Victor Osimhen delivered a masterclass in Amsterdam, scoring three goals to lead Galatasaray to a 3-0 victory over Ajax on Wednesday night. The prolific striker's clinical performance highlighted a dramatic Matchday 4 that saw the Champions League league phase reach its halfway mark.
Manchester City and Inter both extended their perfect records, while Barcelona and Club Brugge played out a six-goal thriller in Belgium. Debutants Pafos claimed their first-ever Champions League win, and Newcastle kept their third consecutive clean sheet.
Osimhen became just the second player to score a Champions League hat-trick for Galatasaray, following Burak Yılmaz's treble against CFR Cluj in 2012.
How Did Osimhen Dismantle Ajax's Defence?
The Nigerian striker went close in the first half but was denied by a fine save from Remko Pasveer. That proved to be only a temporary reprieve for the Dutch side.
Osimhen broke through by stooping to head in a wonderful cross from Leroy Sané. He then added two penalties, both awarded for fouls, to complete his treble and secure all three points for the Turkish champions.
Can Manchester City and Inter Maintain Perfect Starts?
Inter kept their flawless record intact with a 2-1 victory over Kairat Almaty at San Siro. Lautaro Martínez scrambled the ball in during the 45th minute to give the hosts the lead, though visiting goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov had been in fine form.
Ofri Arad levelled within ten minutes of the restart, heading in after Inter failed to clear a corner. That was the first goal Cristian Chivu's side had conceded in this season's competition. Carlos Augusto sealed victory 12 minutes later when he drilled into the net from range.
Manchester City inflicted Borussia Dortmund's first defeat of the league phase with a 4-1 thumping. Phil Foden swept in expertly midway through the first half, before Erling Haaland grabbed his 27th goal for club and country this season seven minutes later with a powerful effort.
Foden claimed his first Champions League double with almost a carbon copy of his opener shortly before the hour. Waldemar Anton cut the deficit by turning in Julian Ryerson's cross, but substitute Rayan Cherki restored the three-goal lead in added time after a surging run.
What Happened in the Club Brugge vs Barcelona Thriller?
Barcelona equalised three times to eventually draw 3-3 in a scintillating contest in Bruges. After Nicolo Tresoldi and Ferran Torres traded early strikes, Carlos Forbs curled in from a counterattack to give Club Brugge a half-time lead.
Lamine Yamal then completed a dazzling run by levelling, but a delicate Forbs finish restored the hosts' advantage. Yamal's effort diverted in off Christos Tzolis to make it 3-3.
Pedri López, Jules Koundé and Eric García all hit the woodwork for Barça, who have seven points. That's three more than the Belgian side.
Which Underdogs Claimed Crucial Victories?
Pafos earned their first-ever win in the Champions League proper with a 1-0 victory over Villarreal in Limassol. Derrick Luckassen met Ken Sema's corner to score a minute after the restart.
The visitors went closest during a quiet first half, goalkeeper Neofytos Michael using a leg to impressively repel Pape Gueye's shot from inside the box in a one-on-one. Nicolas Pépé shot narrowly wide for two-time semi-finalists Villarreal, who remain on one point.
Qarabağ claimed a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in Baku after Alejandro Garnacho's crisp finish allowed the visitors to salvage a point. Estêvão gave Chelsea the lead after squeezing his 16th-minute strike just inside the upright, but Qarabağ hit back with two goals in ten minutes through Leandro Andrade's precise effort and a cool Marko Janković penalty.
How Are Newcastle Building Momentum?
Newcastle made it three wins and clean sheets in a row to move up to sixth in the table with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club at St James' Park. Dan Burn's long-range header curled inside the post following a Kieran Tripper free-kick to give the hosts the lead.
Eddie Howe's team doubled their advantage in the second period thanks to another header from Joelinton, putting away a Harvey Barnes cross. Nico Serrano had three late attempts in vain for the visitors, who remain on three points from four games.
What Other Results Shaped Matchday 4?
Atalanta snatched a late 1-0 win over Marseille when Lazar Samardžić came off the bench to unleash an unstoppable curling strike. An entertaining draw was on the cards until the Serbian winger cut inside on the break.
Marseille dominated throughout and could easily have gone ahead, but Charles De Ketelaere missed an early sitter. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nikola Krstović both also spurned chances.
Bayer Leverkusen remain without a point in the league phase after a 1-0 defeat by Benfica in Lisbon. José Mourinho's side dominated proceedings but spurned some good chances, Dodi Lukébakio and Nicolás Otamendi hitting the bar in the first half before Mark Flekken denied Vangelis Pavlidis after the break. Patrik Schick pounced on a loose clearance to head into the net shortly after the hour to stun the hosts.