Champions League Roundup: Chelsea and Liverpool Victorious, Messi Writes History

The Champions League week 3 is over, and there weren’t too many surprises during this round. As in yesterday’s games, all the favorites successfully overcame their challenges. Liverpool was confident in Belgium, Barca triumphant in Prague, while Inter and Chelsea posted massive wins in their respective games.

The Blues defeated Ajax in Amsterdam, completely erasing the slip against Valencia at home. It was 1-0 for Lampard’s kids as the fans like to say, and the only scorer in this match was Michy Batshuayi five minutes before the end. With this victory, the Blues reached Ajax on the top of Group H and now have seven points.

“I’m so happy.,” Frank Lampard told the journalists. “To come here, I knew how tough this game would be – they’re a really strong side. To play and beat them – and we deserved to beat them – is so satisfying.”

Chelsea had lots of luck tonight, as Valencia, who is another candidate for the knockout stage, conceded a goal in the fifth minute of the injury time, and dopped two points against Lilles. The final result was 1-1, but the Spaniards were leading since the 64th minute when Denis Cheryshev scored. Nanitamo Ikone froze the Bats in the stoppage time, snapping two points from them and pushing Chelsea ahead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk5WA_5WwvE

Inter Milan was better than Borussia Dortmund, 2-0, in one not so interesting match at Giuseppe Meazza. Antonio Conte’s team managed to slow down the game and control things on the court even though the Millionaires looked more dangerous. Lautaro Martinez and Candreva netted once each, sending their team right behind Barca on the Group F standings. Though they have the same number of points as Dortmund and travel to Germany in two weeks.

Barca was routine against Slavia Prague, although the home team managed to equalize in one moment. Lionel Messi became the first-ever player to score in 15 consecutive Champions League games, bringing the lead to his team after only three minutes. Boril leveled five minutes into the second half, while Olayinka scored an own goal which sent three points to Spain. Barca has 7 points, Slavia one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l161ZlEKI0

Liverpool was ruthless against Genk in Belgium. Klopp’s guys won 4-1, with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s brace and one goal by Salah and Mane. In general, the European champions were a much better side on the field, and they deserved to win maybe by a higher margin.

Ox’s second goal was simply magnificent, and is probably one of the best this season.

“He’s got a great strike, and he’s good in those pockets. It’s great to have him back, and he’s another option in that midfield, where there’s already great competition for places,” said James Milner.

Another match in Group E, between Red Bull Salzburg and Napoli, was dramatic, Even though the teenage sensation Erling Haaland scored twice, the home team couldn’t beat the Italians, who went home with a win, 2-3. Dries Mertens also added a brace, but it was Lorenzo Insigne who delivered the game-winner. Napoli is still first in the standings with 7 points, the Reds have 6, Salzburg 3, and Genk just one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X1bmSdqLAo

The most exciting group to follow is G, where all teams have a chance to enter the round of 16. Red Bull Leipzig came back after trailing against Zenit at the halftime, posting their second win in this competition. It was 2-1 for the Germans, The Portuguese powerhouse, Benfica beat Lyon with the same result. Right now, Red Bull has 6 points, Zenit 4 as well as Lyon, while Benfica has 3.

The next round is scheduled in two weeks.