by ‘Ifreke Inyang

The fourth round of group matches were played last night across Europe. And it was a night of draws – most games especially ended 2-2. But what were the four talking points we came away, on another exciting night of European action?

Manchester City are out

This is a clear message to any City fan: Save your mathematics for more important situations. It is hard not to sympathise with Roberto Mancini and his men, as they were robbed of a certain victory at home. But this is a position they practically forced themselves into. And from here on, there is no way back. The current Champions of England, will play Real Madrid at home and Dortmund away. And those six points are not guaranteed.

Real Madrid are not so invincible

For the second time in two weeks, the German champions, ran circles around Jose Mourinho’s men. It is not everytime we see that happen. But Jurgen Klopp’s men are not just ordinary. With the imposing Robert Lewandoski upfront and the every busy, inventive duo of Mario Goetze and Marco Reus hustling behind him, they have been a genuine threat this year. It took Mesut Ozil’s majestic free-kick in the 89th minute, to deny them a famous double over the Spanish giants.

Milan fail to paper over the cracks

AC Milan have struggled badly under Allegri this season. And despite the fact they recorded a 5-1 win over Chevio last weekend, they could only manage a 1-1 draw against Malaga, after going behind. That leaves them five points adrift of the Spanish club, and having to do it all to qualify for the next round of the competition.

Arsenal are still going through a bad patch

Even after Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud scored, to give the Gunners a 2-0 lead, most Arsenal fans were not comfortable with the scoreline. And in the dying seconds of the first half, they were already biting their nails, as Klaas Huntelaar, finished calmly past Mannone, after a defensive mix-up. The hosts were level in the second half, after Vermaelen prodded the ball into his own goal. Wenger’s men almost it with the last kick, but that would have been rather harsh for the hungrier Schalke 04.