How the PL Teams Fared in the First Round of the Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is back in full swing, and football fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the return of Europe's premier club competition.
For English football enthusiasts, the excitement was palpable as four English teams, namely Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Manchester City, played their first matches for continental glory. We'll look into their performances during the first round of the Champions League, highlighting their trials, triumphs, and notable moments.
Image: Reuters
Newcastle United's Resilient Return
Newcastle United's appearance in the Champions League marked a historic moment for the club, as they returned to the competition after a 20-year absence. Their opening fixture pitted them against Italian giants AC Milan, last season's semi-finalists. Despite being under immense pressure for most of the match, Newcastle showcased their defensive prowess. The hero of the night was none other than their outstanding goalkeeper, Nick Pope, who made a remarkable eight saves to keep AC Milan at bay. The final scoreline of 0-0 might not have been a victory, but it was a valuable point earned through resolute defending.
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Manchester City's Commanding Start
The defending Champions League winners, Manchester City, enjoyed a relatively easier start to their campaign, facing Crvena Zvezda at the Etihad Stadium. City displayed their superiority throughout the match and emerged as convincing victors with a 3-1 win. Julian Alvarez continued his remarkable form from the Premier League by netting two goals, while Rodri added the third. Manchester City sent a clear message to their competitors that they are determined to defend their title and are a force to be reckoned with.
Image: Sky Sports
Arsenal's Impressive Return
Arsenal, with their rich history in the Champions League, returned to the competition after a six-year hiatus. Their first-round opponent was Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven, and the Gunners left no room for doubt about their intentions. They registered an impressive 4-0 victory, marking their biggest opening-match win in the competition in 13 years. Goals from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Ødegaard powered Arsenal to a dominant performance. Bukayo Saka, in particular, shone brightly, scoring and providing an assist on his Champions League debut. Norwegian captain Martin Ødegaard also showcased his leadership qualities by contributing with both a goal and an assist.
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Manchester United's Thrilling Battle
Manchester United faced a daunting task in their first-round clash, squaring off against the formidable German champions, Bayern Munich, at the Allianz Arena. The match delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for fans on both sides. Bayern Munich swiftly took control with two goals in just four minutes, including one from Leroy Sane, capitalizing on a mistake by United goalkeeper Andre Onana. However, United fought back valiantly, with new signing Rasmus Højlund opening his account for the club by reducing the deficit to 2-1. The thrilling encounter ultimately ended 4-3 in favor of Bayern Munich, leaving fans entertained but United with work to do in subsequent matches.
The opening round of the Champions League brought forth a mix of emotions and performances for English clubs. Newcastle United showcased their defensive mettle with a resilient draw against AC Milan, while Manchester City laid down a marker with a convincing win over Crvena Zvezda. Arsenal made a triumphant return to the competition with a dominant victory, and Manchester United, despite a spirited fightback, fell short against Bayern Munich.
As the group stages progress and the competition intensifies, these English teams will have ample opportunities to further prove their mettle on the European stage. Football enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to more thrilling encounters, surprising upsets, and unforgettable moments in this year's Champions League.