2023-10-05 00:04:05
Julian Alvarez and Jérémy Doku decisive with City, Olivier Giroud did not find the key. Imago / Panoramic / IMAGO/Gabor Krieg / Imago / Panoramic / IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Meusel
At the end of an evening duller than the previous ones, two Citizens did well while the Milanese disappointed.
Tops
Alvarez-Doku, Manchester City winning duo
Substitutes at kick-off against RB Leipzig (1-3), Julian Alvarez and Jérémy Doku perfectly fulfilled their role as luxury jokers. As City headed towards a frustrating draw, the Belgian, who came on in the 72nd minute, and the Argentinian (in the 79th) found the opening twice. First, the former Rennais served the 2022 world champion, scorer with a superb shot curling into the top corner (84th). Then, the latter returned the favor to his partner, who killed the suspense with a lightning counterattack (92nd). Erling Haaland too discreet, no worries for the reigning European champion, the winning ticket Alvarez-Doku took care of everything!
Lazio, reign of suspense!
For its return to the Champions League, Lazio Rome has obviously subscribed to crazy scenarios. After the draw obtained at the last second against Atlético Madrid (1-1) during the first day, thanks to the heroic goal of their goalkeeper Provedel, the Laziale did it again this evening, to snatch the victory (2- 1) this time. In the 95th minute, the former emblematic Barça player, Pedro, rose higher than everyone in the area to score with a header on a perfect cross from Mattéo Guendouzi, on loan from OM. Trailing 1-0 after 12 minutes, Maurizio Sarri’s team overthrew Celtic in their home in Glasgow with yet another enjoyable outcome. Their next opponent Feyenoord has been warned, watch out for added time!
Flops
Nothing smiled at FC Porto
Faced with a managerial and surprisingly nervous Barça (seven yellow cards, one red for Gavi), the Porto Dragons deserved better than a narrow 1-0 defeat. For 90 minutes, Sergio Conceição’s players strongly pushed the Catalans who ended the match cowering in their penalty area, relying on a very good Ter Stegen. By pushing, the Portuguese thought they would obtain a penalty on a handball from Cancelo which was ultimately not awarded due to a foul… on Eustaquio’s hand a few seconds earlier. The famous details of the big Champions League matches did not work in Porto’s favor this evening. To the great happiness of Xavi who will no doubt be content with this short success, more important than mastered.
AC Milan goes 0-0
Before challenging PSG twice, the Rossoneri could have taken advantage of the Parisian rout at Newcastle (1-4) to take the lead in Group F. To do this, they had to win on the pitch of Borussia Dortmund, also under pressure this evening. Finally, BVB and AC Milan neutralized each other (0-0) at the end of a match which never really got going. Stefano Pioli’s protégés, through Leao and Giroud, had the ammunition to score and win, in vain. If they want to get out of this tough group and relive, why not, the epic of last season, Mike Maignan’s teammates will have to regain their effectiveness. See you on October 25 at the Parc des Princes to adjust the sights.
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