Wednesday, October 23, 2024

UCL: Round Up - Ighalo debut in United's loss, Ronaldo hits 750 career goals as Chelsea Massacred Sevilla


UCL:
  By Omolagba Oluwayemi Manchester United's Champions League campaign is hanging in the balance as two goals from Neymar helped Paris St-Germain secure victory at Old Trafford BSNsports.com.ng reports. Marcus Rashford had cancelled out the Brazilian's early opener with his third goal in four games against the French outfit. But Marquinos' excellent second-half finish put the visitors back in front and after United midfielder Fred had been sent off for a foul on Ander Herrera, Neymar tapped home his 38th Champions League goal. The result leaves United level with PSG and RB Leipzig on nine points in Group H and knowing they need a draw away to the German side next Tuesday to progress to the last 16. Odion Ighalo was given his Champions League debut when he came in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the 90th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 750th career goal as Juventus eased to victory against Dynamo Kyiv, a match officiated by Stephanie Frappart who became the first female to referee a Champions League contest. Ronaldo scored the second goal after Federico Chiesa's opener, but had to wait for VAR to signal to Frappart that the goal could stand. There was a suggestion that Alvaro Morata was offside. Morata then scored his sixth goal of the European campaign. In the other group game played, Barcelona gets 3 past helpless Ferencvaros. A. Griezmann, M. Braithwaite and Ousmane Dembele were all on the score sheet as Lionel Messi did not travel with the team. Juve face Barcelona next week for the right to finish top of Group G. Olivier Giroud scored all four goals in a comprehensive Chelsea victory over Sevilla that ensures the Blues take top spot in Champions League Group E. The Frenchman scored early in each half with two delightful finishes after being fed by clever passes from Kai Havertz and Matteo Kovacic respectively. He completed the treble with a flicked near-post header, then converted a penalty after he was bundled over in the box. Already assured of qualification for the last 16, Chelsea made nine changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday. Both Havertz and Christian Pulisic made their first Blues starts since October following illness and injury, while 19-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour came off the bench for his first appearance of the season. Sevilla, also sure of their place in the knockout stages, were without a number of first-choice players and were forced to give a debut to goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor after Tomas Vaclik was injured in the warm-up. There was little the 20-year-old could do about the goals and his saves ensured Chelsea's winning margin was not greater. Borussia Dortmund secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League despite missing top scorer Erling Braut Haaland as they drew with Lazio. Haaland, the joint top scorer in the Champions League with six goals, was absent from the matchday squad because of a hamstring injury. Dortmund missed his presence in attack but took the lead before half time when Raphael Guerreiro stabbed in. Ciro Immobile's second-half penalty earned Lazio a draw. While Dortmund progress from Group F with a game to spare, Lazio need at least a draw against Club Bruges - who beat Zenit St Petersburg 3-0 on Wednesday - in their final game to ensure qualification.
Niyi
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Niyi Busari

Award winning journalist, Niyi Busari, the Publisher and CEO of BSN Sports Concepts is one of the most celebrated Nigerian sports journalist of his generation. A"cross-over" professional, he combines the talents and abilities of a print and electronic journalist in a manner that is rare, even though his specialization is print. A graduate of Economics from the University of Abuja where he obtained his Bachelor Degree in 2015.

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