A great start for Spanish sides in the opening day of the Champions League, with Barcelona coming from a goal down to beat Panathinaikos 5-1, and Valencia winning 0-4 away at debutants Bursaspor. On Wednesday Real Madrid completed the 100% record for La Liga teams with a 2-0 victory over Ajax. (15.09.10)
Real Madrid started their first European campaign under José Mourinho with a 2-0 victory over Ajax. Higuaín hit the side netting and then rattled the crossbar early on before having a hand in the opening goal, his header from a Xabi Alonso corner deflecting off Anita in to the net. Madrid continued to attack, and midway through the second half they made it two when Özil passed across for Higuaín to score after Stekelburg had saved a first effort from the German midfielder. Ajax almost got back in the game when an effort from Emanuelson hit the bar, but Cristiano Ronaldo could have added to the lead after that with a couple of late misses that he should have tucked away. (15.09.10)
Barcelona bounced back from their weekend defeat against Hércules, coming from a goal down to beat Greek champions Panathinaikos 5-1. There was some concern when Govou put the visitors ahead in their first attack, Cissé playing a Tzorvas clearance on for the French forward to beat Valdés. Less than two minutes later though Xavi set up Messi for the equaliser, and with just over half an hour on the clock Villa netted his first Champions League goal for Barça after Busquets headed on Xavi's corner. With three minutes to go to the break Messi crashed a shot against the crossbar, and two minutes later a quick passing move ended with Messi shooting low past the keeper to make it three. Messi missed a penalty after the restart, but a few of minutes later Pedro got the fourth from close up after Messi's shot from a wide angle came back off both posts. And with the game in injury time a delightful chip from Messi allowed Alves for him to loop a header over the keeper for the fifth. Saturday's game was all but forgotten. (14.09.10)
A best possible start for Valencia in their return to the Champions League, a 0-4 win at debutants Bursaspor taking them to the top of their group on day one. Unai Emery took a bit of a gamble, lining up with several changes to the team he put out in the league, but it worked to perfection as the new boys put in their claims for a place in the side. Tino Costa in particular did well, bending a spectacular long shot wide of Ivankov to open the scoring with just over a quarter of an hour gone, and then curling a free kick against the upright allowing Aduríz to head home the rebound five minutes before half time. A couple of minutes later Pablo hit the crossbar, and midway through the second half he scored his side's third after poking a shot past Ivankov. Emery then brought on Soldado for his first appearance for his new side, and it only took him three minutes to open his account after Chori Domínguez put him through. A perfect night for the Ches. (14.09.10)