Matchday 4 (Day 1) started with Barcelona missing out on the chance to secure Champions League knockout-stage qualification with two games to spare after falling to a 1-0 defeat against the impressive Shakhtar....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
A mixed crowd inside Volksparkstadion were treated to an attritional but eye-catching spectacle as both sides were intent on dominating possession.
The Blaugrana were well off the pace in the first half as the hosts knocked the ball around with confidence, growing as the opening 45 minutes wore on.
A reward eventually came after 40 minutes as Sikan expertly headed home from Gocholeishvili’s inviting right-wing centre.
Xavi’s side were expected to come chasing in the second half, introducing Joao Felix, Pedri and Yamal, but an opening never showed against their resolute opponents.
Such was the away side’s struggles, Lewandowski had fewer touches than goalkeeper Ter Stegen as Barca only managed one shot on target.
Borussia Dortmund clinched back-to-back wins over Newcastle and took control of their Champions League destiny.
Newcastle carried more of a threat here than they did in September’s goalless draw at Milan, but they were no match for Dortmund’s exciting frontline as goals from Fullkrug and Brandt decided the contest.
Fullkrug was in the right place at the right time to steer Sabitzer’s cross home in the first half, before Brandt capped a brilliant counter-attack with an assured finish 11 minutes from time.
Newcastle’s best chance saw Joelinton somehow head wide from Livramento’s cross, and they never looked likely to fight back after going 2-0 down.
A solitary second-half goal adds to the two City scored in the first, sealing a 3-0 win, three points, and safe passage to the Champions League knockout stage with it.
What a goal it was too, lashed in from 20 yards by Haaland for his second of the game just six minutes into the half.
Following a second yellow card for Young Boys midfielder Lauper, further chances for City came and went, with Grealish, Foden and substitute Jeremy Doku all drawing saves from Racioppi.
Shots from Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips and Matheus all went close too, but City weren’t troubled whatsoever at the other end and saw out a comfortable victory.
They retain their place at the top of Group G, with Leipzig’s 2-1 win over Red Star confirming both sides’ places in the last 16.
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Checkout the Updated Group Standings Below;
Top Scorers;
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