Champions League Day 2: Reactions

Day 2 of Champions League

By
PerSources Contributor
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Real Madrid 3-0 Apoel

The champs started their Champions League campaign on the right foot by defeating Apoel comfortably. Two very Cristiano-esque goals and a tremendous bicycle kick by Sergio Ramos secured the three points for los merengues. As expected, Madrid dominated from start to finish and put on a great performance for their home fans. The only downside for los Blancos was Kovacic’s injury just 20 minutes into the game alongside young phenom Marco Asensio’s pimple injury. As for Apoel, they must understand that they’re simply not in the same level as the rest of their opponents in their group and the rest of the competition will provide more of the same.

Manchester City 4-0 Feyenoord

Pep Guardiola’s men are still trying to make that leap to Champions League contenders and with their group being as accessible as it is, this could be a huge opportunity for them. City looked great with Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero up top together which is something that Pep might explore more this season. Kevin De Bruyne has shown that not only is he a terrific offensive player, but he can also do the dirty work defensively as well. Lastly, John Stones was brought in for defensive purposes but if he can be a target in set pieces the way Vincent Kompany was, it would make City even more dangerous.

Monaco 1-1 Red Bull Leipzig

There is no reason why Monaco should not win this group. However, they have to perform better than they did today against RB Leipzig. Youri Tielemans provided the french champions an instant equalizer after the hosts broke the deadlock but they failed to score again. Monaco is a team that has lost some of their best players from last season but again, the group is the easiest in the competition and there is no reason why they shouldn’t win it. On the other hand, Leipzig showed signs that they may be able to compete within the group. Even if that means for third place.

Porto 1-3 Beşiktaş

The new-look Beşiktaş came away with a MASSIVE victory today in Portugal in a game where both teams struggle to get some shots on target. Porto seemed unable to break down Beşiktaş who held their ground to perfection and capitalized on the few shots they had on target. In total, they had four shots on target and they managed to score three past Iker Casillas. Porto was the popular pick for many to advance out of the group but more performances like these could end up costing them.

Maribor 1-1 Spartak Moscow

Maribor were able to leave Russia with a point after Bohr’s 85th minute equalizer silenced the otherwise hostile crowd in Moscow. Overall, it was a very even game between both sides who have little to no hope of making it out of the group.

Napoli 1-2 Shakhtar Donetsk

Napoli suffered a shock defeat in Ukraine against Shakhtar Donetsk to start their Champions League campaign on the wrong foot. The Italian side were the better team throughout the duration of the game but it was Shakhtar who found themselves up 2-0 with 30 minutes to play. A penalty by Milik gave the visitors some hope but it was not nearly enough as Shakhtar held on and collected three crucial points against arguably the second best team in the group.

Liverpool 2-2 Sevilla

Extremely disappointing result for Liverpool who had the game in their hands and somehow, let it go. They dominated the game and had by far the most clear cut chances. Sevilla’s attack let them down for the majority of the second. A 90-minute midfield battle that forced Sevilla to play a counter attacking style that Liverpool and the EPL are accustomed to. Liverpool had numerous golden chances to put it away including a missed penalty by Roberto Firmino in the first half. Like in many other cases, it was Liverpool’s lack of focus on defense that cost them all three points. Sevilla leaves Anfield with an undeserving point.

Tottenham 3-1 Dortmund

Is the Wembley curse over? Tottenham shined against Dortmund at “home” thanks to another exceptional performance by Harry Kane. An entertaining game from start to finish whose four goals were all amazing finishes. Of course, two of Tottenham’s goals, one by Son and one by Kane, was Dortmund’s keeper’s fault who failed to cover his near post. Questionable calls against Dortmund, including a made-up offsides during the momentarily  game-tying goal, might have cost Dortmund two points. Nonetheless, Tottenham looked superior the majority of the game and the scoreline demonstrated that.

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