris Saint-Germain 1, PSV 1
• Girona 2, Slovan Bratislava 0
• Aston Villa 2, Bologna 0

Vinicius steals the show

Real Madrid may only be a few weeks removed from their Matchday 2 loss at Lille, but the European champions have shown time and time again that they should not be counted out. The feeling of an inevitable victory is a defining aspect of this team, especially so in a new era of the Galacticos. Even as Real Madrid become known for their stacked roster, though, one star continues to shine brighter than the rest – Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius’ second-half hatt rick led the way for Real Madrid’s 5-2 victory, his goals serving both the functionality of necessity and the jaw-dropping skill that dominates a highlight reel. He provides the benefit of an all-star team on his own, either delivering on his team’s promise as they racked up shot after shot or digging them out of a hole on their imperfect days. The feeling of inevitable victory for Real Madrid comes in large part because major contributions from Vincius feel inevitable, with Tuesday’s match offering the latest example.

His hat trick against Dortmund creates the perfect setting ahead of next week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he is rumored to win the award for the first time. Whether or not Vinicius picks up the individual accolade, though, it’s clear that he is the face of Real Madrid’s latest era of dominance. He delivers constantly, including with goals in the 2022 and 2024 Champions League finals, encapsulating what it means to be a big-time player.

Pulisic, Reijnders succeed, Leao falters for Milan

AC Milan finally won their first Champions League game of the season on Tuesday, beating a 10-man Club Brugge 3-1 on a day that was defined by Fonseca’s team selection.

Fonseca’s easiest decision likely came when he named Christian Pulisic to the lineup, who notched his sixth goal in 11 games across all competitions to give his side the lead in the first half. The hot streak was matched by the style points on Tuesday, with the American scoring one of the best goals of the day through an olimpico.

Milan conceded an equalizer in the 51st minute, prompting Fonseca to make a major decision that paid off – taking off Rafael Leao with 30 minutes on the clock. Leao had 15 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season but has struggled for form this season, scoring just once in 11 games so far this season. Tijjani Reijnders scored a minute after Leao’s exit and then clinched man of the match honors by completing a brace in the 71st minute as Leao’s replacement Samuel Chukwueze notched the assist. Milan looked at their best in that final half-hour, perhaps offering a glimpse at a winning strategy as they aim to put an inconsistent start to the season behind them.

Gyokeres’ breakout season continues

While Vinicius Junior is the star of the day, Sporting Lisbon’s Gyokeres is undoubtedly one of the game’s most exciting breakout talents. The 26-year-old Swede notched his second Champions League goal of the season in Sporting’s 2-0 win over Sturm Graz, taking his team up to third place in the league phase standings midway through Matchday 3. Gyokeres made easy work of Sturm Graz’s defense, outpacing and outmaneuvering them to add to his goal tally.

Gyokeres’ goal is equally as astonishing as his goal tally this season. He has 12 goals and four assists in 13 games across all competitions this season and currently ranks within the Champions League’s top 10 for shots with 10 after two games. The impressive form does not end there – he has registered a goal contribution in all but four games this season for club and country, making him one of the most fascinating players to follow so far this season. He showed no signs of slowing down on Tuesday and will no doubt be worth keeping an eye on as Sporting continue a strong start to their European campaign.