Champions League

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI scored in his 18th straight game as sorry Barcelona’s post-Lionel Messi European era got off to a pitiful start. The fallen giants had not lost their opening group game since Faustino Asprilla’s hat-trick for Newcastle in 1997. 
Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Bayern Munich beat Barcelona 3-0Credit: Getty
Thomas Muller also netted as Bayern dominated at the Nou CampCredit: Reuters
And with ex-Toon flop Luuk de Jong running through treacle up front, the Catalans have more chance of re-signing Messi than landing their sixth Champions League title. 
Thomas Muller’s first-half deflected shot was his 49th in the competition and made it seven goals in six games against the Spaniards. 
And Lewandowski’s brace continued his remarkable run, notching his mind-boggling 29th goal in those 18 games.  
It could, and should, have been more with Ronald Koeman’s side mauled from start to finish – failing to muster a single shot on target. 
Starting their first Champions League campaign without Messi since 2004, Barca were out for revenge in their first meeting with Bayern Munich since the infamous 8-2 mauling 13 months ago.  
But the Bavarian beasts soon took charge of an alarmingly one-sided clash with Leroy Sane denied by a canny combination of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s right hand and face. 
Barcelona looked lost in their first European game with Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
Lewandowski scored for the 18th successive Bayern Munich gameCredit: Getty

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Teenage sensation Jamal Musiala was next but had his low effort heroically blocked by veteran Gerard Pique.  
The reward finally came 34 minutes in when Muller’s 25-yard shot took a wicked nick off Eric Garcia and wrong footed Ter Stegen. 
Ter Stegen kept the hosts in it six minutes after the break with a strong right foot to save from Sane. 
But minutes later Lewandowski, 33, made it two, poking into an empty net after Musiala’s rocket came back off the post. 
Messi’s replacement Luuk de Jong struggled up top for BarcaCredit: Getty
Ronald Koeman will need to find new solutions if he wants to make a dent in Europe this termCredit: EPA
And the Polish hit man was on hand late to smash into the top corner after Serge Gnabry clattered the woodwork. 
Reflecting on the result, Barca boss Koeman said: “I can’t complain – Bayern showed they have a better team. 
“Of course we would have liked to compete better, but this is what we have available. We have to be realistic. 
“We have the squad we have and very young players, and in two or three years they will be very good.

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“But we have too few players from the highest level.”
Captain Pique added: “Now we are who we are. We are going to end up competing, but it will be a difficult year.  
“We might not be favourites but it’s okay, look at Chelsea last season.”
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ROMELU LUKAKU struck the blow which means Chelsea escape the embarrassment of falling flat on their big night out as European champions.The unstoppable new striker finally broke the deadlock with 21 minutes to go for his fourth goal in as many games since re-signing in the summer.
Romelu Lukaku leapt highest to power in a header against ZenitCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
It was the first Champions League goal the Belgian had scored for Chelsea – and fourth overall since his returnCredit: Getty
But it cannot mask a frustrating night for Chelsea who had hoped to sparkle under the lights and steamroller Russian cannon fodder to kick off the defence of their Champions League crown.
Lukaku’s headed winner was only the second shot on target for the team everybody wants to slap down in Europe this season.
The team which claimed the biggest prize in world club football strolled out to fizz-popping fireworks and the belief they would stroll to an easy win.
Instead, the fans were treated to football’s equivalent of soft rain falling on to the embers of a dying bonfire.
For boss Thomas Tuchel, who warned against his team getting complacent following their epic triumph in May, it was a tough night.
It is not unusual to see a fully grown German man slapping his thighs and shouting at the top of his voice.
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However, this was not Tuchel enjoying a traditional night of entertainment back in his homeland while dressed in leather shorts.
This was Chelsea’s manager smacking his long, spindly legs in frustration as his team’s defence of the Champions League title fell way short of expectations.
With knee raised, arms waving, clapping above his head to try to drag some life out of his players, Chelsea’s spectacular start to the season hit the buffers.
What was supposed to be a giant party interspersed by a rollover match, the awkward Russians stood up to the previously ruthless Blues for more than an hour.
In that time, only waspish winger Hakim Ziyech managed to pierce the Zenit defence with a shot that was comfortably saved.
And it comes to something when centre-half Antonio Rudiger becomes one of the most potent attackers with his crazy run three minutes later.
It was almost as if the powerful defender had seen enough and took matters into his own hands.
Taking possession of the ball just his side of the centre circle, Rudiger ploughed his way upfield more than 50 yards, with a dizzying dribble that looked like Ronaldo.
Sadly, when it came to doing the business end with his eyes fixed on the Zenit goal, Rudiger reverted to type and shot like Ronaldo’s mum from just inside the box to send the ball wide.
That kind of sums up the night Chelsea endured: never really in trouble but never really in control either.
MOUNT MISSING
Even though Tuchel recalled some of his big guns to add some sparkle to a fixture that struggled to get the juices flowing, despite the occasion.
Mason Mount starting in any team, whether for Chelsea or England, should make for a minimum level of swashbuckle and attacking style.
But even the rakish forward struggled to impose his individual quality on the game for a sustained period – at least during the first half.
Tuchel’s other devilish winger Kai Havertz, the guy who scored the goal to win the Champions League for Chelsea, was rested but it was a pretty much first choice line-up other than that.
Yet the Russians’ impressive organisation, resoluteness in defence and surprising composure going forwards, made it a far less comfortable evening than it should have been on paper.
It is early days in the season on both the domestic and European fronts.
But having targeted £97.5million of investment into formidable striker Lukaku, it is already unusual for them to endure a whole 45 minutes without mustering a shot on target.
The most notable threats from Tuchel’s champions in the first half were forcing Zenit keeper Stanislav Kritsyuk into pawing away a couple of swerving balls as they drifted aimlessly on to his patch in the six-yard box.
Tuchel will not have enjoyed what he saw last night but will obviously be pleased that his team got off to a winning start in a long campaign.
He wants his players to have even more hunger than last season. He is demanding that winning the European Cup against Manchester City does not make them subconsciously sit back on their laurels.

It is something he will re-iterate to them tomorrow when the squad rocks up at the Surrey training ground for a warm down and a debrief.
Chelsea could only manage two shots on target all night against the weakest team in their group – and at home.
Even Lukaku, who is scoring for fun at the moment, shot feebly wide when put through in the dying minutes of the game.
Jorginho was presented with his Uefa men’s player of the year award from president Aleksander CeferinCredit: Getty
Edouard Mendy required attention after a nasty collision with Artem DzyubaCredit: Reuters
Ben Chilwell, left, came off the bench to make his first appearance of the seasonCredit: Reuters
Mason Mount struggled to make an impact on the gameCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
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JESSE LINGARD was consoled by captain Harry Maguire after his gaffe handed Young Boys a last-gasp winner against Manchester United.The Red Devils midfielder endured a torrid time when he came off the bench to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in Switzerland.
Jesse Lingard was consoled by Man Utd captain Harry Maguire after his match-losing gaffeCredit: EPA
Lingard had just six touches – one of which (circled) resulted in Young Boys’ last-gasp winnerCredit: Opta
Lingard – who has only made three substitute appearances for United this season – looked understandably rusty in an unfamiliar false-nine role as the ten-man Red Devils looked to cling on for a point.
Despite playing for over 20 minutes, Lingard had just SIX touches on the ball.
He managed just ONE completed pass to a team-mate, losing possession five times.
And Lingard’s final touch proved to be United’s undoing, as the England ace teed up Theoson Siebatcheu to fire past David De Gea with a horror back pass.
The Young Boys sub made no mistake as he clinched a 2-1 victory, sparking wild scenes at the Wankdorf Stadium.
Lingard, who spend the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, looked devastated at the final whistle, knowing he had cost his side a crucial point.

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And it was captain Maguire who consoled Lingard, before launching a passionate defence of his team-mate.
The Red Devils skipper said: “That’s football. People make mistakes – we’re not blaming Jesse.
“I’m sure everyone on that pitch today has made a mistake. I’m sure Jesse will pick himself up.
“It’s the first game in the group. We’ve got many games to bounce back and we must do. 
“We’ll try and pick up three points in our next game and build momentum from there.
“We started the second half well. I think the changes helped us defend crosses a lot better. 

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“We couldn’t really control the box with a back four. They didn’t really have any major chances. It’s disappointing to take at the end.”
Reflecting on his decision to bring Lingard on for Ronaldo, who had scored his third goal in two games earlier on, boss Solskjaer insisted: “The game had gone 70-odd minutes, they had been running a lot on Saturday and today.
“We wanted Nemanja Matic’s experience to keep hold of the ball and Jesse Lingard’s legs.”
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MANCHESTER UNITED fans fumed as Cristiano Ronaldo was subbed off in the 71st minute in tonight’s 2-1 defeat against Young Boys.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced the legendary forward with Jesse Lingard in order to tighten up after conceding an equaliser.
Man Utd fans fumed as Cristiano Ronaldo was subbed off against Young Boys for Jesse LingardCredit: AFP
But fans were not happy with the decision, saying it was ‘bizarre’ to swap striker Ronaldo and play midfielder Lingard as a false nine.
Ronaldo made his second United start since returning to the club on deadline day in tonight’s Champions League group stage game.
And the icon got off to a flyer when he put his side ahead in the 13th minute – having scored twice on Saturday’s ‘debut’ against Newcastle.
However, United’s night took a turn when Aaron Wan-Bissaka received a straight red card in the first half.
Jadon Sancho was hauled off, before Donny van de Beek was subbed at the break in order for Solskjaer to play a 5-3-1.
The defensive shift didn’t work though, with United eventually conceding an equaliser as Young Boys dominated possession.

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Solskjaer then decided to make another change by removing Ronaldo for Lingard in the 71st minute.
However, it meant United lost any focal point in the final third.
And they continued to struggle on the backfoot for the last 20 minutes.
Things then went from bad to worse as Lingard made a mistake in the dying seconds, allowing Young Boys to score a winner.
Fans certainly weren’t happy with Solskjaer’s bizarre tactical switch, which also saw Bruno Fernandes hauled off for Nemanja Matic.
One tweeted: “Ronaldo out, Lingard in. Ole masterclass.

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Another said: “Ronaldo hooked for Lingard, I’m howling.”
One noted: “Matic on for Bruno is good, but Lingard for Ronaldo is bizarre.”
Another added: “We need a goal so Ole takes off Ronaldo for Lingard…”
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MANCHESTER UNITED threw away a lead to lose 2-1 at Young Boys in the Champions League.Cristiano Ronaldo was head and shoulders above his team-mates while Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s red card arguably cost his team the win.
Cristiano Ronaldo was Man Utd’s best player on a disappointing night at Young BoysCredit: AFP
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent-off and arguably cost his side the winCredit: Getty
Ronaldo got the Red Devils off to a perfect start – getting on the end of a delightful Bruno Fernandes cross to tuck home from eight yards after 13 minutes.
But the tie was turned on its head with ten minutes to go in the first-half when Wan-Bissaka was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Christopher Martins.
The right-back went over the top of the ball and connected with the midfielder’s ankle and there was no doubt he was going to go.
Despite their best efforts, the Reds could only hold on until the 67th minute when Moumi Ngamaleu poked home a cross at the near post.
And things went from bad to worse when Jesse Lingard’s woeful back pass played Theoson Siebatcheu in for a 95th minute winner.
And here’s what SunSport’s Jordan Davies thought of United’s individual performances.

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DAVID DE GEA – 6/10
Made a few decent saves at the end of the first-half as United appeared flustered following the red card.
Perhaps should have done better for the equaliser at his near post but was not helped by the shocking defending in front of him.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 3
Ultimately cost his side with a stupid and unnecessary challenge that rightly saw him receive a straight red.
Did very little in attack when he was on the pitch, and will now be missing for some crucial games for his club in this competition.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 5
Started in a calm manner and was barely troubled by the Young Boys attack.
But was caught out on a few occasions after the break and gave away some silly fouls that put his team under pressure late on.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Led well when his side were under the cosh as Young Boys looked for their winner.
It could have been a lot worse had it not been for his calmness in tight situations.
Harry Maguire led well on the night and was there to comfort Jesse Lingard after his late howler lost the game for the Red DevilsCredit: AP
LUKE SHAW – 6
Was arguably United’s most creative player at times, constantly getting up the pitch to provide support out wide.
Was hemmed back after the red card and put in a solid display as the pressure mounted – but the cross for the equaliser did come from his flank.
FRED – 6
Did very little wrong, but did very little to impact the game either.
Was fortunate not to be subbed off for another defender after the red. Is surprisingly becoming quite the dependable figure for Solskjaer.
DONNY VAN DE BEEK – 4
Really cannot catch a break after being subbed off at the break despite making his first long-awaited start of the season.
But when he was on the pitch, he was barely noticeable, and was lucky not to be booked for a rash tackle early on.
Donny van de Beek had another disappointing night for Man Utd
JADON SANCHO – 6
Showed glimpses of what he could do, but it wasn’t enough in a game where he should be taking it by the scruff of the neck.
Was subbed off after 37 minutes following the red for Diogo Dalot to end what could have been a defining moment of his United career so far.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
The assist for his compatriot’s opener was simply outstanding – one that deserved to be a winning assist too.
But as United dropped deeper and deeper, his influence faded – unsurprisingly.
PAUL POGBA – 7
A different kind of performance from the Frenchman – he showed a real strength on the ball when his side needed it.
And we finally saw the sort of leadership he provides for his country. Long may it continue if United are to progress in this competition.
CRISTIANO RONALDO – 8
Barely touched the ball before his goal, but he comes alive when he is given a chance in the box.
After 72 minutes his night was over, yet he made sure his impact was felt in a tournament he so desperately wants to win again with United.
SUBS
DIOGO DALOT (37TH MINUTE FOR VAN DE BEEK) 6
Did what was asked of him defensively, but his delivery from set pieces as United looked to snatch a winner was disappointing.
JESSE LINGARD (72ND MINUTE FOR RONALDO) 4
Initially did his job as there was little space and time for any counter attacking or trickery on the ball. Linked up well with the midfield at times.
But will be remembered for his awful back pass that played in Siebatcheu for the late winnner.
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NEMANJA MATIC (72ND MINUTE FOR FERNANDES) 6
Made his presence felt in the box defending set pieces, and Ole will feel lucky he has someone of his height and bulk to bring on in these moments.
ANTHONY MARTIAL (89TH MINUTE FOR FRED) N/A

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