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..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
Manchester United Starting Line-up
David de Gea
Chris Smalling
Victor Lindelof
Daley Blind
Ashley Young
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Nemanja Matic
Paul Pogba
Romelu Lukaku
Anthony Martial
Juan Mata
&
Basel Starting Line-up
Tomas Vaclík
Marek Suchy
Eder Balanta
Manuel Akanji
Luca Zuffi
Taulant Xhaka
Blas Riveros
Michael Lang
Ricky van Wolfswinkel
Mohammed Elyounoussi
Renato Steffen
Full Time
Manchester United 3 Vs 0 Basel
Manchester United Goal(s)
M.Fallaini 35'
R.Lukaku 53'
M.Rashford 84'
Manchester United Goal(s)
M.Fallaini 35'
R.Lukaku 53'
M.Rashford 84'
Congratulations Manchester United!
Well played everyone!
Fellaini & Young patta
& Pogba injured
Get well soon Pogba.
Good Luck for the next match Manchester United!
Well played everyone!
Fellaini & Young patta
& Pogba injured
Get well soon Pogba.Good Luck for the next match Manchester United!
Olympiacos 2 Sporting Lisbon 3: Doumbia inspires Sporting against chaotic Greeks
Sporting Lisbon produced a first-half attacking masterclass to beat Olympiacos 3-2 in their Champions League Group D opener at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
Seydou Doumbia opened the scoring after just 70 seconds, before Gelson Martins took full advantage of some kamikaze defending to double the visitors' lead inside 14 minutes.
After hitting the woodwork twice, Sporting netted a third through Bruno Fernandes' clipped finish over a horribly exposed Stefanos Kapino in the Olympiacos goal. Olympiacos produced a dramatic late rally, with substitute Felipe Pardo scoring twice, but the damage had been done in a dreadful first-half display.
Besnik Hasi's men must now pick themselves up for what will be a daunting trip to Juventus in two weeks. Sporting, however, will have a spring in their step ahead of Barcelona's visit to Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The visitors got off to a sensational start with on-loan Roma striker Doumbia opening his account for Sporting. Ivory Coast international Doumbia was given the freedom of the Olympiacos area to meet Marcos Acuna's teasing free-kick and head past the flailing Kapino.A shell-shocked defence was breached again a little over ten minutes later.
An Olympiacos attack was swiftly countered by Sporting, with Doumbia releasing Martins just over the halfway line. Martins' pace took him away from the backtracking defenders to coolly slot past Kapino.Sporting then nearly netted a third in the 21st minute. Fernandes spun elegantly on the edge of the area but his curled effort crashed back off the post.
Martins should have had his second soon after but he somehow thumped his close-range effort against the crossbar when it looked easier to score.The Portuguese did not have to wait long to make it three, though, as they once again broke through the home defence with alarming ease.
Sebastian Coates' through ball from defence was latched onto by Fernandes, and without a defender in sight, he was able to clip over Kapino to give his side a thoroughly deserved 3-0 lead at the break.Safe in the knowledge that they were, barring a remarkable turnaround, taking three points back to Portugal, Sporting were nothing like as potent in the second half.
In fact, it was Olympiacos who carved out the first significant chance. Uros Djurdjevic scuffed an effort towards goal, but the impressive Coates was able to divert it behind.It was a hugely improved second half performance from the hosts, and they got their reward in the 89th minute when Pardo drilled a low shot into the bottom-left corner.
Pardo then scored his second from Diogo Figueiras' cross to set up a tense finale, but it was too little too late for Olympiacos.
Sporting Lisbon produced a first-half attacking masterclass to beat Olympiacos 3-2 in their Champions League Group D opener at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
Seydou Doumbia opened the scoring after just 70 seconds, before Gelson Martins took full advantage of some kamikaze defending to double the visitors' lead inside 14 minutes.
After hitting the woodwork twice, Sporting netted a third through Bruno Fernandes' clipped finish over a horribly exposed Stefanos Kapino in the Olympiacos goal. Olympiacos produced a dramatic late rally, with substitute Felipe Pardo scoring twice, but the damage had been done in a dreadful first-half display.
Besnik Hasi's men must now pick themselves up for what will be a daunting trip to Juventus in two weeks. Sporting, however, will have a spring in their step ahead of Barcelona's visit to Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The visitors got off to a sensational start with on-loan Roma striker Doumbia opening his account for Sporting. Ivory Coast international Doumbia was given the freedom of the Olympiacos area to meet Marcos Acuna's teasing free-kick and head past the flailing Kapino.A shell-shocked defence was breached again a little over ten minutes later.
An Olympiacos attack was swiftly countered by Sporting, with Doumbia releasing Martins just over the halfway line. Martins' pace took him away from the backtracking defenders to coolly slot past Kapino.Sporting then nearly netted a third in the 21st minute. Fernandes spun elegantly on the edge of the area but his curled effort crashed back off the post.
Martins should have had his second soon after but he somehow thumped his close-range effort against the crossbar when it looked easier to score.The Portuguese did not have to wait long to make it three, though, as they once again broke through the home defence with alarming ease.
Sebastian Coates' through ball from defence was latched onto by Fernandes, and without a defender in sight, he was able to clip over Kapino to give his side a thoroughly deserved 3-0 lead at the break.Safe in the knowledge that they were, barring a remarkable turnaround, taking three points back to Portugal, Sporting were nothing like as potent in the second half.
In fact, it was Olympiacos who carved out the first significant chance. Uros Djurdjevic scuffed an effort towards goal, but the impressive Coates was able to divert it behind.It was a hugely improved second half performance from the hosts, and they got their reward in the 89th minute when Pardo drilled a low shot into the bottom-left corner.
Pardo then scored his second from Diogo Figueiras' cross to set up a tense finale, but it was too little too late for Olympiacos.
Celtic 0 Paris Saint-Germain 5: Cavani creates history as PSG run riot at Parkhead
Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar all found the net as Paris Saint-Germain inflicted Celtic's heaviest ever home defeat in Europe by racking up a 5-0 scoreline at Parkhead.
PSG's star-studded forward line tore the Scottish champions apart to not only maintain their perfect start to the new season but also send out a warning to their Champions League rivals.
Playing in the competition for the first time since his world-record transfer from Barcelona, Neymar raced onto Adrien Rabiot's throughball to give the dominant French side a deserved lead in the 19th minute of the Group B contest.
The scorer turned provider for PSG's second, heading back across goal for Mbappe to find the net for the sixth time in his last seven Champions League games, the previous five coming in last season's knockout stages for Monaco.
Cavani converted a 40th-minute penalty to make it 3-0 and, in the process, become his club's leading scorer in European competitions, his 21st goal moving him ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the all-time list.
The Uruguayan added another to his tally with a header in the 85th minute after Celtic's Mikael Lustig had presented PSG with a fourth by turning a Julian Draxler cross into his own net.
Despite a raucous home crowd doing their best to rouse their players prior to kick-off, Brendan Rodgers' side spent much of the opening 45 minutes chasing after PSG's collection of superstars.
Dominant from the outset, PSG took the lead when Neymar escaped teenage full-back Anthony Ralston and fired beyond the advancing Craig Gordon, giving him his fifth goal in as many matches for his new club.
By that stage, PSG had already seen a goal ruled out for offside, Cavani the player denied as he was adjudged to be fractionally beyond the last defender when turning in Layvin Kurzawa's cross.
The striker then fluffed his lines when Neymar's unselfish header gifted him a glorious opportunity from six yards out, although Mbappe capitalised on his team-mate's profligacy to smash a rising shot high into the Celtic net.
Cavani did, however, get his landmark goal before the break, converting from the spot after he had been pulled back by defender Jozo Simunovic as they battled to reach a cross.
Leigh Griffiths' free-kick and a low drive from Scott Sinclair kept PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on his toes before the interval, while the former fluffed a glorious chance to score from Kieran Tierney's cross in the opening minutes of a second half played at a much more sedate pace.
Ralston raised the noise levels inside Celtic Park when he followed a rampaging run with a hefty challenge on Thiago Motta, the 18-year-old responding to the booking from referee Daniele Orsato by raising his fists in defiance to his supporters.
Yet Celtic's hope of at least holding PSG scoreless in the second half disappeared when Lustig had the misfortune of deflecting Draxler's driven ball from the right into his own goal.
It was fitting that Cavani completed the rout when he acrobatically headed in Kurzawa's cross at the back post, as PSG wrapped up an emphatic win on the road. Next up in Europe: Bayern Munich at home.
Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar all found the net as Paris Saint-Germain inflicted Celtic's heaviest ever home defeat in Europe by racking up a 5-0 scoreline at Parkhead.
PSG's star-studded forward line tore the Scottish champions apart to not only maintain their perfect start to the new season but also send out a warning to their Champions League rivals.
Playing in the competition for the first time since his world-record transfer from Barcelona, Neymar raced onto Adrien Rabiot's throughball to give the dominant French side a deserved lead in the 19th minute of the Group B contest.
The scorer turned provider for PSG's second, heading back across goal for Mbappe to find the net for the sixth time in his last seven Champions League games, the previous five coming in last season's knockout stages for Monaco.
Cavani converted a 40th-minute penalty to make it 3-0 and, in the process, become his club's leading scorer in European competitions, his 21st goal moving him ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the all-time list.
The Uruguayan added another to his tally with a header in the 85th minute after Celtic's Mikael Lustig had presented PSG with a fourth by turning a Julian Draxler cross into his own net.
Despite a raucous home crowd doing their best to rouse their players prior to kick-off, Brendan Rodgers' side spent much of the opening 45 minutes chasing after PSG's collection of superstars.
Dominant from the outset, PSG took the lead when Neymar escaped teenage full-back Anthony Ralston and fired beyond the advancing Craig Gordon, giving him his fifth goal in as many matches for his new club.
By that stage, PSG had already seen a goal ruled out for offside, Cavani the player denied as he was adjudged to be fractionally beyond the last defender when turning in Layvin Kurzawa's cross.
The striker then fluffed his lines when Neymar's unselfish header gifted him a glorious opportunity from six yards out, although Mbappe capitalised on his team-mate's profligacy to smash a rising shot high into the Celtic net.
Cavani did, however, get his landmark goal before the break, converting from the spot after he had been pulled back by defender Jozo Simunovic as they battled to reach a cross.
Leigh Griffiths' free-kick and a low drive from Scott Sinclair kept PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on his toes before the interval, while the former fluffed a glorious chance to score from Kieran Tierney's cross in the opening minutes of a second half played at a much more sedate pace.
Ralston raised the noise levels inside Celtic Park when he followed a rampaging run with a hefty challenge on Thiago Motta, the 18-year-old responding to the booking from referee Daniele Orsato by raising his fists in defiance to his supporters.
Yet Celtic's hope of at least holding PSG scoreless in the second half disappeared when Lustig had the misfortune of deflecting Draxler's driven ball from the right into his own goal.
It was fitting that Cavani completed the rout when he acrobatically headed in Kurzawa's cross at the back post, as PSG wrapped up an emphatic win on the road. Next up in Europe: Bayern Munich at home.
Bayern Munich 3 Anderlecht 0: Lewandowski on target as Ancelotti's men return to winning ways
Robert Lewandowski outlined his importance to Bayern Munich as his early penalty helped Carlo Ancelotti's side to a 3-0 victory over 10-man Anderlecht in their Champions League Group B opener.
Having been publicly criticised by Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge following his comments regarding the Bundesliga champions' transfer policy, Lewandowski wasted no time in making an impact when he drew a clumsy foul from Sven Kums 11 minutes in.
Though the initial contact may well have been outside of the area, a penalty was awarded - and Kums was given his marching orders - with Lewandowski making no mistake from 12 yards.
Bayern came into Tuesday's clash on the back of their first defeat of the season, which came at the hands of Hoffenheim, and Die Rotten were far from at their best once more, with the visitors squandering two excellent opportunities to restore parity either side of half time.But, Bayern finally clicked into gear just after the hour, Thiago Alcantara tucking home from Joshua Kimmich's pinpoint cross.
An argument between Lewandowski and Arjen Robben and the touchline antics of Franck Ribery threatened to overshadow Bayern's return to form, but Kimmich's late effort ensured a routine victory ended on a high note.
James Rodriguez should have marked his full debut with a goal inside 10 minutes, but could only direct a tame header straight at Matz Sels after meeting Ribery's inch-perfect cross. However, Bayern did not have to wait long to take the lead.
Having latched onto a ball over the top of Anderlecht's defence, Lewandowski raced into the area, drawing a desperate foul from Kums who - as the last man - the referee had little choice but to send off.Lewandowski duly converted from the spot, sending Sels the wrong way with a composed finish into the bottom-left corner.
Despite their numerical advantage, a close-range Lewandowski header was the closest Bayern went to extending their lead, and Anderlecht should have drawn level prior to the interval.
Leander Dendoncker got in behind Bayern's defence and teed up Nicolae Stanciu but, having slipped at the vital moment, he sliced his effort wide as Anderlecht failed to capitalise on a rare venture forward and beat goalkeeper Manuel Neuer - making his 100th appearance in European competition.
And the hosts' vulnerable defence was opened up once again moments after the restart when Sofiane Hanni's cut-back found Alexandru Chipciu, whose effort rebounded agonisingly off the left-hand upright.
Ancelotti's side responded well, though, and finally had their second in the 65th minute as Thiago prodded in Kimmich's low cross.
Niklas Sule thought he had opened his Champions League account with a terrific header soon after, only for the official to deem the former Hoffenheim man had committed a foul in the build up.
Bayern were back at their rampant best, but issues arose late on when Lewandowski shrugged off Robben's complaints after the Poland striker failed to play in the Dutch winger before, having been substituted, Ribery launched his shirt down onto the bench.
But that petulance from Bayern’s experienced front line was put to one side in stoppage time, youngster Kimmich coolly rounding Sels to add further gloss to the win.
Robert Lewandowski outlined his importance to Bayern Munich as his early penalty helped Carlo Ancelotti's side to a 3-0 victory over 10-man Anderlecht in their Champions League Group B opener.
Having been publicly criticised by Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge following his comments regarding the Bundesliga champions' transfer policy, Lewandowski wasted no time in making an impact when he drew a clumsy foul from Sven Kums 11 minutes in.
Though the initial contact may well have been outside of the area, a penalty was awarded - and Kums was given his marching orders - with Lewandowski making no mistake from 12 yards.
Bayern came into Tuesday's clash on the back of their first defeat of the season, which came at the hands of Hoffenheim, and Die Rotten were far from at their best once more, with the visitors squandering two excellent opportunities to restore parity either side of half time.But, Bayern finally clicked into gear just after the hour, Thiago Alcantara tucking home from Joshua Kimmich's pinpoint cross.
An argument between Lewandowski and Arjen Robben and the touchline antics of Franck Ribery threatened to overshadow Bayern's return to form, but Kimmich's late effort ensured a routine victory ended on a high note.
James Rodriguez should have marked his full debut with a goal inside 10 minutes, but could only direct a tame header straight at Matz Sels after meeting Ribery's inch-perfect cross. However, Bayern did not have to wait long to take the lead.
Having latched onto a ball over the top of Anderlecht's defence, Lewandowski raced into the area, drawing a desperate foul from Kums who - as the last man - the referee had little choice but to send off.Lewandowski duly converted from the spot, sending Sels the wrong way with a composed finish into the bottom-left corner.
Despite their numerical advantage, a close-range Lewandowski header was the closest Bayern went to extending their lead, and Anderlecht should have drawn level prior to the interval.
Leander Dendoncker got in behind Bayern's defence and teed up Nicolae Stanciu but, having slipped at the vital moment, he sliced his effort wide as Anderlecht failed to capitalise on a rare venture forward and beat goalkeeper Manuel Neuer - making his 100th appearance in European competition.
And the hosts' vulnerable defence was opened up once again moments after the restart when Sofiane Hanni's cut-back found Alexandru Chipciu, whose effort rebounded agonisingly off the left-hand upright.
Ancelotti's side responded well, though, and finally had their second in the 65th minute as Thiago prodded in Kimmich's low cross.
Niklas Sule thought he had opened his Champions League account with a terrific header soon after, only for the official to deem the former Hoffenheim man had committed a foul in the build up.
Bayern were back at their rampant best, but issues arose late on when Lewandowski shrugged off Robben's complaints after the Poland striker failed to play in the Dutch winger before, having been substituted, Ribery launched his shirt down onto the bench.
But that petulance from Bayern’s experienced front line was put to one side in stoppage time, youngster Kimmich coolly rounding Sels to add further gloss to the win.
Manchester United 3 Basel 0: Six in six for Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku marked his Champions League bow with a goal as Manchester United cruised past Basel 3-0 on their return to the competition.Lukaku netted his sixth goal in as many games for United, back in the competition for the first time in two years, to help them secure all three points at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho handed Paul Pogba the captaincy, but his time wearing the armband was shortlived as a hamstring injury forced the midfielder off in the 19th minute.Ironically, that moment led to United's opening goal with Pogba's replacement, Marouane Fellaini, nodding home Ashley Young’s centre in the 35th minute.
Any hope of a Basel comeback was snuffed out 10 minutes after half-time when Lukaku powered a strong header into the corner.A fine night's work for Mourinho's side was capped with seven minutes remaining as substitute Marcus Rashford curled home a third.
United began confidently after the break, with Anthony Martial beating two players before seeing a deflected effort pushed wide by Tomas Vaclík.
A second goal came hot on the heels of that chance as Lukaku rose highest in the box to head Daley Blind's cross into the top corner.The Belgian nearly grabbed a second soon after, with Vaclík called into action to push another header over.
Elyounoussi then forced De Gea into a smart one-handed save at the other end, before Martial went close.The game entered something of a lull thereafter, although Mourinho signalled his intent by sending on Rashford.
And the forward repaid his manager by wrapping up proceedings, picking out the top corner after getting on the end of Fellaini's deflected cross.
Benfica 1 CSKA Moscow 2: Drought over after come-from-behind victory
CSKA Moscow stunningly ended their run of 10 matches without a Champions League victory by coming from behind to beat Benfica 2-1 in Lisbon.Vitinho and Timur Zhamaletdinov scored in the space of eight second-half minutes to snatch a drought-breaking three points for the Russian outfit.
Portuguese champions Benfica had entered the match as heavy favourites against a team which had lost 11 of their past 13 away fixtures in Europe's premier club competition.
New signing Haris Seferovic put the hosts into an expected lead shortly after half-time, but Viktor Goncharenko's side launched an unlikely comeback in the final third of the contest.Vitinho levelled from the spot before Goncharenko tucked away a rebound to seal the stunning upset with 19 minutes remaining.
Benfica lost a host of stars over the off-season, including Ederson, Victor Lindelof, Nelson Semedo and Kostas Mitroglou and appear to have plenty of work to do if they are to repeat last season's quarter-final effort.
Both sides failed to make the most of their early sights at goal as Alan Dzagoev poked wide from the edge of the area before Eduardo Salvio miskicked an attempted volley from Pizzi's cross. Russia international Dzagoev went closer in the 18th minute, testing Bruno Varela low to his left, while Igor Akinfeev comfortably dealt with a rising Andrija Zivkovic shot from range.
The visitors defied the weight of possession to again go close through Aleksandr Golovin on the half-hour mark, the 21-year-old fizzing a low effort just past the near post.
Benfica quickly set about responding and almost did so in perfect fashion as left-back Alejandro Grimaldo unleashed a thumping long-range bullet which shaved the outside of Akinfeev's left-hand upright.
CSKA survived another heart-in-mouth moment late in the half, with defender Viktor Vasin fortunate to escape punishment for appearing to drag Seferovic to the ground inside the penalty area.
Seferovic immediately took matters upon himself after the restart by first heading Pizzi's corner around the near post, before classily netting the opener just moments later.
The Swiss striker darted to the near post to meet Zivkovic's low cross and cleverly flicked a first-time finish past Akinfeev.CSKA refused to be disheartened by the setback and received a lifeline from the penalty spot just after the hour. Benfica full-back Andre Almeida was penalised for blocking Vasili Berezutski's attempt with his hand and Vitinho duly dispatched the spot-kick high to Varela's right.
And the away side forged ahead in the 71st minute as Vasin again caused a nuisance in the area, the centre-back's impressive shot on the turn drawing a low Varela save from which Zhamaletdinov tucked away the rebound.
The home side piled on the pressure over the closing stages, but CSKA held firm to end their long wait for a victory in the competition.
Benfica's next assignment is a trip to face Basel in a fortnight's time, while CSKA host the group's other victorious side in Manchester United.
CSKA Moscow stunningly ended their run of 10 matches without a Champions League victory by coming from behind to beat Benfica 2-1 in Lisbon.Vitinho and Timur Zhamaletdinov scored in the space of eight second-half minutes to snatch a drought-breaking three points for the Russian outfit.
Portuguese champions Benfica had entered the match as heavy favourites against a team which had lost 11 of their past 13 away fixtures in Europe's premier club competition.
New signing Haris Seferovic put the hosts into an expected lead shortly after half-time, but Viktor Goncharenko's side launched an unlikely comeback in the final third of the contest.Vitinho levelled from the spot before Goncharenko tucked away a rebound to seal the stunning upset with 19 minutes remaining.
Benfica lost a host of stars over the off-season, including Ederson, Victor Lindelof, Nelson Semedo and Kostas Mitroglou and appear to have plenty of work to do if they are to repeat last season's quarter-final effort.
Both sides failed to make the most of their early sights at goal as Alan Dzagoev poked wide from the edge of the area before Eduardo Salvio miskicked an attempted volley from Pizzi's cross. Russia international Dzagoev went closer in the 18th minute, testing Bruno Varela low to his left, while Igor Akinfeev comfortably dealt with a rising Andrija Zivkovic shot from range.
The visitors defied the weight of possession to again go close through Aleksandr Golovin on the half-hour mark, the 21-year-old fizzing a low effort just past the near post.
Benfica quickly set about responding and almost did so in perfect fashion as left-back Alejandro Grimaldo unleashed a thumping long-range bullet which shaved the outside of Akinfeev's left-hand upright.
CSKA survived another heart-in-mouth moment late in the half, with defender Viktor Vasin fortunate to escape punishment for appearing to drag Seferovic to the ground inside the penalty area.
Seferovic immediately took matters upon himself after the restart by first heading Pizzi's corner around the near post, before classily netting the opener just moments later.
The Swiss striker darted to the near post to meet Zivkovic's low cross and cleverly flicked a first-time finish past Akinfeev.CSKA refused to be disheartened by the setback and received a lifeline from the penalty spot just after the hour. Benfica full-back Andre Almeida was penalised for blocking Vasili Berezutski's attempt with his hand and Vitinho duly dispatched the spot-kick high to Varela's right.
And the away side forged ahead in the 71st minute as Vasin again caused a nuisance in the area, the centre-back's impressive shot on the turn drawing a low Varela save from which Zhamaletdinov tucked away the rebound.
The home side piled on the pressure over the closing stages, but CSKA held firm to end their long wait for a victory in the competition.
Benfica's next assignment is a trip to face Basel in a fortnight's time, while CSKA host the group's other victorious side in Manchester United.
Barcelona 3 Juventus 0: Majestic Messi bests Buffon at last
Lionel Messi netted a brilliant brace as Barcelona helped themselves to a dose of Champions League revenge with a dominant 3-0 Group D win over Juventus.The Serie A champions beat Barca by the same scoreline in the quarter-finals last season before holding out for a second-leg stalemate at Camp Nou.
Barca have since lost Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, but it was Juve's' most notable pre-season departure – Leonardo Bonucci's surprise switch to AC Milan – that loomed largest over this match as a once formidable defence was cut to ribbons in Giorgio Chiellini's injury absence.
Record signing Ousmane Dembele was busy on his full Barca debut, but it was a more familiar face that thrilled the home crowd.Messi's magnificent opener in the final minute of the opening 45 marked the first time he has scored against fellow all-time great Gianluigi Buffon in the Juventus goal.
After making the second for Ivan Rakitic he repeated the trick to seal the points and maintain Barca's resurgent early season form under Ernesto Valverde.
Juve right-back Mattia De Sciglio joined Dembele in making a full debut for his new club and was almost the surprise source of the first goal in the sixth minute – Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen managing to tip wide as a speculative left-footed strike angled awkwardly away from him.
Messi botched an attempt to slide a free-kick under the wall and, precision having failed, Luis Suarez went for power on the rebound, forcing an unsighted Buffon to push over at full stretch.Last-ditch challenges from Gerard Pique and Alex Sandro at either end took the sting out of attempts from Paulo Dybala and Dembele.
Alex Sandro's intervention was required following a slack pass from De Sciglio – his last contribution before hobbling off through injury – and Messi pounced as the Juve reshuffle fell into place.
Collecting the ball from Dembele on halfway, Barca's talisman drove at the visitors' backline and, having shaped to play in Jordi Alba, slipped the ball to Suarez.The Uruguayan's deft lay-off was gladly accepted by Messi, who arrowed a shot through Medhi Benatia's legs and into the bottom-right corner.
Dybala fired wastefully off target when Pique failed to deal with Alex Sandro's cross early in the second half, while his dazzling compatriot Messi struck the post from the edge of the box at the other end – Buffon a relieved onlooker as the rebound spun off his shoulder to safety.
Messi blotted a fine evening's work in the 55th minute when he signalled to referee Damir Skomina with an imaginary yellow card for Miralem Pjanic. The upshot was a flash of the real thing, with Camp Nou jeering and whistling in support of their hero.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was back to what he does best soon enough – tearing into space behind Alex Sandro on the Juventus left. Messi's attempt was hacked out of the goalmouth by Stefano Sturaro, but only as far as Rakitic, who converted left-footed.Suarez side-footed over from an Alba cross before Messi continued to torment increasingly bedraggled foes.
Andres Iniesta served as the familiar and ever-reliable supply line and, as Dembele's run across the Juve defence added to their confusion, Messi scooted inside Alex Sandro and smashed past a helpless Buffon.
Suarez had a fourth disallowed, the linesman's flag sparing a Buffon fumble, while Juve's cries for handball against Pique fell on deaf ears when he cleared Benatia's header off the line. It summed up a fruitless endeavour for Massimiliano Allegri's men.
Lionel Messi netted a brilliant brace as Barcelona helped themselves to a dose of Champions League revenge with a dominant 3-0 Group D win over Juventus.The Serie A champions beat Barca by the same scoreline in the quarter-finals last season before holding out for a second-leg stalemate at Camp Nou.
Barca have since lost Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, but it was Juve's' most notable pre-season departure – Leonardo Bonucci's surprise switch to AC Milan – that loomed largest over this match as a once formidable defence was cut to ribbons in Giorgio Chiellini's injury absence.
Record signing Ousmane Dembele was busy on his full Barca debut, but it was a more familiar face that thrilled the home crowd.Messi's magnificent opener in the final minute of the opening 45 marked the first time he has scored against fellow all-time great Gianluigi Buffon in the Juventus goal.
After making the second for Ivan Rakitic he repeated the trick to seal the points and maintain Barca's resurgent early season form under Ernesto Valverde.
Juve right-back Mattia De Sciglio joined Dembele in making a full debut for his new club and was almost the surprise source of the first goal in the sixth minute – Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen managing to tip wide as a speculative left-footed strike angled awkwardly away from him.
Messi botched an attempt to slide a free-kick under the wall and, precision having failed, Luis Suarez went for power on the rebound, forcing an unsighted Buffon to push over at full stretch.Last-ditch challenges from Gerard Pique and Alex Sandro at either end took the sting out of attempts from Paulo Dybala and Dembele.
Alex Sandro's intervention was required following a slack pass from De Sciglio – his last contribution before hobbling off through injury – and Messi pounced as the Juve reshuffle fell into place.
Collecting the ball from Dembele on halfway, Barca's talisman drove at the visitors' backline and, having shaped to play in Jordi Alba, slipped the ball to Suarez.The Uruguayan's deft lay-off was gladly accepted by Messi, who arrowed a shot through Medhi Benatia's legs and into the bottom-right corner.
Dybala fired wastefully off target when Pique failed to deal with Alex Sandro's cross early in the second half, while his dazzling compatriot Messi struck the post from the edge of the box at the other end – Buffon a relieved onlooker as the rebound spun off his shoulder to safety.
Messi blotted a fine evening's work in the 55th minute when he signalled to referee Damir Skomina with an imaginary yellow card for Miralem Pjanic. The upshot was a flash of the real thing, with Camp Nou jeering and whistling in support of their hero.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was back to what he does best soon enough – tearing into space behind Alex Sandro on the Juventus left. Messi's attempt was hacked out of the goalmouth by Stefano Sturaro, but only as far as Rakitic, who converted left-footed.Suarez side-footed over from an Alba cross before Messi continued to torment increasingly bedraggled foes.
Andres Iniesta served as the familiar and ever-reliable supply line and, as Dembele's run across the Juve defence added to their confusion, Messi scooted inside Alex Sandro and smashed past a helpless Buffon.
Suarez had a fourth disallowed, the linesman's flag sparing a Buffon fumble, while Juve's cries for handball against Pique fell on deaf ears when he cleared Benatia's header off the line. It summed up a fruitless endeavour for Massimiliano Allegri's men.
Chelsea 6 Qarabag 0: Zappacosta and Bakayoko on target in winning European return
Davide Zappacosta and Tiemoue Bakayoko hit their first Chelsea goals as the Blues returned to the Champions League with a rampant 6-0 group-stage win over Qarabag at Stamford Bridge.
After a year away from European competition, the three points never looked in doubt for the Premier League champions after Pedro kicked off their Group C campaign with a fifth-minute goal.A bizarre strike from full debutant Zappacosta followed before the interval, Cesar Azpilicueta added a third and there was still time for substitute Bakayoko and Michy Batshuayi to get in on the act.
Gurban Gurbanov's visitors - becoming the first side from Azerbaijan to play in the main draw of Europe's premier club competition - never threatened to spring a surprise and Thibaut Courtois will enjoy few easier outings this season.
This is a fourth straight win for Antonio Conte's men in all competitions but three points here were the bare minimum.They are now back in league action at home to rivals Arsenal on Sunday before tougher tests in this group against Atletico Madrid and Roma.
Ibrahim Sehic saved with some ease from Marcos Alonso's curler in Chelsea's first attack, but his parry behind prompted a spell of pressure from which Qarabag never recovered.The first corner was scrambled away but a second set-piece went short for Willian to pick out Pedro, completely free on the edge of the box and able to sweep a finish high past Sehic.
A smart low stop denied Willian after executing a clever one-two with Batshuayi, who could only stab the rebound wide from a tight angle.Zappacosta's moment then came on the half-hour mark as he followed an impressive charge past Wilde-Donald Guerrier on the right flank with a fizzing cross-cum-shot that flew over the helpless Sehic.
The wing-back could have added another before half-time but pulled his left-footed effort wide, before Pedro Henrique belatedly drew a first comfortable stop from Courtois.
Although Chelsea's momentum initially slowed after the break, the third goal soon arrived as Cesc Fabregas centred for Azpilicueta to direct a fine header past Sehic.Willian dipped inside from the left to lash against the crossbar, but the fourth belonged to Bakayoko - introduced in N'Golo Kante's place - as he profited from a goalmouth scramble and then a hefty deflection to beat Sehic.
Batshuayi followed suit and blasted a low finish past the goalkeeper before forcing a Maksim Medvedev own goal from Zappacosta's cross to cap the scoring on a comfortable return to European action.
Davide Zappacosta and Tiemoue Bakayoko hit their first Chelsea goals as the Blues returned to the Champions League with a rampant 6-0 group-stage win over Qarabag at Stamford Bridge.
After a year away from European competition, the three points never looked in doubt for the Premier League champions after Pedro kicked off their Group C campaign with a fifth-minute goal.A bizarre strike from full debutant Zappacosta followed before the interval, Cesar Azpilicueta added a third and there was still time for substitute Bakayoko and Michy Batshuayi to get in on the act.
Gurban Gurbanov's visitors - becoming the first side from Azerbaijan to play in the main draw of Europe's premier club competition - never threatened to spring a surprise and Thibaut Courtois will enjoy few easier outings this season.
This is a fourth straight win for Antonio Conte's men in all competitions but three points here were the bare minimum.They are now back in league action at home to rivals Arsenal on Sunday before tougher tests in this group against Atletico Madrid and Roma.
Ibrahim Sehic saved with some ease from Marcos Alonso's curler in Chelsea's first attack, but his parry behind prompted a spell of pressure from which Qarabag never recovered.The first corner was scrambled away but a second set-piece went short for Willian to pick out Pedro, completely free on the edge of the box and able to sweep a finish high past Sehic.
A smart low stop denied Willian after executing a clever one-two with Batshuayi, who could only stab the rebound wide from a tight angle.Zappacosta's moment then came on the half-hour mark as he followed an impressive charge past Wilde-Donald Guerrier on the right flank with a fizzing cross-cum-shot that flew over the helpless Sehic.
The wing-back could have added another before half-time but pulled his left-footed effort wide, before Pedro Henrique belatedly drew a first comfortable stop from Courtois.
Although Chelsea's momentum initially slowed after the break, the third goal soon arrived as Cesc Fabregas centred for Azpilicueta to direct a fine header past Sehic.Willian dipped inside from the left to lash against the crossbar, but the fourth belonged to Bakayoko - introduced in N'Golo Kante's place - as he profited from a goalmouth scramble and then a hefty deflection to beat Sehic.
Batshuayi followed suit and blasted a low finish past the goalkeeper before forcing a Maksim Medvedev own goal from Zappacosta's cross to cap the scoring on a comfortable return to European action.
Manchester United returned to Champions League football after a 21-month hiatus on Tuesday night, and by full-time it felt a bit like they’d never been away.
They saw off Basel 3-0 with a bit to spare at Old Trafford and were led, as they have been so often in the past, by a clinical showing in the final third from a big-name striker.
Romelu Lukaku has a long way to go before his European exploits can be compared with some of United’s great front men, but the Belgian marked his Champions League debut with a crucial goal and a very convincing individual performance leading the line.
Coming just days after Jose Mourinho claimed his value has already doubled since his £75 million signing this summer, Lukaku’s sixth goal in six appearances served to underline the point.
“I think we were very clever,” Mourinho told The Times . “We thought that something could happen that could change the market forever. Normally the last part of the market is less expensive, but this season after Neymar everything changed – and changed for the worse in terms of prices. I think Lukaku on August 31 would have been £150m.”
Before Tuesday, Lukaku had done plenty in the Premier League to suggest he might have increased his worth to the United cause, but then few had been in doubt about his qualities in the English domestic game. It was in Europe that some were more keen on judging him, and his excellent work off the ball and working the channels was proof that he can do the job on the continent too. He provided shape and pace to United attacks which had Basel on their toes all night.
United had to overcome the early loss of their skipper Paul Pogba after the Frenchman departed just 19 minutes in with a hamstring injury. But his replacement, Marouane Fellaini, would have United ahead before half-time with a towering header from a wonderful right-wing cross by Ashley Young.In a modern game which seems increasingly bound to the notion that inverted wingers can bring greater options in the final third, the sight of a right-footer on the right wing sending in a good old-fashioned out-swinging cross for a team-mate’s head is far too rare.
It was another header which broke the back of the fixture, with Lukaku heading home the second from Daley Blind’s left-wing cross shortly after the interval.
As professional, functional performances go, this was right up there alongside United’s most thorough in Europe and it rightly had two meaty headed goals to top it off. Marcus Rashford’s late third was just the icing on the cake which sent the home fans out into the drenched Manchester night with even bigger smiles.
With the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic being talked about more and more by the week, and United fans regularly reeling out the Swede’s song on the terraces, there are some questions which remain in relation to Lukaku’s standing once the larger-than-life veteran is an option for Mourinho.
But current form suggests Lukaku will take some moving from the role as United’s spearhead, and when it comes to sticking a price on the 24-year-old’s head the figure only grows by the game.
'I didn't expect anything different' - Klopp stands by Liverpool's failed Mane appeal
Jurgen Klopp defended Liverpool's decision to appeal Sadio Mane's suspension following his red card against Manchester City, although he is not surprised by the FA's decision to uphold a three-game ban.
Mane was dismissed after 37 minutes of the Reds' 5-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after catching home goalkeeper Ederson with a boot in the face.
Klopp and opposite number Pep Guardiola both expressed sympathy with Mane afterwards and the Senegal forward wished Ederson a speedy recovery in a Facebook post, where he described the incident as an "accidental collision".
The notion of challenging the red card was dismissed as a "waste of time" by Klopp at his post-match news conference but the Football Association confirmed they had rejected a Liverpool claim of "excessive punishment" on Tuesday.
"I'm not sure if I’m disappointed, I didn't expect anything different. I thought our appeal was absolutely right," Klopp said at a news conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League Group E opener against Sevilla at Anfield.
"We never appealed the red card, only the length of the suspension. But actually I never thought [a reduction in the ban] would happen, only because I am used to things like this."
Klopp believes the severity of the facial cuts suffered by Ederson, who lay prone on the turf for five minutes before leaving the field on a stretcher, had an influence upon referee Jon Moss' decision and also alluded to similar incidents – such as Matt Ritchie's challenge on Alfie Mawson during Newcastle United's win at Swansea City on Sunday – not receiving the same punishment.
"It's not an English thing. There were lots of situations in the last few weeks that were similar," he said."If you want, all the other players were lucky. Only Sadio was not lucky and Ederson was not lucky."We don’t want to underestimate this, it looks awful and Ederson was lucky nothing more serious happened in this situation."
Mane is available to face Sevilla but will miss this weekend's home game against Burnley, along with the dual EFL Cup and Premier League trips to Leicester City."The most important thing for me to say is not even one per cent of Sadio wanted to put the goalkeeper in danger. He wanted to get the ball," Klopp added.
"It's important he wants to do that in all the games he plays. We cannot change this. It’s a sport where things like this happen."I don’t blame the referee for the decision. He didn't give the red card immediately but when he saw the player bleeding. I would have made the same decision.
"We only wanted to bring into relation with the other issues. If they would have said: 'It's two games, not three games' then I think it would still be a red card."He already has half-a-game suspension from City, so I think it would have been a right decision if they would have said: 'One game less', so it's two and a half instead of three and a half.
"It was our duty to appeal, but as I said after the game, it was a waste of time."
Jurgen Klopp defended Liverpool's decision to appeal Sadio Mane's suspension following his red card against Manchester City, although he is not surprised by the FA's decision to uphold a three-game ban.
Mane was dismissed after 37 minutes of the Reds' 5-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after catching home goalkeeper Ederson with a boot in the face.
Klopp and opposite number Pep Guardiola both expressed sympathy with Mane afterwards and the Senegal forward wished Ederson a speedy recovery in a Facebook post, where he described the incident as an "accidental collision".
The notion of challenging the red card was dismissed as a "waste of time" by Klopp at his post-match news conference but the Football Association confirmed they had rejected a Liverpool claim of "excessive punishment" on Tuesday.
"I'm not sure if I’m disappointed, I didn't expect anything different. I thought our appeal was absolutely right," Klopp said at a news conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League Group E opener against Sevilla at Anfield.
"We never appealed the red card, only the length of the suspension. But actually I never thought [a reduction in the ban] would happen, only because I am used to things like this."
Klopp believes the severity of the facial cuts suffered by Ederson, who lay prone on the turf for five minutes before leaving the field on a stretcher, had an influence upon referee Jon Moss' decision and also alluded to similar incidents – such as Matt Ritchie's challenge on Alfie Mawson during Newcastle United's win at Swansea City on Sunday – not receiving the same punishment.
"It's not an English thing. There were lots of situations in the last few weeks that were similar," he said."If you want, all the other players were lucky. Only Sadio was not lucky and Ederson was not lucky."We don’t want to underestimate this, it looks awful and Ederson was lucky nothing more serious happened in this situation."
Mane is available to face Sevilla but will miss this weekend's home game against Burnley, along with the dual EFL Cup and Premier League trips to Leicester City."The most important thing for me to say is not even one per cent of Sadio wanted to put the goalkeeper in danger. He wanted to get the ball," Klopp added.
"It's important he wants to do that in all the games he plays. We cannot change this. It’s a sport where things like this happen."I don’t blame the referee for the decision. He didn't give the red card immediately but when he saw the player bleeding. I would have made the same decision.
"We only wanted to bring into relation with the other issues. If they would have said: 'It's two games, not three games' then I think it would still be a red card."He already has half-a-game suspension from City, so I think it would have been a right decision if they would have said: 'One game less', so it's two and a half instead of three and a half.
"It was our duty to appeal, but as I said after the game, it was a waste of time."
Roma 0 Atletico Madrid 0: Di Francesco debut ends in stalemate
Roma ground out a 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid to give coach Eusebio Di Francesco a point from his first Champions League game at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Giallorossi spent much of the evening on the back foot as the experienced European campaigners in Diego Simeone's Atletico squad piled on the pressure, but Di Francesco was at least given a clean sheet to build on at the start of his debut season as a coach in Europe's top club competition.
The home crowd were demanding after a 3-1 home defeat to Inter in Roma's last competitive fixture but Atletico pinned their hosts back for long periods of the game and cancelled out the threat posed by dangerman Edin Dzeko.
Radja Nainggolan was one of few Roma players to emerge with credit after a busy performance and a first-half shot that was saved by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak at full stretch.
Simeone's men will rue their wastefulness in front of goal after Saul Niguez missed golden opportunities to score in either half and Koke had a first-half attempt cleared off the line, but on the evidence of this game it is the Spaniards who look like the sternest test awaiting Group C's other sides, Chelsea and Qarabag.Saul gave the hosts a scare after three minutes when he was played in by Filipe Luis and flashed a first-time shot from the edge of the box just past the post.
Roma looked fragile at the back as Atletico pressed early on, with Saul pulling the strings for the visitors, and Luciano Vietto stung the palms of Giallorossi goalkeeper Alisson with a powerful shot from the edge of the box after 15 minutes.
As the home crowd looked to Nainggolan for inspiration, the Belgium midfielder responded with a defence-splitting pass to Gregoire Defrel but the Sassuolo loanee snatched at his shot and sent the ball wide after 17 minutes.Diego Perotti sailed a dipping drive over the crossbar from 25 yards just before the half-hour mark, and the game then burst into life.
Nainggolan hammered a low drive towards goal that almost squirmed under the body of Oblak, before play swung to the other end of the field where Roma's Kostas Manolas had to scramble back to clear Koke's shot off the goal-line.
Atletico attacked early in the second half and after 56 minutes Saul played a superb pass to Vietto who scooped the ball over Alisson but the shot had too much power on it and drifted over the crossbar. Juanfran broke down the right three minutes later and cut the ball back to the edge of the box where Saul met it with a side-footed shot, but he aimed too close to Alisson who gratefully gathered.
Just after the hour mark, Antoine Griezmann played in substitute Angel Correa who drifted through the penalty area before poking the ball towards goal, only for Alisson to parry the ball away with a good one-handed save.
There was a moment of hope around the stadium when Juanfran appeared to bring down Perotti in the penalty area after 75 minutes, but the referee awarded a goal-kick, before, at the other end, Correa drew an excellent save from Alisson with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.
Saul went incredibly close to breaking the deadlock in injury time, crashing a header towards goal from Koke's corner and, when Alisson parried the ball back into his path, his first-time shot hit the outside of the post allowing the stadium to breathe a sigh of relief.
Roma ground out a 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid to give coach Eusebio Di Francesco a point from his first Champions League game at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Giallorossi spent much of the evening on the back foot as the experienced European campaigners in Diego Simeone's Atletico squad piled on the pressure, but Di Francesco was at least given a clean sheet to build on at the start of his debut season as a coach in Europe's top club competition.
The home crowd were demanding after a 3-1 home defeat to Inter in Roma's last competitive fixture but Atletico pinned their hosts back for long periods of the game and cancelled out the threat posed by dangerman Edin Dzeko.
Radja Nainggolan was one of few Roma players to emerge with credit after a busy performance and a first-half shot that was saved by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak at full stretch.
Simeone's men will rue their wastefulness in front of goal after Saul Niguez missed golden opportunities to score in either half and Koke had a first-half attempt cleared off the line, but on the evidence of this game it is the Spaniards who look like the sternest test awaiting Group C's other sides, Chelsea and Qarabag.Saul gave the hosts a scare after three minutes when he was played in by Filipe Luis and flashed a first-time shot from the edge of the box just past the post.
Roma looked fragile at the back as Atletico pressed early on, with Saul pulling the strings for the visitors, and Luciano Vietto stung the palms of Giallorossi goalkeeper Alisson with a powerful shot from the edge of the box after 15 minutes.
As the home crowd looked to Nainggolan for inspiration, the Belgium midfielder responded with a defence-splitting pass to Gregoire Defrel but the Sassuolo loanee snatched at his shot and sent the ball wide after 17 minutes.Diego Perotti sailed a dipping drive over the crossbar from 25 yards just before the half-hour mark, and the game then burst into life.
Nainggolan hammered a low drive towards goal that almost squirmed under the body of Oblak, before play swung to the other end of the field where Roma's Kostas Manolas had to scramble back to clear Koke's shot off the goal-line.
Atletico attacked early in the second half and after 56 minutes Saul played a superb pass to Vietto who scooped the ball over Alisson but the shot had too much power on it and drifted over the crossbar. Juanfran broke down the right three minutes later and cut the ball back to the edge of the box where Saul met it with a side-footed shot, but he aimed too close to Alisson who gratefully gathered.
Just after the hour mark, Antoine Griezmann played in substitute Angel Correa who drifted through the penalty area before poking the ball towards goal, only for Alisson to parry the ball away with a good one-handed save.
There was a moment of hope around the stadium when Juanfran appeared to bring down Perotti in the penalty area after 75 minutes, but the referee awarded a goal-kick, before, at the other end, Correa drew an excellent save from Alisson with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.
Saul went incredibly close to breaking the deadlock in injury time, crashing a header towards goal from Koke's corner and, when Alisson parried the ball back into his path, his first-time shot hit the outside of the post allowing the stadium to breathe a sigh of relief.
Neymar: Mbappe is great but will get better
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar talked up team-mate Kylian Mbappe and believes there is more to come from the teenage forward.
Neymar and Mbappe were both on the scoresheet once more as PSG thrashed Celtic 5-0 in Group B of the Champions League on Tuesday.Mbappe, 18, has scored two goals in as many games since joining the Ligue 1 giants on loan from Monaco.
Neymar, who set up Mbappe's goal at Celtic Park, praised the teenager and said the forward would only get better."It's always a pleasure to play with great players, even though he's young," the Brazil star said, via UEFA.com."For me, he's a great player and he has the potential to improve even more."
An Edinson Cavani brace, either side of an own goal from Mikael Lustig, completed PSG's resounding win. Neymar was delighted with his side's performance, saying: "Well, it's always very difficult to come here, but we put in a great display as a team."Congratulations to all my team-mates. Scoring five goals here certainly isn't easy."
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar talked up team-mate Kylian Mbappe and believes there is more to come from the teenage forward.
Neymar and Mbappe were both on the scoresheet once more as PSG thrashed Celtic 5-0 in Group B of the Champions League on Tuesday.Mbappe, 18, has scored two goals in as many games since joining the Ligue 1 giants on loan from Monaco.
Neymar, who set up Mbappe's goal at Celtic Park, praised the teenager and said the forward would only get better."It's always a pleasure to play with great players, even though he's young," the Brazil star said, via UEFA.com."For me, he's a great player and he has the potential to improve even more."
An Edinson Cavani brace, either side of an own goal from Mikael Lustig, completed PSG's resounding win. Neymar was delighted with his side's performance, saying: "Well, it's always very difficult to come here, but we put in a great display as a team."Congratulations to all my team-mates. Scoring five goals here certainly isn't easy."
Messi used to make me suffer - Barca boss Valverde delights in leading superstar
Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde is enjoying being on the right side of Lionel Messi masterclasses after seeing his star man inspire a comprehensive 3-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League.
Valverde replaced Luis Enrique in the Camp Nou hotseat for this season, having led Espanyol, Villarreal, Valencia and Athletic Bilbao against the Catalan giants over the past decade.
Messi has been a majestic constant for Barca during that period and he was at his brilliant best in Tuesday's Group D opener, scoring on the stroke of half-time and completing a fabulous brace after creating the second for Ivan Rakitic.
It was a virtuoso display on the back of a hat-trick in Saturday's 5-0 derby triumph against Espanyol, and it left Valverde purring."With Leo Messi, the feeling you have is that something good will always happen for us," he told reporters.
"I suffered a lot when I had to face him as a coach but now I get to enjoy him. He's involved in everything."The first goal just before the break changed everything. We were about to finish the first half and we had some problems because the rival was making it difficult for us.
"Nobody saw the gap and he found it, but I emphasise the involvement of Messi from all points of view."He is one of the best players in the history of the club, it is normal to talk about him. He also has a great tactical understanding."
A player who will one day hope to be spoken of so loftily is Barcelona's record signing Ousmane Dembele, who showed flashes of inspiration but sometimes erred in the final pass on a mixed full debut. "It is clear that he still has to improve although he did show good moments," Valverde said.
"He has worked well but we have to go little by little. We're going forward."Beating the team that eliminated Barcelona in last season's quarter-finals continued a fine start to life at Camp Nou for Valverde, with his team having won three out of three in La Liga without conceding on the back of the Supercopa de Espana reverse against Real Madrid.
"There's a lot still to do but it was an important win," he added. "It's essential to win games to get the fans on our side."
Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde is enjoying being on the right side of Lionel Messi masterclasses after seeing his star man inspire a comprehensive 3-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League.
Valverde replaced Luis Enrique in the Camp Nou hotseat for this season, having led Espanyol, Villarreal, Valencia and Athletic Bilbao against the Catalan giants over the past decade.
Messi has been a majestic constant for Barca during that period and he was at his brilliant best in Tuesday's Group D opener, scoring on the stroke of half-time and completing a fabulous brace after creating the second for Ivan Rakitic.
It was a virtuoso display on the back of a hat-trick in Saturday's 5-0 derby triumph against Espanyol, and it left Valverde purring."With Leo Messi, the feeling you have is that something good will always happen for us," he told reporters.
"I suffered a lot when I had to face him as a coach but now I get to enjoy him. He's involved in everything."The first goal just before the break changed everything. We were about to finish the first half and we had some problems because the rival was making it difficult for us.
"Nobody saw the gap and he found it, but I emphasise the involvement of Messi from all points of view."He is one of the best players in the history of the club, it is normal to talk about him. He also has a great tactical understanding."
A player who will one day hope to be spoken of so loftily is Barcelona's record signing Ousmane Dembele, who showed flashes of inspiration but sometimes erred in the final pass on a mixed full debut. "It is clear that he still has to improve although he did show good moments," Valverde said.
"He has worked well but we have to go little by little. We're going forward."Beating the team that eliminated Barcelona in last season's quarter-finals continued a fine start to life at Camp Nou for Valverde, with his team having won three out of three in La Liga without conceding on the back of the Supercopa de Espana reverse against Real Madrid.
"There's a lot still to do but it was an important win," he added. "It's essential to win games to get the fans on our side."
Mourinho fears Pogba may miss 'a few weeks'Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho suspects star midfielder Paul Pogba will miss "a few weeks" due to a hamstring injury.
Pogba came off injured during the first half of his side's comfortable 3-0 win over Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday.While Mourinho was still unsure about the extent of the France international's injury, the Portuguese tactician said Pogba could be missing for a few weeks.
"I just know from experience it's a muscular injury," Mourinho said.
"In my experience, muscular injuries stop you from playing for a few weeks, I think."Pogba has made an impressive start to the season, scoring two goals and providing as many assists in four Premier League games to help United sit top.
He appears certain to miss Sunday's meeting with Everton, while Mourinho's men also have clashes with Burton Albion, Southampton, CSKA Moscow and Crystal Palace to finish September.
