Jose Mourinho was minutes from being a weekend loser before Alexis Sanchez saved the day, but no such luck for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
WINNERS
Josè Mourinho
The Special One. Unique in the way he celebrated in front of the cameras after his team’s comeback. Losing 2-0 after 15 minutes at home, it all seemed over against Newcastle United. It isn’t clear what happened next; if the players decided to play to their level or if they decided to do it for the manager.
But what is clear is the final result: 3-2 to Manchester United, with Alexis Sanchez – probably the most criticised player of the Mourinho era – heading home the winning goal in the final minutes. Pure Mourinho style. We’ll find out if it’ll be the turning point for his time at United in the upcoming weeks.
Kylian Mbappe
The PSG striker’s first Paris Saint-Germain hat-trick, followed by his first game with four goals. Paris demolished Lyon and the young world champion showed once again how incredible he can be.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJfoowBbCxk[/fve]
Juventus
Ten games, ten wins this season in all competitions. The ease with which Juve put two past Udinese away is testament to the dominance of this team in Italy. It’s a dominance that seems to be translating to Europe too, with two wins in two Champions League games. The most in-form team in Europe.
Rennes
One of the biggest upsets of the weekend, as Rennes travelled to Monaco and came home with three points. The visitors scored a goal either half, with Damien Da Silva and Hatem Ben Arfa on the scoresheet, as Radamel Falcao netted the equaliser in the middle. A huge away win against a team that only two season ago were crowned champions but are now desperately struggling.
LOSERS
Real Madrid
Four games in a row without scoring, four without winning. And now the defeat to Alaves. Julen Lopetegui is struggling. Big time. A team that has Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Marco Asensio, Isco and the likes shouldn’t depend on the coach. But aside from who is to blame, Madrid have lost a game they should have won on paper, and find themselves in the most difficult moment since the Rafa Benitez era. There’s plenty of time to put things in order, as they’re still near the top in La Liga and in the Champions League group. The international break couldn’t have come at a better time.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sya6BraadEU[/fve]
Bayern Munich
Niko Kovac is up there with Lopetegui in the group of the most criticised managers in Europe: Bayern are currently sixth in the Bundesliga, coming from a horrendous 3-0 home defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach at the weekend, following the sloppy draw in the Champions League. Bayern never seemed like they could get back in the game on the weekend, struggling to be themselves. Another team happy to get some time off during the break.
Barcelona
The fourth game without a win, as the crisis continues in La Liga, despite the great win at Wembley in the Champions League against Tottenham. Lionel Messi confirmed the great form, but others need to step up if Barcelona want to be at the top level.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr4XcI4zH4w[/fve]
Riyad Mahrez
Manchester City’s result at Liverpool isn’t a bad one – with a draw at Anfield – but it could’ve been better: Mahrez was the chosen one to win the game from the penalty spot and missed it. An error that could result in being decisive this season, with such a balanced title race.
