The second day of the Champions League came to a close on Wednesday October 4. Much anticipated, Paris Saint-Germain were humiliated by Newcastle. Manchester City and Barça were victorious.
PSG outclassed across the Channel
It was the big match of the evening in the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain lost heavily to Newcastle (4-1). The English side opened the scoring just after the quarter-hour mark through Miguel Almirón (17th). The Paraguayan international was followed by Dan Burn, well served by Bruno Guimaraes (39th). The Magpies broke the deadlock just before the break. Trailing 2-0, the Parisians conceded a 3rd goal just after the break. Well served in the penalty area, Sean Longstaff's cross-shot beat Gianluigi Donnarumma (50').
Kylian Mbappé and company responded 6 minutes later through Lucas Hernandez. The French defender had found himself in the thick of the action and managed to get on the end of a Vitinha ball. The goal gave PSG a little more hope. The French club pushed forward but failed to score. They were even punished at the back by conceding a 4th goal. Fabian Schär's sublime shot cleared the top corner of Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma's net (90+1). Paris suffered its first defeat in the Champions League, and not the least.Newcastle took the lead (4 pts) in the group following Dortmund's draw with Milan. PSG occupy 2nd place with 3 points.
Manchester City's late win
Manchester City picked up an important win in Germany. The Cityzens snatched victory from Leipzig (1-3). Neutralized until a few minutes from the end of the match, the Manchester club relied on its young and prolific striker :Julian Alvarez. The Argentinian international once again waved his magic wand to set his side free. From a Jeremy Doku pass on the edge of the penalty area, Alvarez adjusted his steps and brushed the ball straight into the top corner (84th). A masterpiece that put the Skyblues ahead. Doku, who set up the world champion's goal, sealed Leipzig's defeat for good (90+2). His second goal for Manchester City and his first in the Champions League. Man City (6 points) take sole possession of first place in Group G.
Barça's narrow escape
Barcelona defeated Porto away from home thanks to Ferran Torres (45+1). The Catalans came within a whisker of legalization 10 minutes from time. The penalty awarded to the Portuguese was finally cancelled by VAR. Even so, they lost Robert Lewandowski to injury. Gavi was also sent off late in the game for a second yellow. A second consecutive victory for Barça. Leaders of Group H, they are followed by their opponents of the day. Chakhtar Donetsk, who beat Antwerp 3-2, are 3rd.
