The Champions League finally kicked off across more than 10 countries across Europe a couple of nights ago. Teams went in with full rigour into the game, hoping to pull off a sweet start to their campaign this season.
With many heavy-weight fixtures on match day 1, let’s take a look at the major results and surprises we had.
Barcelona 3-0 Juventus
Tuesday night saw most of the European giants make their mark, with the biggest undoubtedly being Barcelona and Juventus. After a tense quarter-final last season, Juventus managed to edge past Barcelona into the final.
What sweet revenge it was for the team from Cataluynia. A sensational performance saw Leo Messi guide his team to victory bagging a brace for himself. Juventus failed to score, although they created a number of chances.
All eyes were on debutant Dembele, who overall had an impressive game.
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PSG 5-0 Celtic
It was all Neymar in a completely one-sided affair at Celtic Park.
Although it was expected PSG pull off a victory, they went all out to thrash the Scottish champions 5-0. Mbappe made his mark on the goal too, grabbing a goal.
A good start to PSG’s campaign, who will definitely gun for the title after spending close to €400m in the transfer market.
Manchester United 3-0 FC Basel
United started off their campaign after missing out on the league for a year against Basel. Playing at home, they had every opportunity to grab a win. And that’s exactly what they did.
Mourinho’s tactics clicked into play, with Lukaku, Fellaini and Rashford striking the net. United dominated most of the game, although they did slip up here and there defensively. A positive start to a new campaign after a break.
Feyenoord 0-4 Manchester City
A clinical display from the Blues earned them a thumping start to their European conquest this season. Stones bragged a brace, whereas Aguero and young star Gabriel Jesus scored a goal each.
City remained complete control of the game. Stones header inside two minutes is now a record holder- the fastest goal in champions league history. He doubled is tally n the second half. Sealing City’s win. A pleasant trip to Rotterdam.
Tottenham 3-1 Dortmund
Tottemham stunned Dortmund at the Wembley with Harry Kane stealing the show. Son opened the scoring minutes into the game, only for Yarmolenko to equilise 8 minutes with a superb curl from outside the box. Harry Kane gave the lead to Tottenham again, beating Burki at the near post.
Dortmund were indeed unlucky, with Aubameyand and Pulisic being denied a goal each for offside on wrong terms. That having been said, the home team scored again with Harry Kane, and never looked back.
Vertonghen got himself sent off in extra time for a shove against Goetze. The game ended- a happy result for Potchetino despite the sending off.
Liverpool 2-2 Sevilla
Sevilla travelled to the Anfield for the first match of Group E and left England with a point.
Liverpool resumed where they left off last season in the Champion’s league. Phillipe Countinho started for Liverpool after a long time, and was arguably the best player on the pitch.
Salah starred for Liverpool, acting as a constant threat to the Sevilla defence. He got a place for himself on the team sheet when his shot deflected into the net.
Sevilla retained their composure and determination. They equilised twice, to take a point home.
Elsewhere, Chelsea demolished Qarabag 6-0, goals coming from 5 different Chelsea players. Zappacosta’s wonder strike to put them two ahead is definitely of the contenders of the season.
Bayern comfortably defeated Anderlecht 3-0 in their opening match.
At Madrid, the Roman defence held through waves of attack from Athletico but failed to capitalise on their chances as well. The result, at the end of 90 minutes was a deadlock with no goals scored. Athletico Madrid 0-0 Roma FT
On the other side, Real Madrid beat APOEL 3-0, with Ronaldo starring for the team.
Most teams who will make the last 16 came away with a win, except for Dortmund who suffered a surprising and unfortunate loss. This concludes Match day 1. The Champion’s League has returned. Stay tuned.
