Three games, three wins: Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have managed a perfect record in the first leg of their group matches. Both teams are virtually through to the second round. Manchester United, for their part, have just kicked off their C1 season, but not without difficulty.
Bayern almost there
Bayern (9 pts) sweated and shook under the pressure of Galatasaray (4 pts), but in the end it was the Bavarians who won. They opened the scoring thanks to Coman (8th), in fine form and decisive as rarely in his career in recent days. And, after conceding an equaliser to the Turks, signed by Mauro Icardi with a lovely Panenka (30th) and enduring several chances, the Germans made the difference at the start of the last quarter of an hour. Harry Kane (74th) and Jamal Musiala (79th) scored in quick succession to make it 2-1 and 3-1 respectively. As in the last five seasons, Bayern have won all their group-stage matches. With nine points, they are virtually through to the last eight. Behind the Bavarians, everything remains open. After two straight defeats, Manchester United (3 pts) bounced back with a hard-fought 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen (1 pt). Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana saved an injury-time penalty.
Real Madrid too
The Real Madrid ogre has also taken a big step towards qualification for the last 8. Already victorious over Napoli and Union Berlin, Madrid rounded off the first leg with a 2-1 win in Braga (3 pts). Rodrygo scored the first goal (16th). The inevitable Jude Bellinghma (61st) doubled the lead and two minutes later Djalo reduced the deficit (63rd). In Pool B, Real (9 pts) are ahead of Napoli (6 pts), who pulled off a fine operation with a 1-0 win away to Union Berlin (0 pts), whose first experience of the Champions League turned into a nightmare.
Arsenal back on track
Upset at Lens (2-1), Arsenal held firm at Seville (2-1). The Gunners win in Spain and move to the top of Pool B. Brazilians Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus lifted the Londoners to six points. They overtake Lens (5 pts), who were held to a 1-1 draw by PSV Eindhoven. It was the Dutch who scored first after the break through Bakayoko (58th). But Eli Wahi gave the Sang et Or a point (65th). It was the 20-year-old striker's 2nd C1 goal in 2 matches, as he is new to the competition.In the standings, Lens are second (5 pts) ahead of Sevilla and PSV, who both have two points.
Inter and Sociedad close the gap In Group D, Benfica (0 pt) are still struggling. The Portuguese have just suffered their 3rd defeat of the competition. They faced Real Sociedad, who won 1-0 on a goal by Brais Mendez. The Spaniards, on seven points, are level on points with Inter Milan, who earlier dominated RB Salzburg (3 pts) 2-1.
