News Archive

Champions League, day three

Barcelona were the only one of the four Spanish sides to win on day three, the Catalans beating Olympiacos 3-1 in a rainy Nou Camp to stay top of their group with maximum points. Nikolaou turned a Deulofeu cross in to his own net to give Valverde’s side an early lead, and although Piqué was sent off before the break, Messi made it two with a direct free kick after the restart (his 100th goal in Europe). Digne added a third soon afterwards, and Nikolaou headed a late consolation for the visitors. Atlético Madrid are in trouble though after they were held to a 0-0 draw at Qarabag earlier in the evening, and they are now third in their group with only two points to their name. Carrasco and Griezmann did test local keeper Sahic before the break, but even though the locals had Ndlovu sent off later on, Simeon’s side could not find the route to goal. (18.10.17)

Not a good day for Spanish sides in Tuesday’s Champions League games! Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw in the Bernabeu stadium by Tottenham Hotspur, Ronaldo saving a point with a penalty late on in the first half after Varane had put through his own net. The two teams are absolutely level on seven points, although with the other group game also ending all square, they are both well on track to qualify for the knock-out stage. Sevilla though drop to third in their group after they were beaten 5-1 by Spartak Moscow. Kjaer cancelled out the opener from Promes, but Melgarejo, Glishakov, Luiz Adriano and Promes all scored in the second half for a result which, coupled with Liverpool’s 0-7 win at Maribor, leaves the Andalusians out of the qualifying spots. (17.10.17)