The latest weekend in European football was packed with drama, intense matches, and controversial decisions that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments and performances:

Liverpool vs Arsenal: A Tactical Battle

Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield, but the match highlighted that both teams are still finding their rhythm this season. Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick in the second half proved to be the difference, but the game was far from a classic. Both sides struggled to create clear chances, with Liverpool recording their first shot on target only after the hour mark. Arsenal, missing key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, opted for a cautious approach, which ultimately backfired.

VAR Controversy in Fulham vs Chelsea

VAR once again took center stage as Fulham had a legitimate goal disallowed in their 2-0 loss to Chelsea. The decision to rule out Josh King’s goal for a supposed foul on Trevoh Chalobah was widely criticized, with the Premier League’s refereeing body, PGMOL, admitting the error. The incident overshadowed Chelsea’s performance, which was far from convincing despite the win.

Real Madrid’s Perfect Start Continues

Real Madrid maintained their 100% record in LaLiga with a 2-1 victory over Mallorca. While the result was positive, the performance left questions about Xabi Alonso’s tactical setup. Vinícius Júnior’s late goal sealed the win, but Madrid’s reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play was evident.

Key Takeaways:

• Liverpool and Arsenal are still works in progress, with both teams needing to improve their attacking cohesion.
• VAR continues to be a source of controversy, with decisions like the one in the Fulham-Chelsea match raising questions about its implementation.
• Real Madrid are getting results, but their performances suggest there’s still room for improvement under Xabi Alonso.

As the season progresses, these narratives will continue to evolve, but one thing is clear: European football remains as unpredictable and exciting as ever.