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UEFA CL: A show worthy of a star-studded evening

On this day of Eid, celebrated by the Muslim community in practically every country in the world, the Champions League evening was particularly spectacular. In Paris, as in Madrid, the nets twinkled in the first leg of the CL quarter-finals.

What a treat!The four first-leg quarter-finals of the Champions League were top-notch in terms of intensity and, above all, goals. After the ten goals scored in Tuesday's two games, Wednesday's fixtures were also pure spectacle.

At the Parc des Princes, Paris and Barcelona thrilled the hearts of football fans with a series of twists and turns. The Catalans, who had the better of the first half, went into the break with a one-goal advantage courtesy of Raphina (1-0, 37th). But after the break, Luis Enrique made a slight tactical adjustment, bringing off Asensio for Bradley Barcola. The latter took over the right-hand side of the Parisian attack, and Dembelé, who had occupied this position for the first 45 minutes, slipped into the center of the park. It paid off. PSG toppled Barça in two minutes with two superb goals from Dembélé (48th) and Vitinha (50th).

However, Xavi responded to his compatriot and former Barça coach. He launched Pedri, who delivered a delightful pass to Raphina on his first ball for his brace (2-2, 62nd).It was far from over. In the 77th minute, Christensen headed home from a corner. The Danish defender put the ball back in front of the visitors, who took the lead (3-2).

Haller gives Dortmund hope

At Madrid's Estadio Metropolitano, there was no such breathtaking scenario, but soccer fans were in for a real treat. In front of their home fans, Atletico won the first leg against Dortmund (2-1). The Madrid side made the difference early on.Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul set his team-mates on their way in the4th minute.

On the half-hour mark, Samuel Lion made it 2-0 with a pass from Antoine Griezmann (32nd).With a two-goal lead, the Spaniards had a comfortable advantage for qualification to the semi-finals. But that was without counting on Sébastien Haller. After coming on as a substitute in the 60th minute, the Ivorian striker reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 81st minute. A goal that gave the Germans great hope. On Tuesday, Signal Iduna Park will be in full support of its team for a Remontada.

UEFA CL: Real Madrid and Man City take option for quarter-finals

The Champions League made its comeback on the evening of February 13, with the start of the knockout stages to be played over two legs. RB Leipzig hosted Real Madrid, and FC Copenhagen, welcomed defending champions Manchester City. The 2 European giants, Real and City, held their nerve to win both away from home.

 

RB Leipzig-Real Madrid

Real Madrid won 1-0 against a Leipzig side that was attractive but too wasteful. There was no time for observation. The 2 teams went at each other blow for blow, with the best chances going to the Germans. They had a great chance in the 9th minute, when Benjanmin Sesko missed a one-on-one with Lunin. Leipzig then took the upper hand in the game. In the 16th minute, Henrichs tried a shot from 20 m, but it was well saved by the Madrid keeper. Kroos followed up in the 19th minute with a long-range shot that was also well saved by Gulasci.

The very enjoyable match was evenly balanced, with both teams excelling in fast transition play. However, the defences were on their toes to stop the last passes or dribbles in a match with a very high technical level.Sesko and Simons on Leipzig's side and Vinicius on Real's were very effective in the first half. The 2 teams parted at a logical 0-0. Leipzig had 47% possession, 4 shots, 3 of which were on target. Real had 55% possession, 5 shots of which 2 were on target. Real made the difference with a Diaz strike early in the second half.In the end, it was Real's slower start to the second half that gave them the lead.It was an individual feat. Brahim Diaz played the role of solo saviour. After breaking away from several players, he curled a shot from the left edge of the box into the top corner (48th min).Sesko tried to respond in the 50th minute with a shot that was blocked by Lunin, but was again blocked. Leipzig rebelled, but failed to make the final touch, notably when Olmo's shot went completely wide in the 62nd minute.Real almost doubled the score with a Rodrygo shot in the 64th minute.

Olmo sent in a well-placed low shot from distance, but Lunin was always on the lookout. Then Real went on the counter. At the other end, Vincius took out his opposite number with a hook, but his outside shot hit the post. What a match! Leipzig, a fine team in terms of content, continues to be inaccurate in the final pass or in the penultimate pass. Simons produced a magnificent sequence, but his shot was volleyed away by the goalkeeper. Sesko was again ideally launched in the 81st minute, but once again lost his duel.In the 83rd minute, the unbeatable Lunin saved from Malian Haidara.Real, operating on the counterattack, had one last chance in the 94th minute when Joselu missed the target. In the end, Real won 1-0.

 

FC Copenhagen-Manchester City

Manchester City won 3-1 in Copenhagen. The ultra-dominant Cityzen machine opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Kevin De Bruyne's cross-shot followed a fine team move. Against all the odds, in a match in which they had no presence, FC Copenhagen equalized in the 34th minute through Magnus Mattsson, who took advantage of a gross error by City goalkeeper Ederson. It was their first shot of the match. Man City regained the lead just before half-time through Bernardo Silva (46th min) on a pass from De Bruyne. City led at half-time by a single goal (2-1) despite territorial domination. The English had 73% possession, with 4 shots on target from 7 attempts.In contrast, the Danes had just one shot on target.

The second half was almost a carbon copy, without the goals of the first. City dominated, but never took the lead. Man City finally scored a 3rd goal through Foden at the 92nd minute. Final score 3-1. At the end of the match, the English team had 74% possession and 12 shots on target out of 17. Their opponents had one shot on target out of a total of 2 attempts.

UEFA CL: United and Onana out as Osimhen celebrates with a goal

Last season's finalist with Inter Milan, Andre Onana, will not see out the last eight of this year's UEFA Champions League.His Manchester United team finished bottom of Pool A. Crowned African Player of the Year on Monday, Osimhen scored on Tuesday.

Group A: Manchester United's European adventure over

Manchester United (4 pts) recorded their worst ever Champions League campaign. The Red Devils finished bottom of Group A. While they still had a slim chance of progressing on Tuesday when they hosted Bayern Munich, Andre Onana and his team-mates lost again (1-0). The Bavarians, for their part, had an almost perfect group phase, with five wins and 1 draw from 6 matches. They will be joined in the Champions League Round of 8 by FC Copenhagen (8 pts), 1-0 winners over Galatasaray (5 pts). The Turks will then play in the Europa League round of 16.

 

Group B: Lens and its Africans in the Europa League

It's also the end of the road in Group B of the Champions League. Arsenal (13 pts), who were already assured of top spot, shared the points 1-1 with Feyenoord (9 pts) on Tuesday for the 6th and final matchday. Lens (8 pts) and their African internationals (Napamlys Mendy, Abdul Samed, Aynaoui, Guilavogui, Pandor, Haidara) take 3rd place, following their 2-1 victory over Sevilla (2 pts). This 3rd place qualifies them for the Europa League round of 16.

Group C: A clean sheet for Real, Osimhen on target

Real Madrid made it a clean sweep. The Madrilenians, assured of top spot ahead of the final matchday, confirmed their superiority in Group C. They notched up their 6th win in 6 outings with a 3-2 victory over Union Berlin.

It was the Germans who went in at the break with a 1-0 lead.But Joselu's brace on the stroke of half-time turned the game 2-1 in Madrid's favor. And when Union equalised at 2-2 in the 85th minute, Ceballos restored their advantage for good (3-2).

Napoli will now join Real Madrid in the 8th round of the Champions League. The Neapolitans overcame Braga (2-0).  And Victor Osimhen, who was in Marrakech last night to receive his 2023 African Ballon d'Or award, has digested his trip well. He celebrated his coronation with a goal. Braga (4 pts) are relegated to C3.

 

Group D: Real Sociedad overtake Inter on goal difference

The clash of the leaders between Real Sociedad (12 pts) and Inter Milan (12 pts) ended goalless. The two teams parted on friendly terms (0-0). The Spaniards remain in the lead on goal difference. In the Europa League, Benfica were the big winners of the evening. With just one point after 5 rounds, the Portuguese side went on to win 3-1 at RB Salzburg (4 pts), who remain unbeaten.

Ligue des champions classement 6e journée

Champions League: Tuesday evening's bargains

Manchester City, Dortmund, FC Barcelona and Athlético Madrid will all be competing in the round of 16 of the 2023-2024 Champions League. These teams booked their tickets on Tuesday November 28.

The 5th and penultimate round of the European Champions League has come and gone. The results of matches in certain groups have enabled teams to secure their passage to the next round.

 

Ok for City, Athlético Madrid, Dortmund and Barça

Trailing 2-0 to Leipzig at the break, Manchester City turned the tide when the game resumed on their own turf. The Citizens quickly made up lost ground, winning 3-2. Haaland (55th), Foden (70th) and Alvarez (87th) put City in the driving seat. With 15 points and 5 wins from as many games, the Citizens have dominated Group G and qualify for the next round. Despite this setback, Leipzig will join Man City in the Round of 8.

 

Athlético Madrid followed suit with a 1-3 win away to Feyenoord. With 11 points, the Colchoneros are guaranteed one of the two qualifying tickets for the Champions League Round of 8.

Dortmund also successfully completed their first-round Champions League campaign. Their victory (1-3) at Milan AC means that the Germans can move on to the next stage. With 10 points in the group. Even if they lose on the final day against PSG, Dortmund will still qualify, as Newcastle and Milan have just 5 points from Group F in this Champions League.

FC Barcelona will also honour their presence in the Champions League Round of 8. The Blaugranas overcame FC Porto (2-1) to take 12 points. Nothing can happen to them now. The final of Group H will be played between FC Porto (9 points) and Shakhtar (9 points).

UEFA CL: Hamari Traoré to propel Real Sociedad into the last 8

On his Champions League debut, Hamari Traoré is impressing with Real Sociedad.In fact, the Spanish club leads Group D ahead of Inter Milan. On Wednesday, Hamari Traoré and his team-mates could be in with a shout of reaching the last 8.

Hamari Traoré dreams of playing in the last 16 of the Champions League.And the Malian full-back may well believe it. Real Sociedad (7 pts) are currently top of the D, level on points with Inter Milan. And this Wednesday, November 8, Hamari Traoré and his team-mates can make a big step towards the Round of 8 by beating Benfica, the bottom side in Group D.

 

Hamari Traoré, a solid right-sided player

Having arrived from Stade Rennais last June, Hamari Traoré has been quick to make his mark on the Real Sociedad squad. The 31-year-old Malian is part of coach Imanol Alguacil's plans. Traoré has yet to miss a game in the Champions League, let alone La Liga. Excellent on the right, Hamari Traoré knows how to muzzle strikers. Joao Félix knows all about it. The FC Barcelona striker saw nothing but fire on Saturday, November 5, during the 12th round of matches in La Liga. The Malian was impressive before giving up his place in the 60th minute due to a muscle injury. Deprived of their defender, Real Sociedad conceded a goal in the final minutes.

More fear than harm for Hamari Traoré.Out with an injury against Fc Barcelona and doubtful against Benfica, Hamari Traoré resumed training on Monday. He is even one of the 32 players called up for the match against Benfica on Matchday 4 of the Champions League. It remains to be seen whether he will start or come on as a substitute. For this second leg against Benfica, the captain of the Eagles of Mali will still be expected to play. The former Rennes man was solid in the first leg, giving up his place in the 70th minute. The Spanish club narrowly beat the Portuguese side (1-0). A win on Wednesday could propel Real Sociedad and Hamari Traoré into the last eight of the Champions League.

UEFA CL: Bayern, Real and Inter qualify, Man United and Seville struggle

Matchday 4 of the Champions League came to a close on Wednesday November 8. Real Madrid beat Braga to book their place in the Round of 8. Arsenal consolidate top spot. Manchester United and Bayern hang on.

Real through to the last 8

Real Madrid defeated Braga 3-0 on Matchday 4 of the Champions League. Starting in place of Jude Bellingham, Brahim Diaz opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Vinicius Jr followed suit after the break (58th). Rodrygo sealed Madrid's victory with the 3rd goal 3 minutes later (61st). The White House, with 4 wins from as many games, have now booked their place in the last eight. The Spaniards are followed by Napoli (7 points), who drew with Union Berlin earlier. The Italians are now just one win away from qualification.

Mancunian disillusionment versus a fine evening for the Bavarians

Bayern Munich gave themselves a scare, but finally sealed qualification with a 2-1 win over Galatasaray.The Bavarians struggled to overcome the Turks.Wilfried Zaha and Co opened the scoring in the 61st minute, only to see the goal disallowed for offside.They would concede in the final 10 minutes of the game to a sparkling Harry Kane. The English striker twice gave his team the lead. The Turkish club relied on substitute Cédric Bakambu to reduce the deficit.With 12 points, Bayern Munich have booked their place in the last 8 of the Champions League.

In the other match, Manchester United endured a nightmare evening in the Champions League. After an exceptional start to the match against Copenhagen (0-2 before the half-hour mark), the Red Devils lost in the dying moments (4-3). Bruno Fernandez even managed to restore his team's lead after the hour mark (69th). They were unable to hold on to this advantage with 10 men against 11. Marcus Rashford was sent off before the break (42'). André Onana and Co find themselves bottom of Group A with 2 matchdays to go. It's not looking good for the struggling English.

 

Arsenal take a serious option

Back in the Champions League after a 5-year absence, Arsenal are on the verge of booking their place in the next round. The Gunners took a serious option against Sevilla on Wednesday November 8. The English club beat the Spaniards 2-0. Leandro Trossard gave his team the lead before the half-hour mark (29th) from a Bukayo Saka pass.In the 64th minute, Saka added to his side's lead after a Gabriel Martinelli pass. Largely outplayed, Sevilla leave with zero points and are in last place with just two.PSV Eindhoven are back in 2nd place following their 1-0 victory over RC Lens. The next matchday will be decisive in this group, where everything is still to play for.

UEFA CL; Day 3 action packed with excitement

Matchday 3 of the Champions League group stage continued on Wednesday October 25 with a number of fixtures. For the most part, the big names held their own. PSG, Man City, Barcelona, Porto and Leipzig all respected the hierarchy. Lazio sank in Rotterdam and Atlético shared the points with Celtic. All in all, a prolific evening of goals.

Group F: PSG outclass Milan, Dortmund win at Newcastle

PSG beat AC Milan 3-0. The Parisians, heckled at the start of the match, scored in the 32nd minute thanks to a personal exploit by Mbappé, set up by Zaire-Emery. Receiving the ball, he set up Tomori, who backed off, opened up the goal by feinting at a curl, then closed his foot to beat Maignan with a shot to the near post. It was the Parisians' first real chance of the match. At the very start of the second half, PSG thought they had scored with Ousmane Démbélé, but the goal was disallowed for a foul. A few minutes later, Kolo Muani scored the 2nd goal for PSG (53rd). He took Dembélé's powerful shot which was parried by Maignan. Korean Lee Kang-In scored the 3rd goal (89th).

In the group's other match, Dortmund pulled off a remarkable feat with a 0-1 win at Saint James Park. The match got off to a flying start. The two teams exchanged blows before the rhythm died down. It was then that Dortmund opened the scoring through Felix Nmecha (45th).

PSG now lead the group with 6 points.Dortmund and Newcastle each have 4 points. Milan are 4th with 1 point.

Group H: Barca record 3rd victory

FC Barcelona beat Ukrainian side Shaktar 2-1. Ferran Torres scored the game's 1st goal in the 28th minute. He scored with a volley, after a ball hit the post by Fermín López had come back to him. Barca then doubled their advantage with a marvellous inside-post shot from just outside the penalty area, from Fermín López after a pass from Ferran Torres (35th).Shaktar, back with better intentions in the second half, were rewarded with a goal from Sudakov (61st).

Barca are 1st in their group with 3 wins.Porto are second with 6 points. The Portuguese won (1-4) on Belgian soil.Against all expectations, Royal Antwerp opened the scoring through Alhassan Yusuf (37th). Porto came back to score through Evanilson (46th). The Portuguese took the lead on a goal by Stephan Eustàquio (54th min). Evanislon made it 1-3 for Porto (69th). Evanilson did it again, taking his tally to 3 in the 84th minute.

Antwerp have yet to register any points and remain stuck in last place just behind Shakhtar (3 pts).

 

Group G: Man City consolidate top spot

City had a tougher time than usual against Young Boys (1-3). The European champions didn't have an easy time of it against the well-organized Swiss side, who managed to get to the dressing room without conceding. Man City rectified their inefficiency early in the second half, Manuel Akanji scoring on 48 minutes. The Swiss, full of heart, equalized in the 52nd minute thanks to Congolese Meschak Elia. Erling Haaland, after a long period of inactivity, restored City's lead from the penalty spot (67th minute). Haaland scored twice in the 86th minute.

Leipzig also triumphed over Red Star (3-1) in this group.David Raum scored for the Germans in the 12th minute.RBL then doubled the score thanks to a finish from Xavi Simons (59th). Marco Stamenic reduced the Serbian lead in the 70th minute.Danilo Olmo scores Leipzig's 3rd goal.

City are 1st in the group on 9 points, with Leipzig hot on their heels on 6.Young Boyg and Red Star each have 1 point.

 

 

Group E: Lazio sink in Rotterdam

Feyernoord won (3-1) against Lazio. They now lead the group with 6 points. Santiago Giménez scored a fine goal in the 31st minute to give the home side the lead. The striker beat his marker with a control before finding the corner of Lazio's left-hand net. Feyenoord extended their lead in first-half stoppage time. The goal was scored by Algerian international Ramiz Zarrouki, with a clinical left-footed curl. A deserved lead, given the team's dominance in the 1st half. Santiago Giménez brought the score to 3-1 with a brace (74th min). Pedro reduced the score for the Italians from the penalty spot (83rd). Celtic and Atletico finished back-to-back (2-2). Celtic scored first at home in the 4th minute. Kyogo Furuhashi was the star. Atlético equalized on 24 minutes when Griezmann converted a 2-stroke penalty. Celtic regained the lead with a goal from Luis Palma in the 27th minute. Atlético responded again with Morata (53rd). Atlético are 2nd in the group with 5 points, Lazio 3rd with 4. Celtic are 4th with 1 point.

UEFA CL: Bayern and Real advance to the last 8 as Man United back on track

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.

UEFA CL: PSG humiliated by Newcastle as Man City makes a narrow escape

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.

UEFA CL: Exciting opening games

Milan sold out badly, Barcelona strolled, City shook, Mbappé is still there, Joao Felix reminds us what a wonderful player he was at Benfica, Lazio goalkeeper Provedel equalises in injury time... what to remember from the Champions League replay.

Felix wins over Catalonia

FC Barcelona cruise past Antwerp (5-0). Three days after his excellent performance against Betis in La Liga, Joao Felix delivered another delightful performance in the Champions League. The Portuguese striker, who joined Barcelona from Atletico Madrid in the summer, was at the heart of virtually every move for Barcelona, who sent Antwerp back to the drawing board in the first half (3-0).

The former Benfica man opened the scoring on a pass from Gundogan (11th), set up Lewandowski for the 2nd goal (19th) before sealing the fate of the match with the 5th goal (63rd). For the moment, his marriage with FC Barcelona seems to be a perfect union. The whole of Catalonia is keeping its fingers crossed that it will last. Arda Turan and Griezmann, who followed the same path in the past, did not fare so well in this city.

FC Barcelona take top spot in the group ahead of FC Porto, who beat Shaktar Donetsk 3-1.


Porto and Leipzig travel well

It took Mohamed Simakan just three minutes to score the first goal of this year's Champions League. The Franco-Guinean defender set Leipzig on their way to taking all three points away from Young Boys (3-1). Meshak Elia had equalised for the Swiss side, who got off to a poor start to their campaign.

Porto also won away from home. The Portuguese won (3-1) in Hamburg (Germany), where Ukrainian club Shaktar Donetsk is playing its home games due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Galeno scored twice before giving Mehdi Taremi a wafer.

Paris take the lead, Milan sell out

AC Milan can have it bad. Last season's semi-finalists, AC Milan could have kicked off the new Champions League campaign with a precious win in a so-called group of death. But Stefano Pioli's men had to settle for a draw (0-0) against Newcastle, who returned to the competition after a 10-year absence. A lot was lost.

AC Milan took 25 shots on goal, 9 of which were on target, but failed to deceive Nick Pop. To make matters worse, the Rossonerri lost goalkeeper Mike Maignan to injury once again. The Magpies, on the other hand, can take heart from this away point. They only managed one shot on target.

The other match in this fiery Pool F pitted PSG against Dortmund. The Parisians made the difference in the second half. The inevitable Mbappé scored first from the penalty spot (49th) before his Moroccan friend Achraf Hakimi doubled the lead with a superb goal. Found in the box by Vitinha, the right-back controlled the ball perfectly, outpaced Hummels and slotted home with the outside of his foot! He crucified his former team (58th).

Bukari makes champions City to tremble

Insolent at home since the start of 2023, Manchester City were stunned by Red Star Belgrade just before half-time. Ghanaian Osman Bukari put the Etihad Stadium on the back foot with a 45th-minute opener.But the Skyblues were certainly blown away by Pep Guardiola in the dressing room. As soon as they returned from the break, they dotted the i's and crossed the t's. Alvarez equalized (47th) then gave his team the lead (60th). Rodri then made it 3-1 (73rd).City and Leipzig now top Group G, ahead of Young Boys and Red Star.

Finally, Feyenoord take top spot in Group E with a 2-0 win over 9-man Celtic Glasgow. The Dutch club are ahead of Lazio and Atletico Madrid, who are level on points. Madrid, who had been leading since the 29th minute, were pegged back in stoppage time (90+5). The goal came from Lazio goalkeeper Provedel, who sent a superb header into the net.