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Champions League round-up: Madrid teams triumph, English have mixed fortunes

Champions League champions Real Madrid had to come back from behind against debutant Ludogrets on Thursday (Oct 2) after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty.

Karim Benzema came off the bench for Madrid to score 13mins from time to ruin any chance for a fairy tale  result for the Bulgarian Club.

Ludogrets went ahead after lively Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho had headed home a goal from close range. 


Ludogorets Razgrad's midfielder Marcelinho celebrating. Photo: AFP

After Ronaldo's penalty was saved hopes ran high at the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia that a footballing fairytale could be in the air.

Unfortunately, it was not to be when Ronaldo made no mistake when he was given another opportunity to score from the spot again.

While the hosts gave a good account of themselves, they were unable to complete the fantasy when Benzema stepped on the field in his garish boots to score the winner.

Atletico Madrid slays Juventus


The majestic Arda Turan celebrating after scoring his goal. Photo: Reuters

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone singled out Arda Turan as a “special” player after the Turkey midfielder fired the La Liga side to a 1-0 win at home to Juventus in Champions League Group A.

A tight contest at the Calderon between the Spanish and Italian champions was settled when Arda poked the ball into the net in the 75th minute to put Atletico’s European campaign back on track after they lost their opening game 3-2 at Olympiakos Piraeus two weeks ago.

Malmo won 2-0 at home to Olympiakos to leave all four teams in this group on three points from two matches.

Liverpool disappointing season continues

Liverpool's poor start to the season continued when they lost to Basel.

Despite creating chances, Liverpool strikers failed to convert any of them as they return to Anfield with their wings clipped by a Basel side that was hanging on for most of the match.

Arsenal demolished Galatasary.

In an eventful match, Danny Welbeck answered his critics by scoring a hat-trick in front of his home fans. 

Alexis Sanchez​ scored the last goal before Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesnypicked up a red card to towards the end of the match. 

The match was interrupted when Galatasaray fans threw a flare onto the pitch in the first half. 

Other scores:

Zenit St Petersburg 0 Monaco

Anderlecht 0 Dortmund

Bayer Leverkusen 3 Benfica

Malmo 2 Olympiacos 0

Related report: Lame Liverpool conquered by Basel

Source: Reuters, AFP

 

 

Champions League