Champions League Matchday Two Round-Up (groups A-D): Both Madrid sides survive scares and Bayern hit the lucky 13

It was another entertaining night in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday as teams in groups A to D competed for the second time in the group stage, with some eye-catching results.

GROUP A:

The champions of Europe, Bayern Munich recorded their 13th consecutive win in the Champions League, continuing their highly impressive form in Europe’s elite competition under Hansi Flick. 

Bayern recorded a 2-1 win over Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in a closely fought contest, with Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich scoring either side of Anton Miranchuk’s goal in the 70th minute.

As for the other game, Atletico Madrid managed to get off the mark in the competition after being well beaten 4-0 last week by Bayern.

Diego Simeone’s side left it late as they came from 2-1 down against Austrian champions RB Salzburg to win 3-2 thanks to a Joao Felix brace.

Group A looks like one of those groups where first and second place were already decided before a ball was even kicked, however, it will be interesting to see which of Lokomotiv and Salzburg will earn that Europa League spot, assuming Atletico don’t shoot themselves in the foot.

GROUP B:

Real Madrid managed to survive a scare in the Champions League after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar last week as they salvaged a 2-2 draw with German side Borussia Monchengladbach.

The hosts had gone two goals up thanks to a brace from Marcus Thuram and with three minutes to go it looked like Marco Rose’s side would hold onto a famous win.

However, goals in the 87th and 93rd minute from Karim Benzema and Casemiro respectively saw Los Blancos pick up their first point in the competition this season.

In the other game, Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk were able to hold Europa League finalists Inter Milan to a goalless draw in Kiev after Antonio Conte’s side had the better of the chances with both Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku going close.

On paper, Real and Inter were the favourites to progress to the Round of 16, but as it stands in group B, progression can be won by any of the four teams.

GROUP C:

Kevin De Bruyne made his first start for Manchester City after his injury suffered during the international break and provided two assists in a routine win for the Champions League hopefuls as they overcame Marseille 3-0 in France.

Summer signing Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the first half and late goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling respectively made sure that Pep Guardiola’s side maintained their 100% record in the competition thus far.

After being defeated by City last week, Portuguese champions FC Porto got off the mark in the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Olympiacos.

Fabio Viera scored early on but the win was in serious doubt as the Greek side knocked on the door until Sergio Oliveria’s late goal secured the three points for the hosts.

Marseille already have work to do and City already look like they’ll comfortably win the group, meaning Porto’s win over Olympiacos could prove vital.

GROUP D:

In an entertaining game in Italy, last season’s quarter-finalists Atalanta came from two goals down against Ajax, who looked set for their first win in Europe this season.

A Dusan Tadic penalty and a goal from youngster Lassina Traore, fresh from scoring five in the Eredivisie at the weekend, put Erik ten Hag’s side in control at half-time.

However, a rejuvenated Atalanta came out of the tunnel to salvage a draw with Duvan Zapata scoring in the 54th and 60th minute.

At Anfield, champions of England Liverpool were forced to work hard for the win against Danish champions FC Midtjylland.

A rotated starting lineup didn’t satisfy Jurgen Klopp who put on his big guns in the second half as goals from Diogo Jota and Mo Salah secured a 2-0 victory to maintain the Reds’ 100% start in the competition.

Unfortunately, the win came at a cost as Liverpool lost another star defender with makeshift centre-back Fabinho coming off with a hamstring injury. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side already looks like they’ll cruise to first place in the group but, despite two defeats, Midtjylland sit only one point off of second place, certainly a group to keep your eye on.

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