The group stages of this season’s UEFA Champions League kicked off tonight with most of the European super powers grabbing their first victories.
Defending champions, Manchester City commenced their title defense with a 3-1 home victory over Red Star Belgrade. The visitors poked the beehive when Osman Bukari gave them the lead in the stroke of half time.
The home side returned in the second half and unleashed the bees. Julian Alvares restored parity just two minutes into the second half before Rodri’s brace gave Manchester City a confortable three points.
RB Leipzig defeated Young Boys by the same margin in the group’s other match.
Celtic ended their match with Feyenoord with nine men and were beaten 2-0 by the Dutch champions. Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thoago Holm saw red as the Scottish side continue to search for their first Champions League away win.
Atletico Madrid allowed their hosts, Lazio to equalize after they had led by a lone goal for more than 70 minutes.
Samuel Chukwueze’s AC Milan failed to make full use of their home advantage as they were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle United while PSG defeated Borussia Dortmund by 2-0.
Barcelona were the biggest winners as they hammered Royal Antwerp of Belgium 5-0. Joao Felix scored a brace, Bataille’s first half own goal and a goal each from Lewandowski and Gavi completed the routing.
Shakhtar Donetsk were beaten 1-3 by visiting 2004 champions FC Porto.
