All about the first half of Champions League match-day two
The Champions League 2018-19 match-day two started yesterday and in the first half of the matches, we witnessed interesting results that deserve our attention. Three-time successive champions Real Madrid suffered a shocking loss to Moscow as German champions Bayern Munich drew against Ajax. Manchester United contained Valencia with a goalless draw. Here are further details.
Aguero and Silva strike as Manchester City beat Hoffenheim
City came back from behind to clinch victory in their away match (2-1) against Hoffenheim. The German club found the back of the net within first minute of the match when Belfodil put one past Ederson. Aguero equalized and David Silva, whom Guardiola called one of the best players he has ever managed, scored the winner. Notably, City were denied a clear penalty.
Dybala's thrilling hat-trick wins Juventus their match against Young Boys
With Cristiano Ronaldo being banned for this encounter, Juventus had another star rising up to the occasion and producing an enthralling performance, Paulo Dybala. As Ronaldo looked on from the stands, the Argentine sensation netted in thrice. Interestingly, he could have even scored five if he did not miss two other easy chances. Next up, Juventus play two consecutive matches against Manchester United.
Defending champions Real Madrid humiliated by CSKA Moscow
A misfired back-pass from Toni Kroos was picked up by Nikola Vlasic and struck past Navas as Moscow emerged on top of the Group G table. With Sergio Ramos absent and Modric starting from the bench, it can be argued that Real did not take Moscow as seriously as they should have. Benzema, Casemiro and Mariano hit the woodwork while Moscow's goalkeeper was red-carded.
Bayern Munich put up an atrocious performance against Ajax
The Bavarians seem to have lost their touch as they put up a poor display (1-1) against Ajax last night. None of the old vanguards like Robben and Ribery were able to pull off something special. Mats Hummels provided Bayern with the perfect start but they failed to capitalize on it, and it was clearly a mistake to keep James Rodriguez benched for long.
Another frustrating night for Manchester United
There is no respite for Jose Mourinho as his team failed once again to secure a win at Old Trafford. Valencia were the more organized side in a match which hardly saw any United player except Rashford firing up. Pogba had a few moments but was inconsequential the rest of the time, and only the lack of a decent finisher kept Valencia from winning.
