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UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid destroy Dortmund, Aston Villa win to top CL table

By News Update

New Delhi: It was an exciting night of Champions League, where there were some major upsets and some shocking results that have shaped an interesting league standing after the first night of matchday three. Earlier, we witnessed AC Milan finally kicking their points tally off with a win over the Belgian side, Club Brugge, beating them 3-1. Meanwhile, Monaco also outclassed Red Star Belgrade, destroying them 5-1, to maintain their fantastic start to the campaign, which means that they sit second in the points table.

However, there was more drama in the afterwards as we had some interesting fixtures, including a classic re match between the two finalists from the 2023/24 Champions League final, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. Other fixtures also included Aston Villa facing Bologna, while Juventus going head to head against Stuttgart. So let’s have a look at how these games went and what were the final results.

Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna

Aston Villa defeated Bologna 2-0 at Villa Park, soaring to the top of the Champions League standings and winning the top club championship in Europe for the third time in a row without giving up a goal. Villa grabbed control of the game after a few early scares during the half, but their Italian opponents held firm until ten minutes into the second half. A fortunate goal from McGinn’s cross from a free kick put the home team ahead, and Duran, who was making a rare start, decisively put an end to any dreams of a Rossoblu comeback.

The Italian side, on the other hand, are yet to score a goal or even earn a point in their inaugural Champions League campaign. In Serie A, Bologna will host Milan at Stadio Dall’Ara this weekend; in early November, they will play Lille in Europe. In the meantime, Villa hosts Bournemouth before traveling to Club Brugge for the Champions League matchup.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk

It was a rather more difficult night than what we expected, but Arsenal defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 in north London. After a scoreless second half at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners prevailed thanks to an own goal that separated the teams at halftime. Martinelli’s industry on the left was evident and ultimately pivotal as he played off Havertz with skill. In the 29th minute, he received the ball out on the left and cut inside to give the home team the lead. His attempt hit the right post’s base, causing a poor Riznyk to roll over the line.

Shakhtar only caused problems in the closing stages, despite the fact that Sudakov, Zubkov, Eguinaldo, and a few of their substitutes appeared lively. This followed a saved Leandro Trossard penalty that restored much-needed vigor. Raya was forced to make some noteworthy stops by Pedrinho and Marlon, but Arsenal managed to maintain another clean sheet this season. They have not allowed a UCL goal in any of their three competitive games, which is their longest streak (since at least 2004-05).

Girona 2-0 Slovan Bratislava

Girona pulled off a huge victory in front of their supporters, one that they richly deserved. From the opening whistle, Girona controlled the ball and appeared to be a far better team the entire time. Following an attack-heavy first half, Gutierrez’s first time strike into the bottom corner gave them their reward. Girona continued to dominate the ball in the second half, and Juanpe’s excellent free kick increased their lead. Takac of Slovan Bratislava saved Stuani’s penalty kick, which would have given the home team a third goal. Slovan Bratislava will play Dinamo Zagreb, while Girona will travel to play PSV.

Juventus 0-1 VfB Stuttgart

A thrilling conclusion at the Allianz Stadium as Stuttgart managed to win their first Champions League game of the season. Juventus appeared to be on the verge of earning a point at that point, but the Turin side conceded a late goal to hand a well deserved win to the German side, Stuttgart. Three minutes into the second half, Undav’s goal was disallowed for handball, and Perin made two excellent stops before the penalty. Juventus suffers their first defeat under manager Thiago Motta, and to make matters worse, Danilo was sent off in the second half. Juventus travel to Lille next in the fourth round of Champions League whilst Stuttgart host Atalanta.

Real Madrid 5-2 Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in a spectacular comeback, with Vinicius taking center stage with an incredible hat-trick. Dortmund led 2-0 at the interval and got off to a strong start in the second half, but Madrid grabbed control after they decided to switch to a more defensive system and add an extra center-back. Rudiger and Vinicius both scored goals to put them ahead 2-2 in two minutes, and Vazquez then hammered home the third to give the home team their first lead of the match.

Madrid’s offensive play was too strong for Dortmund to handle, and it continued in the closing minutes as Vinicius scored his second and then third goals in stoppage time to seal the game and return Madrid to their winning ways. Madrid recovers from their loss the last time out, while Dortmund suffers their first loss in the competition this season. In the Champions League, Dortmund will host SK Sturm Graz, while Madrid will next play Milan.

PSG 1-1 PSV Eindhoven

The match concluded in a 1-1 draw, with Paris Saint-Germain and PSV sharing the points at full time at the Parc des Princes! PSG had several chances to take the lead within the first 20 minutes of the match, giving them the impression that they would maintain their league form. PSG was made to pay for their mistakes in the 34th minute when Saibari sent the ball to Noa Lang, who faced Hakimi and hammered his shot into the bottom left corner, past a defenseless Donnarumma, who did nothing except watch. PSV led 1-0 at the half, but PSG fought back in the second half, creating more chances until, after 55 minutes, Hakimi took matters into his own hands.

After receiving the ball from Fabian Ruiz, he launched a rocket 25 yards past Benitez in goal, who was not even aware of the shot until it had found its way into his net. Long into extra time, PSG believed they had won a penalty, but the referee reviewed the VAR screen and upheld his first ruling that there was no penalty. Benitez saved a point for his team in the 95th minute by heroically stopping Marquinhos’ header. PSV earns a point on the road but is still winless. PSG should have won two here following a strong showing, but they have only won one of their first three Champions League games.

Sturm Graz 0-2 Sporting CP

Sporting CP defeated Sturm Graz 2-0 on the road thanks to a polished effort. Sporting has won all three of their European Cup/Champions League games for the first time since the 1962–1963 campaign thanks to goals from Santos and Gyokeres. There weren’t many obvious opportunities in the game, particularly in the first half, but the Portuguese team did take the lead through Santos following a deft play in which Catamo sent a dangerous ball from the right, and Gyokeres missed the finish.

However, the Swede was unstoppable and doubled Sporting’s lead with a spectacular solo performance that saw him twist, collect the ball on the touchline, and maintain his calm at the end. Despite putting on a show of effort and vigor, Sturm Graz was unable to generate any clear-cut opportunities; their closest came when Inacio had to claw the ball away from Biereth with it on the line.

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