🖐️ Things we learned from Tuesday's Champions League action

The Champions League did not disappoint on Tuesday evening as we saw surprises, outstanding solo performances and a classic REmontada in Madrid.

Here's what happened.

It's in the blood

No lead is safe when it comes to Real Madrid in the Champions League and Borussia Dortmund learned that lesson the hard way in their 5-2 defeat to the Spanish giants.

Things looked rather rosy for the visitors in the first half as they opened up a two-goal lead before half-time, but it was explained to them why opposing fans and players feel like the Santiago Bernabéu is being jinxed on these pitches big Champions League evenings.

Five second-half goals from the hosts, including a hat-trick from Vinicius Junior, meant Real Madrid blew Dortmund away and inflicted further suffering on them after last season's final victory.

With the firepower at their disposal, you wouldn't count them out in any game, no matter the score.

And to think they're still figuring out how to put all the pieces together! If they do, pay attention…

Shades of 2017 from Monaco

Football is far from the main topic of conversation in Monaco's cafes and pubs, but every now and then we see an excellent team Stade Louis II playing field.

After beating Red Star Belgrade 5-1 on Tuesday night, the Ligue 1 outfit ensured they remain unbeaten in all competitions this season and did so in style.

A brace and assists from Takumi Minamino were a nice reminder of how skilled the Japanese striker can be on his day. It may have been the first time he scored in the competition since 2019, but it was a night to remember for the former Liverpool man.

Monaco has been out of the picture in the Champions League and Ligue 1 since the brilliant 2016/17 team that reached the semi-finals and won Ligue 1 in the Champions League and Ligue 1.

After beating a new-look Barcelona side on the opening day of this season's Champions League, they showed they can compete with the big boys. Could this team give the 16/17 team a run for their money this season?

Viktor Gyökeres remains Europe's most wanted man

The Scandinavian strikers may just be the new Brazilian wingers, with Viktor Gyökeres quickly making himself Europe's most wanted man in the upcoming transfer windows.

The former Coventry man showed why he is so sought after by putting Sporting two ahead with an impressive display of pace, power and finishing ability in Austria on Tuesday night.

It was the striker's 13th goal in as many games and his second in the Champions League.

There is a long list of reasons why the Swede will move to one of Europe's biggest clubs in the next ten months, and every point on the list was on display in the Champions League this week.

How high is his ceiling?

Arsenal continue to miss the reckless finish

A win at this stage of the Champions League is a victory for a club like Arsenal, who want to become one of the big players in the competition again. But if they want to achieve this feat, they must learn to be more ruthless in front of goal.

The Gunners were perhaps lucky to take all three points after only managing an own goal to take the lead and missing the chance to double the lead through Leandro Trossard's penalty spot.

Mikel Arteta's side have shown this season that they allow opposing teams some of the ball possession, but their strong defense has ensured things are solid – that may not be entirely sustainable.

Perhaps a Scandinavian striker mentioned earlier in this article could make a difference…

Juventus look refreshed but still have a lot to learn

Juventus had been feeling stale for years before Thiago Motta arrived and some young, up-and-coming stars found their way into the new manager's plans.

But Tuesday night's home defeat to Stuttgart showed us that they still have a lot to learn before they regain their place in the top flight of European football.

While the veteran Danilo was sent off in the final minutes, players like Kenan Yıldız, Khéphren Thuram, Nicolò Savona and Juan Cabal have never hit the wall in the Champions League in their careers.

This group of youth has a lot of room to grow, and they will grow. However, this growth will not come without pain on the way to reintegrating into the picture.

It must be added that Stuttgart were deserved winners on a famous evening for the club and its highly respected coach Sebastian Hoeneß.