UCL Watch: Top Games To Watch From UCL Matchday 2

Another week of UCL action is in the books. The groups are taking shape as the condensed group stages roll on. A lot of big games, surprising upsets and banging goals in the last two days. So in case you missed out on the action, here are the three best fixtures from this match week’s games.

Also read: UCL: Top Performers Of UCL Matchday 2

3. Sporting CP 2-0 Tottenham

In the iconic words of Giorgio Chiellini,” It’s the history of the Tottenham.” After creating loads of chances and defending well for 90 minutes, they went on to concede 2 in extra time and hand Sporting a famous win. The second goal scored by Arthur was indeed a work of art. He megged Emerson, jinxed past Romero and finally megged Lloris to wrap up all three points for the Portuguese side.

Many had written off Sporting in this group, but this result sees them go top of the group with 6 points from 6. This is the first time Sporting has won their first 2 UCL games, and their manager Ruben Amorim deserves a lot of credit.

Spurs did huff and puff, taking 22 shots by the end, but they lacked that cutting edge to beat the green and white wall. Son was once again off colour as the front three of Kane, Son, and Richarlison continue to have a teething issue. Conte’s poor record in the Champions League continues, but there is still enough time to make amends.

2. Juventus 1-2 Benfica

The biggest shock of this set of matches was Benfica rocking up in Turin and turning Juventus over. Juve started strong fielding a robust attacking lineup with Milik and Vlahovic upfront supplemented by Kostic and Cuadrado at wing-back. The duo are excellent in an attacking sense but left a lot of gaps that Benfica increasingly took advantage of as the match progressed.

Juve came out all guns blazing as they had a point to prove following their unfair result over the weekend. Four minutes in, Milik scored a bullet header at the front post sending the fans in the Juventus stadium into raptures.

As the minutes ticked on, it was the Portuguese club that found its feet and started dominating. The first goal came from a penalty that Joao Mario converted, and David Neres’ goal later in the match saw another famous Portuguese win this week.

Things are not looking good for Juventus, and they now sit in third 6 points behind PSG and Benfica. Allegri needs to start finding solutions fast, or else he will lead Juve straight to the Europa League.

1. Bayern Munich 2-0 Barcelona

This week’s biggest game by far as these two European juggernauts lock horns once again. Yet again, it didn’t end well for the Blaugrana side. Lewandowski’s return to the Allianz didn’t quite go to plan as the Pole spurned multiple chances to score in the first half. Both Barca and Bayern were a mess defensively as they kept giving away the ball in dangerous areas and inviting unnecessary pressure.

Pedri chipped Neuer from within the six-yard box, but his shot hit the post and went out. It was just that kind of day for Barca. Bayern, on the other hand, took the chances they got.

Lucas Hernandes first from a corner, and then Sane got the second as he zoomed past Marcos Alonso and deftly placed the ball past Ter Stegen. Barca were unlucky not to get a penalty when Davies brought Dembele down in the box.

However, Barca should be proud of their performance as on another day, they could have been 3 goals up, but that’s the Champions League. You pay the price for not being clinical.

This result takes the Bayern-Barca aggregate over the past 5 games to 16-2. The Catalans would be itching to get one over their Bavarian rivals when they visit the Camp Nou in October.