[ad_1]
2nd day of 2021/22 UEFA Champions League did not disappoint on Wednesday. From Munich where Robert Lewandowski continues to set ridiculous goalscoring records to Portugal where Barcelona’s season took another blow after Lionel Messi left, but the biggest game has to be Old Trafford where the pressure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needed his team to win.
Ronaldo saves Solskjaer under pressure
After a surprise 2-1 loss to Young Boys on Matchday 1, Solskjaer was under pressure after two straight losses and it took a 95th-minute winner from Cristiano Ronaldo to secure a 2-1 victory. The Europa League champions squandered at least three exceptional chances in the first half, but they eventually took the lead thanks to Paco Alcacer early in the second half. However, Alex Telles’ excellent volley got United up to the hour mark. Frustration then turned to joy in the 95th minute as Geronimo Rulli failed to parry Ronaldo’s shot, which ended in the net to give Solskjaer the necessary victory and three points.
In the group’s other game, Atalanta won 1-0 over Young Boys with a 68th-minute goal from Matteo Pessina. Atalanta leads the group with four points and their next game is a trip to Old Trafford on October 20.
In Group E, Barcelona have no points after two matches, which ensures that Ronald Koeman’s lead will continue on the chopping block. The 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Matchday 1 wasn’t all that surprising, but their 3-0 surrender at Benfica will rock the ranks in Catalonia. A brace from Darwin Nunez and one from Rafa Silva condemned Barcelona to their worst Champions League start in 16 years. They will look to take off on Matchday 3 by hosting Dynamo Kiev.
In Group H, Chelsea lost their first away game at UCL in 18 months with a 1-0 away loss to Juventus. The reigning champions had more ball possession but were listless all night. Federico Chiesa was the bright spot for Juventus and he scored the only goal 11 seconds after the restart of the second half. Chelsea had half chances thanks to Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz, but Juventus fought back vigorously to take the group lead with six points in their opening two games.
Results
Group E
Bayern Munich 5-0 Dynamo Kiev
Benfica 3-0 Barcelona
Group F
Atalante 1-0 Young Boys
Man. United 2-1 Villarreal
Group G
FC Salzburg 2-1 Lille
Wolfsburg 1-1 Sevilla
Group H
Zenit Saint Petersburg 4-0 Malmoe FF
Juventus 1-0 Chelsea
Support PREMIUM TIMES integrity and credibility journalism
Good journalism is expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, responsible democracy and transparent government.
For free and ongoing access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider modestly supporting this noble enterprise.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help maintain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.
Make a donation
TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: To advertise here . Call Willie +2347088095401 …
[ad_2]
