(Football news) It was an eventful Champions League week with two hat-tricks, Lionel Messi representing a club other than Barcelona in the Champions League, Jack Grealish making his first appearance in the prestigious club competition and the rekindling of an old rivalry.
Here are some of the results
Liverpool 3-2 AC Milan
Two clubs that have a history of success in the Champions League faced each other in an action packed match. Liverpool came from behind thanks to Jordan Henderson’s stunning strike to seal a 3-2 victory at Anfield. AC Milan were playing their first Champions League game in seven years and it showed, as Liverpool dominated the proceedings and went 1-0 up because of an own goal by Fikayo Tomori. Mohamed Salah’s penalty was saved by Mike Maignan and Stefano Pioli’s men shifted the momentum to their side with goals from Ante Rebic and Brahim Diaz. However, Salah’s equalizer and Henderson’s goal 21 minutes before time ensured Liverpool got off to a winning start in the Champions League.
Manchester City 6-3 RB Leipzig
There is no other trophy that Pep Guardiola and his team want more than the Champions League and it showed in this goal fest of a fixture as Jack Grealish registered his first goal during his first performance in the prestigious club competition. However, a hat-trick by Christopher Nkunku gave neutrals all the entertainment they needed in this match. Grealish also set up Nathan Ake for City’s first goal while Nordi Mukiele’s own goal doubled City’s lead. Nkunku’s goal for RB Leipzig made it appear like the German side may be back in the game but Riyad Mahrez’s penalty made the score 3-1 before goals from Grealish and Joao Cancelo. A sixth goal at Pep Guardiola’s 300th game in charge by Gabriel Jesus wrapped up City’s match in style.
Club Brugge 1-1 PSG
Lionel Messi’s Champions League debut for Paris Saint-Germain ended on a disappointing note as the French giants were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Belgian team Club Brugge. Ander Herrera continued his good form by getting the only PSG goal but Hans Vanaken equalized for the home side. Messi failed to make a significant impact, although he hit the bar in the first half and tested Simon Mignolet just after the break. It was a disappointing performance by Mauricio Pochettino's side which arguably boasts the most formidable attack in all of Europe if not the world.
Also read: Serie A: Juventus face AC Milan as Roma and Napoli look to maintain their unbeaten run