2021-22 UEFA Champions League matchday one recap
The first matchday of the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League group stage has concluded. Here is our brief recap of select fixtures.
Chelsea, Man City start campaign with a bang
Last edition’s finalists Chelsea and Manchester City each had an auspicious beginning, overcoming their respective opponents in their respective home pitches.
Romelu Lukaku netted a goal at the 69th minute as the Blues came out on top against Zenit. Meanwhile, Man City scored a barrage in a goalfest affair against RB Leipzig to prevail, 6-3.
Bundesliga clubs win
Bayern Munich defeated a Barcelona side that no longer has Lionel Messi in their roster, 3-0. Robert Lewandowski scored a brace with Thomas Müller clinching one for himself.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, relied on first half incursions by Jerling Bellingham and Erling Haaland to stave off Turkish club Beşiktaş, 2-1.
Juventus, Real Madrid, Ajax share top spot in their respective groups
Rounding out the big clubs that were victorious this midweek, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Ajax scored maximum points to become co-leaders in their respective groups. The Italian Serie A contingent trounced Malmö, 3-0, to tie with Chelsea on Group H.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo carried Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid against Internazionale, securing an away win after a late goal at the 89th minute mark. Fellow Group D club Sheriff Tiraspol are also opening matchday victors, beating Shakhtar Donetsk, 2-0.
Reigning Eredivisie champs AFC Ajax made short work of Lisbon-based Sporting, 5-1. Ivorian Sébastien Haller was on fire in his Champions League debut with four goals to his name. The Dutch camp are at Group C along with Dortmund.
Minnows put up a fight against giants
Surprise results were also in the offing this week.
Young Boys spoiled Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the big stage with his old club Manchester United with a 2-1 conquest of the hosts. Theoson Siebatcheu turned a pending draw to a win, finding the back of the net deep into stoppage time.
Over in Belgium, Club Brugge held Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-1 draw. Hans Vanaken’s goal at the 27th minute negated Ander Herrera’s conversion 12 minutes earlier.
Author Details
JP Abcede is a veteran sportswriter who has covered football, basketball, pro wrestling, and other sports for a variety of publications. Aside from sports, he also likes music and reading.
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