CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | REAL MADRID & AT MADRID

Champions League tonight with REAL MADRID & ATLETICO DE MADRID in Group matches. Here are brief summaries, along with goalscorers & the final results.

REAL MADRID hosted PARIS ST GERMAIN & although both teams have secured the pass to the next stage of Champions League, Real needed to win to keep alive their chance to take top spot of their Group. Above is the starting XI team for Real Madrid.

A great first 45 minutes from Real Madrid. The Spanish Club controlled the game, showed a high level of intensity that has not been seen for a long time in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Real played the ball at a very high speed and created plenty of goal opportunities of which PSG goalie Keylor Navas stopped literally a "goal bath". Tremendous Hazard, a genius Benzema and midfielder Valverde was everywhere.

Same tonic in the second half with Real Madrid dominanting. However, an injury to Hazard & the substitution of Valverde allowed PSG to get more ball control & find spaces. Neymar who came on at the start of the 2ºhalf bettered the PSG attack. When Real Madrid was 2-0 up a mix up between Varane & Real Madrid goalie Courtois allowed Mappe to score & towards the end with a more relaxed Real Madrid Paris St Germain sub Sarabia equalized two minutes later. Gareth Bale hit the post from a free-kick in the last minute.

Great game from Benzema, Hazard, Marcelo & Valverde for Real Madrid, while for PSG Navas was the goal savior & Mbappe was dangerous.

Final result

REAL MADRID 2 - PARIS ST GERMAIN 2 

Goalscorers:
1 - 0 (17') Benzema
2 - 0 (79') Benzema
2 - 1 (81') Mbappé
2 - 2 (83') Sarabia

ATLETICO DE MADRID travelled to Italy to play JUVENTUS FC. The objective was a win for the Spaniards in order to secure their pass into the next stage of Champions League without depending on fate or third parties.

Above is the Atletico starting XI team.

Juventus FC ended the first half 1 - 0 up in a very close & contested match thanks to a genius of Dybala, who was the best player in the first 45 min. 

Alvaro Morata had a golden chance towards the end, although it was off-side. There was also a great opportunity for Angel Correa who combined well with Joao Felix but opted for the center instead of the shot. Atletico de Madrid now must win Lokomotiv to secure their pass onto the next stage of Champions League. If Atletico does not, it will depend on what Leverkusen does against Juventus FC which has already the Top Group spot and has nothing to play except their pride. Atletico played a fair game, but faced a Juventus team which defended very well and took advantage of a genius of Dybala.

FINAL RESULT

JUVENTUS FC 1 - ATLETICO DE MADRID 0

Goalscorer:
1 - 0 Dybala 45m +  

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | At MADRID | REAL MADRID

UEFA Champions League Groups action tonight with ATLETICO DE MADRID at home hosting BAYERN LEVERKUSEN & REAL MADRID away facing Turkish Club GALATASARAY. Here is a brief summary of the main events, goalscorers & the final results.

Above is the starting XI for Atletico de Madrid, a team without Felix Joao who was injured this weekend thus opening a space up for Herreria,  & Angel Correa getting a start.

The first 45 minutes were somewhat bland with nothing really outstanding. Atletico de Madrid began trying to put on the turbo but fizzled out after a number of goal occasions. From there both followed their plans until they reached the half whistle. Lack of imagination on both teams.

With things looked the same as the 1º half Atletico needed to move things if they were to shake off the rocky German team. Coach Simeone put on Alvaro Morata & it paid off. In the 78th min LODI crossed & found his teammate MORATA who headed in the eventual winning goal. 

An important & very worked victory for Atletico de Madrid.

FINAL RESULT: ATLETICO DE MADRID 1 - BAYERN LEVERKUSEN 0

GALATASARAY hosted REAL MADRID which put forward the above starting XI. Midfielder Valverde & young Brazilian Rodrygo got a start, both played well.

It was a must win situation for Real Madrid, while a black cloud was also hovering the head of Coach Zidane. The Spanish Club started well but quickly fell into old habits allowing spaces in defense & opportunities for the Turks. Real Madrid goalie COURTOIS made two (three) very important saves to keep his team alive. However, Real Madrid reacted in the 18th min when HAZARD found TONI KROOS who shot through the ball with deflection into the net. 

From here until the end of the game Real Madrid looked to seal things with a second goal that did not come. They tried, 22 attempts at goal & hit a cross bar from Hazard, this basically summed up the Real Madrid night. Not being able to shut things allowed Galatasaray to attempt the draw & they had their occasions to do just this while Real Madrid was at times risking.

In the end a vital victory away, a sigh of relief for Zidane & more breathing space for Real Madrid to fine tune their goal opportunities & their overall game.

FINAL RESULT: GALATASARAY 0 REAL MADRID 1

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | REAL MADRID - AT MADRID RESULTS

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE tonight with REAL MADRID CF playing at home & ATLETICO DE MADRID located in Moscow (Russia) for their Group matches. Here is a brief summary of the main events at both games, along with goalscorers & the final results.

REAL MADRID hosted Belgium Club BRUGGE in match that was important for the Spaniards to get a positive result. Above is the REAL MADRID starting XI (image) which would later suffered changes, some that will open up speculation & debate.

REAL MADRID started terribly with a Brugge opening goal in the 9th min in silly circumstances that again puts in doubt the Spanish defence & goalkeeper COURTOIS. It was a clear sign that things were not to go the way of the locals as they attacked to create chances but failed to convert. Real Madrid would pay the price for missing chances with the second Brugge goal in the 39th min. Again childish mistakes in defence, a stumbling goal that put in doubt once again COURTOIS. Tonight Keylor Navas was dearly missed & the home crowd voiced this opinion. 

A shocker of a first half with Real Madrid looking at the "barrel of the elimination gun". A loss tonight would make it uphill for the rest of the qualifiers & extremely difficult to pass onto the next Rounds. Real danger moments.

Real Madrid Coach Zidane reacted by substituting COURTOIS for AREOLA & NACHO for MARCELO. The second half was to be "do or die" stuff to avoid possible future problems in Champions League. Real Madrid attacked & kept running into the Belgium team defensive wall. The frustration & anxiety was creeping into the Madrid game & the crowd was sensing that a disaster was about to come upon them.

However, Real reacted with a goal in the 55th min through a RAMOS header from a Benzema pass. Later Brugge defending solidly allowed their aggressiveness to take the better of them & their Captain VORMER saw double yellow cards & was sent off. From an associated free-kick CASEMIRO scored the second & draw for Real Madrid in the 85th min. 

End & final result a draw, with Real Madrid on the edge of the abyss up till the 85th minute. A bad result for the Spanish Club but it could have been worst, a defend & zero points in the Group with a very dark Champions League future.

FINAL RESULT & GOALSCORERS:


Real Madrid 2 Brugge 2
0 - 1 (9')  Dennis Bonaventure
0 - 2 (39') Dennis Bonaventure
1 - 2 (55') Sergio Ramos
2 - 2 (85') Casemiro

ATLETICO DE MADRID travelled to Moscow to play LOKOMOTIV for their Group match. Above is the starting XI team for Atletico (image).

Relatively controlled game by Atletico de Madrid taking the initiative early while Lokomotiv was comfortable defending & looking to counter-attack. Atletico created their chances, especially Diego Costa from a corner & Morata who had an opportunity. The first half ended 0 - 0

In the second half Atletico picked up a notch & scored in the 48th min through youngster FELIX JOAO. The momentum kept going for the Spaniards who scored their second through THOMAS in the 58th min.

Lokomotiv had a clear chance to score in the 73rd min with Krychowiak but Atletico goalkeeper OBLAK made a fabulous save.

Well deserved & important victory for Atletico de Madrid away.

FINAL RESULT:
LOKOMOTIV MOSCOW 0 ATLETICO DE MADRID 2 

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | REAL MADRID - AT MADRID

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE continued tonight with the remaining Group matches. Two Spanish Clubs were down for action, REAL MADRID & ATLETICO DE MADRID. Here is a brief summary of the main events along with the goalscorers & the final results.

REAL MADRID travelled to France to play PARIS ST GERMAIN with the following starting XI for the visitors (see image):

Real Madrid CF ended the first half with two goals down thanks to PSG midfielder Angel Di Maria. DI MARIA was inspired in the goal area and his opportunities went into the back of the net. The two goals in the 14th min & 33rd min come out of his left boot. Real Madrid did have their occasions especially through their Best player JAMES who came close a couple of times. Also a GARETH BALE Goal in the 36th min was disallowed after the VAR called it a hand-ball. 

An uphill position after 45 mins for Real Madrid, & that is with PSG without Mbappe, Neymar & Cavani.

The second half was not better for Real Madrid as Paris St Germain continued to create the goal opportunities. The Spanish Club looked slow, predictable & impotent against a French team that was more determined & looked as if they had ideas.

Real Madrid Coach Zidane brought on Vazquez, Dovic & Vinicius in an attempt to shake things & pull some goals back, but nothing, ineffective. The fact is that PSG managed to score their 3rd goal through MEUNIER in the 91 st min.

Lastly, disappointing the performance of Gareth Bale who intervened little, but so did many of his team-mates.

Great win for Paris St Germain.

FINAL RESULT: PARIS ST GERMAIN 3 REAL MADRID 0

ATLETICO DE MADRID hosted JUVENTUS FC in their Group D match. Above is the Atletico de Madrid starting XI team.

Atletico de Madrid & Juventus put forward an attractive, open and end to end first 45 mins. At Madrid had more ball dominance in the rival area. Atletico midfielder Joao Felix had clear chances along with defender Gimenez who pardoned a corner opportunity. All the Juventus attacks passed through Cristiano Ronaldo who created chances but was solidly meet by Atleti goalie OblaK. Great first half with the only thing missing a Goal.

The second half was as entertaining as the first 45 min. This time around the Italians took control & scored two goals straight through CUADRADO in the 48th min & MATUIDI in the 65th min. Just when it looked like the night would turn into a disaster for Atletico de Madrid the team reached deep & pulled out their fighting spirit. Atletico defender SAVIC scored in the 70th min & HERRERA scored the equalizer in the 90th min to blow the roof off the stadium. 

Share points & just result. 

FINAL RESULT: ATLETICO DE MADRID 2 JUVENTUS FC 2

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JUVENTUS 3 ATLETICO DE MADRID 0 (3-2 AGG) | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULT

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE tonight with ATLETICO DE MADRID taking a  2- 0 advantage from their 1º leg home match against JUVENTUS FC to Turin & attempt to finish the job. The end result was not the expected or planned for by the Spanish Club which witnessed a comeback effort from the Italians taking the final result 3 - 0 & thus eliminating Atletico de Madrid on a 3  - 2 aggregate result.

Here is a brief summary with the goal scorer...of all three goals.

ATLETICO DE MADRID started with the above 11. The inclusion of Lemar made everyone think that Atletico would put aside their natural defensive nature & look to score. This turned out to be an illusion.

JUVENTUS FC went into this match with the above 11, with CRISTIANO RONALDO super motivated believing in his team & a comeback. He was to become vital in his team's victory. 

The Italians started strong forcing Atletico to defend, it was to signal the trend for the rest of the match. A superb attacking left back SPINAZZOLA, PJANIC dominating play, right back CANCELO being an open alternative option, BERNARDESCHI a constant danger, CHIELLINI & BONUCCI cleaning up the loose ends & CRISTIANO RONALDO scoring 3 goals - A HAT TRICK - as he predicted before the match.

Things were crystal clear in the 4th min when the VAR cancelled a goal by Chellini from a Ronaldo foul on goalie Oblak. Not deterred Juventus FC kept going after their objective.

Atletico de Madrid may have wanted to score the vital away goal but its not in their DNA to attack. In fact their player midfield profile is not creative or with much ideas. Upfront Morata was neutralized & the other forward Griezmann was everywhere except in the goal square area. The man to give Atletico spark upfront Lemar spend all his time defending, this was the script for tonight's show. Said conclusively, Atletico de Madrid looked nothing at all like the 1º leg match, as did Juventus FC which instead turned the who tie 360º degrees to their favour. 

The man of the match was CRISTIANO RONALDO who earned his transfer & paycheck tonight proving again that he is a "BIG TIME PLAYER". The Portuguese scored a HAT TRICK - two from headers & a penalty:

1 - 0 (26') Cristiano Ronaldo
2 - 0 (48') Cristiano Ronaldo
3- 0  (86')  Cristiano Ronaldo, p

He was aptly supported by his competent & focused team-mates. Tonight is the reason why Juventus signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid, to flip things over to their favour in times of difficulties, an asset pivotal for the Champions League competition. Having observed tonight's game I would dare to proclaim that JUVENTUS are definitely my favourite Club to win Champions League this year.

As for Atletico another failure, & yes under Coach Simeone. The Argentine Coach cannot jump the "BIG MOMENTS" hurdle. Simeone has again been demystified showing more doubts than inspiration. Tonight there was no grabbing his genitals instead he received a solid kick by the Italians between the legs.

In a nutshell, extremely disappointing performance from the Atletico Coach for his lack of ideas & from most of the players which were overwhelmed by the occasion. Difficult to understand how the Spanish Club could squander a 2 goal advantage in tonight's fashion.

Congratulations to Juventus FC, deserved victory & good luck for the rest of the competition. 

Tomorrow its Spanish Club FC BARCELONA turn against LYON...same story? Stay tuned. 

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AT MADRID 2 JUVENTUS FC 0 | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULT

UEFA Champions League continued tonight with the much anticipated clash between two favourites, ATLETICO DE MADRID and JUVENTUS FC. Here is a summary of the main events, along with the goalscorers & the final result.

Atletico de Madrid started with the above 11 team, it included the return of midfielder Koke & forward Diego Costa.

Juventus FC went into this game with the above starting 11 missing Khedira who stayed in Turin undergoing medical check over a heart complaint detected a few days back.

The first half was even with few goal opportunities to note, except a long range Cristiano Ronaldo free kick stopped by Oblak & a Griezmann free kick stopped by Juventus goalie Szczesny. The match swayed between both teams as Atletico started strong & later Juve regained the upper hand. The game was intense with Atletico showing their habitual physical approach to their Football & while Juve was solid in their defending.

The second half was all Atletico de Madrid which decided to go after the game leaving aside some of the tactical discipline. The goal opportunities came early with DIEGO COSTA on his own missing a sitter, that was followed few minutes later with GRIEZMANN hitting the bar.

Atletico de Madrid Coach Simeone decided to make some changes that surprised by there offensive nature. Alvaro Morata came on for Costa, Lemar came on for Tomas & later Correa for Koke...all 3 are forwards.

Atletico was putting Juventus FC on the back foot & in the 70th min MORATA headed in a goal that was later cancelled by a VAR decision, it seemed he pushed Chellini before heading. But the signs were there that more was to come. It did, in the 78th min when Atletico defender GIMENEZ scoped a loose ball in the little square to score the opener. The second goal would come in 84th min when another defender GODIN shot to goal getting a deflection off Cristiano Ronaldo that went into the net.

The Italians attempted a late reaction to at least try for an away goal but Atletico goal Oblak made an outstanding save from a Bernardeschi attempt, & Ronaldo failed a header a half chance towards to end. 

FINAL RESULT: ATLETICO DE MADRID 2 - JUVENTUS FC 0

Finish off with a mention about the grand perform by Atletico defender GODIN who was outstanding tonight in defence & showing his leadership qualities.

Now it's back to Turin for the second leg match which could be a cliffhanger as Juventus attempts to turn things around. However, Atletico has a healthy & well earned advantage.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | FC BARCELONA | AT MADRID

UEFA Champions League was back this week with the last Group matches scheduled & before the Christmas Break. Two of the four Spanish Football representatives was up for show tonight with the following summary of events, goalscorers & final results.

FC BARCELONA hosted English Club TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS with the former having the Top spot of the Group secure & thus not playing for much except prestige. On the other hand Tottenham was battling with Italian Club Inter Milan for the prized 2º place & for them a tonight victory was vital ( or that Inter to lose their game to keep 2º place).

Under the "relaxed" circumstances for Barça Coach Valverde used the occasion to give less regular & younger players a run as you can see in the above image of the starting 11 side. 

The first half was entertaining with plenty of occasions for both teams. FC Barcelona managed to score first early after "maverick" Frenchman DEMBELE did his magia with a long spirit, dribble & great goal in the 11th min.  The first half end with Barça ahead by the only goal scored by the French forward.

The 2º half saw a more active & determined Tottenham Hotspurs which had one ear (via the radio) listening to what Inter Milan was doing & the other needing to score. However while Barcelona had opportunities - Coutinho hitting the post - FC Barcelona goalkeeper Cillessen was earning himself the "MVP" tag with some spectacular & match winning saves. However, just when one thought that Tottenham was "jinxed" a counter-attack from the mentioned post hitting Barça occasion lead to the equalizing goal by LUCAS MOURA in the 85th min.

With Inter Milan drawing 1 -1 in their game this result was enough for Tottemham to keep the second position of the Group & give them the ticket to the next phase of the Champions League. Thus both Barça & Tottenham "won" tonight.

FINAL RESULT : FC BARCELONA 1 - TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 1  

ATLETICO DE MADRID travelled away to play Belgian Club FC BRUGGE to attempt to secure the Top spot of their group which they were competing with German Club Borussia Dortmund. Thus a win for At. Madrid was a priority tonight for them & as you can see in the above image of the starting 11.  Coach Simeone went out with the available "big names".

The 1º half gave plenty of occasions to Atletico de Madrid that were not converted into goal. Two opportunities to note were those of Griezmann & Thomas that came close, while Brugge goalkeeper Horvath played his part. Atletico midfielder Saul deserves a mention for his Football & outstanding plays that contributed to At Madrid dominating & being the more dangerous but not scoring. The first 45 mins finished with both teams scoreless. 

The 2º half complicated things for Atletico de Madrid which could not find the way to score the needed goal. In fact FC Brugge got stronger as the anxiety levels increased for the Spanish team, added with the extra frustration of not being able to score to secure the Top spot of the Group. Atletico goalkeeper Oblak was forced to do some great saves to avoid the Belgian team from taking the match & victory.

FINAL RESULT: FC BRUGGE 0 - ATLETICO DE MADRID 0 

Atletico goes through to the next stage as second placed of their group behind Borussia Dortmund. Not good at all as Atletico could be matched in their next game against the likes of either Bayern, Man City, PSG or Juventus FC. 

Tomorrow more Champions League games with Real Madrid & Valencia FC scheduled for their Group games. 

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | ATLETICO MADRID & FC BARCELONA WIN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE continued tonight with the remaining two Spanish Football representatives up for their respective Group matches. Here is a brief summary of the main events, goalscorers & final scores.

ATLETICO DE MADRID hosted MONACO for their Group match which also have the extra news piece that ex-Atletico Falcao was back to face his old Club. Atletico de Madrid was looking for a victory in front of the home fans to secure their place without any doubt for the next phase of the competition & attempt to secure Top Group spot from Borussia Dortmund which are also contenders. 

Above in the image is the starting 11 team for Atletico, with some notable names still absent like Godin, Jimenez, Juan Fran & Diego Costa, all recovering from injury. Coach Simeone brought back Lemar & Correa.

The match could not have got off to a better start when a KOKE intervention (shot) was deflected by Badiashile in the 2º min for the opening goal. Atletico de Madrid took full control of the match & the second goal came in the 24th min when GRIEZMANN finished off an excellent assist from Correa

In the 2º half Monaco pulled from pride & lifted their level of Football. The team Coached by Thierry Henry managed to get a penalty in the 81st min when Atletico defender Savic handballed in the area. FALCAO took the responsibility to execute the penalty & missed.

FINAL RESULT: ATLETICO DE MADRID 2 - MONACO 0

FC BARCELONA travelled to Holland without Suarez, Rafinha & Sergi Roberto (injury) to play PSV EINDHOVEN with Messi recovered & back in Champions; along with the rest of the highlighted 10 team-mates in the above image. Barça´s motivation tonight was to win, of course, & secure firmly the top spot of their Group.

PSV started strongly & nearly scored early had not Barça German goalie Ter Stegen not intervened to halt the Dutch advances. The 1º st half turned out to be very competitive & even as both teams created multiple goal opportunities. The posts-cross bars were the main protagonists as they kept out the ball from the goal net for both sides.

The 2º half witnessed how the quality & experience of the FC Barcelona players pulled away from the early equilibrium with PSV to sway the match to their favour. Lionel Messi lead his team with his habitual outstanding play that inspired fellow teammates (Dembele, RaKitic, Coutinho, Pique...) to lift & finally find the prize. LIONEL MESSI scored in the 60th min & PIQUE managed the second for Barça in the 70th min.

However, PSV kept showing signs of danger during the 2º half that Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen had to neutralise & avoid the Dutch from scoring. PSV were finally rewarded for their persistence in the 82nd min when DE JONG pulled a goal back.  FC Barcelona lowered the pace of the match to achieve control & manage the final moments of the match preserving their favourable result & eventual victory.

PSV played well tonight & may have done better if the opportunities had been taken. Barça was great in attack but had defending difficulties that were "covered" up by the already known star names within their ranks.

FINAL RESULT: PSV 1 - FC BARCELONA 2

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | FC BARCELONA DRAWS | ATLETICO DE MADRID WINS

UEFA Champions League this mid-week with two of the four Spanish Football Clubs down for their scheduled Group matches. Here is a brief summary of events, goalscorers & final results.

FC BARCELONA travelled to Milan to play away INTER MILAN & attempt to secure further the top Group spot & ensure their pass into the next phase of the European competition. Lionel Messi was discarded for this game as he still carries an elbow injury. Above is the Barça starting 11 line-up & below a picture of the starting team. 

The first 45 mins was clearly dominated by FC Barcelona but the team was not able to get ahead with any goal. Barça created many goal opportunities with Luis Suarez having three clear chances, but failed to get the ball into the Inter goal net. Other FC Barcelona players with great goal occasions was Dembele, Alba & Rakitic during the first half of the clash.

The second half was more of the same with Barça creating many goal opportunities but not being able to convert, Luis Suarez had a goal disallowed, & it wasn't until Barça brought on sub. MALCOM that the Brazilian put Barcelona ahead in the 82nd min. But Inter Milan took advantage of a relaxed FC Barcelona & pressured until eventually getting a surprise goal & the draw in the 87th min when ICARDI scored.

FINAL RESULT a 1 - 1 draw that secures Barcelona a passage into the next stage of the Champions League competition.

ATLETICO DE MADRID hosted German Club BORUSSIA DORTMUND & was looking to find "revenge" from the 4 - 0 defeat at Dortmund in their last game. A victory was the main objective of the Spanish Football Club in order to keep open the possibility of regaining Top spot in the Group & not to get into a complicated situation by losing tonight.

At Madrid went into this game with key regular players out due to injury (Godin, Diego Costa, Savic, Lemar etc). Above is the list of the starting 11 player names (see image)

The German Club started strong in the initial stages of the match but Atletico de Madrid went into the dressing team with a 1 - 0 goal advantage after SAUL scored in the 33rd min. The Spanish Football Club could have scored more goals had the post not stopped a Tomas attempt & Dortmund goalie Burki not saved occasions from Atletico especial Saul towards the end of the first half. 

In the 2º half Atletico de Madrid continued their good play & were solid in defense neutralizing Borussia in the little occasions they created at goal. Atletico continued in their offensive strategy & GRIEZMANN scored the second goal in the 80th min. 

FINAL RESULT a 2 - 0 win for Atletico de Madrid over Borussia Dortmund, taking "revenge" & putting themselves back on course for a passage into the next phase of Champions League.

Tomorrow more Champions League action with Real Madrid & Valencia CF down for Group matches.

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FC BARCELONA WINS | AT MADRID LOSES | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UEFA Champions League continued tonight with the two remaining Spanish Football representatives scheduled for their respective Group matches. Here is a brief summary of events, goalscorers & final results

FC BARCELONA hosted INTER MILAN without their star Lionel Messi sidelined with an elbow bone fracture. The talk was how would Barça react & if Inter could take advantage of the situation. The final result was a 2 - 0 victory to FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona started with the above 11 players a bit slow as Inter Milan took the initiative from the start. They had Barça on the back foot creating goal chances which were not converted, especially an occasion by Icardi that should have been in the net.

You can't fail against Barça which began shortly after to find their Football. It was not long after that Rafinha put them ahead in the 22 min & the team began firing. Coutinho who took the role of Messi was outstanding along with the whole team.

One can say that perhaps FC Barcelona put in tonight one of the best performances this season & that was without Messi. Barça defender Jordi Alba scored the second goal in the 82 min to shut the match, secure the victory with 3 points & take top spot in their Group.

Great exhibition by Barça tonight, they are looking good coming up to next Sunday´s "Classico" against Real Madrid in LaLiga Spanish competition.

Goalscorers:

Rafinha 22 min 1 - 0
Jordi Alba 82 min 2 - 0

ATLETICO DE MADRID travelled to Germany to play BORUSSIA DORTMUND both unbeaten in their Group up to this point. The final result 2 - 0 victory to Borussia Dortmund. 

Atletico de Madrid started with the above 11 & began well, however the Germans began to grow in confidence taking the initiative with speed counter-attacks. It was not long before Dortmund got ahead in the 33 rd min when a Witsel shot deflected pass Atletico goalie Oblak.

Marcos Reus was doing some damage as a "false center forward" fooling the Spanish central defender & opening up spaces for his team-mates to exploit.

Atletico de Madrid went into the second half strong & more determined putting in muscle in the midfield through Rodrig & speed up front with Correa. The opportunities arrived & SAUL hit the bar to nearly equalize.

Once again Borussia won back the initiative & in a deeply counter-attack Guerreiro scored the second goal to give Dortmund a safety cushion & practically seal the result. To the merit of Atletico they continued to find a way to attempt to reverse things & created goal opportunities, one by Griezmann that nearly went in. But the home side held their ground & advantage continuing with their momentum to score a third goal through Sancho & a fourth through Guerreiro sealing the win to take the 3 points & also top spot of their Group. Atletico de Madrid towards the final minutes was sunk & knocked out of the match.

Borussia Dortmund were worthy winners. 

Goalscorers:
Witsel 38 min 1 - 0
Guerreiro 73 min 2 - 0
Sancho 83 min 3 - 0
Guerreiro 89 min 4 - 0 

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