During the international break, the UEFA Nations League provided us with a modicum of competitive football. However, the return of the Champions League showed us all what we were missing.
Matchday one of the Champions League provided some fascinating games, and kicked Europe’s premier competition off in style.
Liverpool 3 – 2 PSG
Undoubtedly the tie of the week was the pulsating encounter between Liverpool and PSG. PSG came back from 2 – 0 down, only to lose in stoppage time thanks to a Roberto Firmino goal. Liverpool, finalists lasts year, laid down a marker by putting the PSG stars to the sword. After the game, Liverpool are 15/2 with Paddy Power to win the Champions League.
Manchester City 1 – Lyon 2
A shock result in Manchester, as many people’s favourites to win it were defeated at home by Lyon. Early goals from Maxwel Cornet and Nabil Fekir proved too much for Pep Guardiola’s men to come back from. A consolation from Bernardo Silva in the 67th minute was just that, and the Premier League champions have work to do. They are still the favorites to win it all at 11/2.
Valencia 0 – Juventus 2
As will be the case this season, Cristiano Ronaldo stole the headlines for Juventus in Valencia. After getting his Juve career going with a Serie A brace over the weekend, Ronaldo was sent off in this game. It was a match of penalties, as Miralem Pjanic converted two to give the Old Lady the lead. Dani Parejo then missed one in the dying seconds for Valencia, although it wouldn’t have affected the result. Juventus, whose mission is to win the Champions League, are now third favourites at 7/1 to take the title.
Benfica 0 – 2 Bayern Munich
As they did last year, Bayern Munich quietly did the business in their match, winning 2 – 0 in Benfica. While not the same awesome force they were some years ago, you can never count them out. Goals from Robert Lewandowski and Renato Sanchez were enough to see off their Portuguese opponents, and Bayern are joint with Juventus at 7/1.
