2021-22 UEFA Champions League matchday two recap
The second matchday of of the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League group stage has wrapped up. Here is SportsMania Asia’s recap of some of the fixtures this week.
Atlético Madrid only La Liga club victorious
Atlético Madrid were the only La Liga club to come out with a positive outcome this week, winning against AC Milan, 2-1. Two late goals by Luis Suárez and Antoine Griezmann secured the victory for their squad.
After Milan took the lead early with a Rafael Leão goal at the 20th minute, Griezmann tied the count with six minutes to go in regulation. Suárez then converted a penalty deep into stoppage time for the reigning Spanish league champions.
Meanwhile, powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona were humiliated by their respective opponents in a matchday that had Primera División clubs not in their best form.
Barça got shut out with the same scoreline as their first group match, succumbing to Benfica, 0-3. Darwin Núñez’ brace sandwiched Rafa Silva’s goal to power the Portuguese side over the Blaugrana.
Because of this, Barcelona is at the bottom of Group E with zero points.
On the other hand, Sheriff Tiraspol produced a 2-1 shocker opposite Madrid. Sébastien Thill’s late screamer for the Moldovan side frustrated the home team.
As things stand on Group D, Sheriff is on top with six points. Real Madrid is right behind with four points.
Finally, Sevilla drew with Wolfsburg, 1-1. Ivan Rakitić’s successful penalty at the 87th minute turned out to be the equalizing goal. Both camps are tied on the Group G table with two points.
Liverpool, Manchester United win
Liverpool routed Porto, 5-1, to claim solo first of Group B. Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino both had braces for the Reds.
Over at Old Trafford, Manchester United recovered from their disastrous first match day with a 2-1 conquest of Villarreal. Paco Alcácer’s foray was negated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s 95th minute attack.
United and Villareal are at third and fourth on Group F, respectively.
Chelsea, Manchester City falter to European giants
English clubs Chelsea and Manchester encountered rough seas, losing in their respective away encounters.
Juventus overcame Chelsea in Turin, 1-0. Federico Chiesa provided the winner for the home club. The Serie A contingent leads Group H with six points.
Lastly, Pep Guardiola’s City was stopped by Idrissa Gueye and Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain, 0-2. Man City is at third on Group A with three points. PSG and Club Brugge are tied at first with one more point.
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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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