Barcelona claims big win, Villarreal, Atletico lose in Champions League

Marcus Rashford (2nd R) of FC Barcelona vies with Konstantinos Tzolakis, goalkeeper of Olympiacos during the Champions League football match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos in Barcelona, Spain, Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

MADRID, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona claimed its second Champions League win of the season with a 6-1 triumph at home against Olympiakos, featuring a hat-trick from Fermin Lopez, though the match proved more challenging and controversial than the final score suggested.

Barca looked to be cruising at halftime with two goals from the returning Lopez, before Olympiakos pulled one back thanks to Ayoub El Kaabi's 52nd-minute penalty.

The Greek side was annoyed at the referee's decision, which came after Eric Garcia was penalized for handball in a move that ended with El Kaabi heading into the Barca net.

Olympiakos coach Jose Luis Mendilibar was even less pleased when his side was reduced to 10 men shortly afterwards. Santiago Hezze received a second yellow card for brushing Marc Casado's face while attempting to protect the ball.

Barcelona were then awarded a penalty after Marcus Rashford was fouled after touching the ball past Olympiakos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, with Lamine Yamal dispatching the spot-kick.

With Olympiakos demoralized and reduced to 10 players, Lopez completed his hat-trick, and Rashford added two goals to secure a 6-1 victory, a result that had seemed unlikely some 30 minutes earlier.

Meanwhile, Villarreal was heavily beaten by Manchester City, with Erling Haaland opening the scoring with a neat finish from Rico Lewis's assist in the 17th minute, and Bernardo Silva doubling the lead in the 40th minute after a clever pass from Savinho. City then controlled the second half to secure the 2-0 win.

In another match, Atletico Madrid's visit to Arsenal ended in a 4-0 defeat, with the Premier League leader scoring four goals in 14 second-half minutes through Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and two from Viktor Gyokeres. ■

Marcus Rashford (R) of FC Barcelona celebrates a goal with his teammates during the Champions League football match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos in Barcelona, Spain, Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

Lamine Yamal (1st R) of FC Barcelona shoots during the Champions League football match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos in Barcelona, Spain, Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

Marcus Rashford (R) and Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrate a goal during the Champions League football match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos in Barcelona, Spain, Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

Erling Haaland (front) of Manchester City breaks through during the Champions League football match between Manchester City and Villarreal CF in La Ceramica stadium, Villarreal, Spain, on October 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Stinger)

Pep Guardiola, head coach of Manchester City reacts during the Champions League football match between Manchester City and Villarreal CF in La Ceramica stadium, Villarreal, Spain, on October 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Stinger)

Savinho (L) of Manchester City vies with Santi Comesana of Villarreal CF during the Champions League football match between Manchester City and Villarreal CF in La Ceramica stadium, Villarreal, Spain, on October 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Stinger)

Players of Manchester City celebrate a goal during the Champions League football match between Manchester City and Villarreal CF in La Ceramica stadium, Villarreal, Spain, on October 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Stinger)

Pep Guardiola, head coach of Manchester City reacts during the Champions League football match between Manchester City and Villarreal CF in La Ceramica stadium, Villarreal, Spain, on October 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Stinger)

John Stones (L) of Manchester City vies with Thomas Partey of Villarreal CF during the Champions League football match between Manchester City and Villarreal CF in La Ceramica stadium, Villarreal, Spain, on October 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Stinger)

Lamine Yamal (2nd L) of FC Barcelona vies with Konstantinos Tzolakis, goalkeeper of Olympiacos during the Champions League football match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos in Barcelona, Spain, Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

Lamine Yamal (front) of FC Barcelona scores a penalty during the Champions League football match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos in Barcelona, Spain, Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)