Doku places Man City on entrance foot in CL title defence
Not for the primary time, the Man City supporters had been laughing on the misfortune of a Glazer. Julian Alvarez got here to the rescue for the holders, who survived a significant scare earlier than seeing off Red Star Belgrade 3-1 on the Etihad Stadium.
Omri Glazer had annoyed them for an hour but the Red Star goalkeeper then flapped into his personal internet and Pep Guardiola’s males motored on.
Bernardo Silva’s health is now a priority after he hobbled off earlier than half-time but his alternative Jeremy Doku, contemporary from scoring his first City aim on the weekend, impressed again.
Guardiola had described the Belgian as ‘shy’ throughout his first look towards Fulham earlier this month, but it was he who led the second-half cost alongside Alvarez.
City’s evening of glory within the Ataturk Stadium 103 days in the past stays etched within the psyche of Citizens but Guardiola advised his gamers they’re ‘again on the backside of the mountain’ as they appear to now retain their Champions League crown.
Having somebody like Doku desirous to push for his first piece of City silverware ensures potential shocks corresponding to on Tuesday evening are finally averted with ease because the holders started their street to Wembley on the entrance foot.
Ben Grounds
Newcastle underwhelming on long-awaited return
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Newcastle picked up a significant level after holding Milan to a 0-0 draw of their first Champions League sport for over 20 years
The hype round Newcastle’s Champions League return had been constructing ever since they secured their top-four place within the spring, which is maybe why this efficiency felt so underwhelming.
Howe’s facet may be excused for his or her limp efficiency given they fielded eight Champions League debutants, whereas it shouldn’t be forgotten that Milan reached the semi-finals of this competitors only a few months in the past.
But it is now simply two wins from six video games in all competitions for Newcastle, who have not performed nicely since thrashing Aston Villa on the opening day of the season.
If they wish to emerge from the hardest of the eight Champions League teams, Newcastle should present greater than they mustered in Milan.
Joe Shread
Celtic must study classes
Celtic haven’t gained away within the Champions League since 2017
It was the identical previous story for Celtic within the Champions League, that they had their probabilities but finally suffered one other away defeat.
They began brightly and had the very best of the early probabilities but the timing of Feyenoord’s opening aim couldn’t have been worse.
It gave the hosts a carry after the break and their growing stress noticed Celtic disintegrate.
One pink card makes it robust but two makes it virtually not possible. Gustaf Lagerbielke might need been unlucky, but Thiago Odin Holm can don’t have any complaints about his dismissal.
Celtic can take some positives from the opening phases, but they might want to enhance and reduce out the errors forward of their first house tie towards Lazio subsequent month.
Alison Conroy
