Haaland scores twice as Manchester City thrashed FC Copenhagen 5-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Chelsea defeated AC Milan to resurrect their hopes of reaching the last 16. Holders Real Madrid held off a spirited challenge from Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk to win 2-1 and extend their lead in Group F. Despite a Lionel Messi goal, Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 1-1 draw by Benfica in Lisbon.
The Norwegian scored his first goal on seven minutes with his weaker right foot before prodding in a rebound 25 minutes later. The 22-year-old has now scored 28 goals in 22 Champions League appearances, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record for most goals in the competition’s first 30 games. “I was just laughing for the first and second goals.”
He is always present. “As I was walking back, the keeper said something to me. ‘He’s not human!’ he exclaimed. ‘You’re telling me?’ I asked. Hopefully, he can maintain this form and lead us to victory.” Visitor center-back With Haaland waiting behind him, Davit Khocholava put through his own net to make it three before halftime.
Haaland’s fourth City treble was denied when he was replaced at halftime, but a Riyad Mahrez penalty and Julian Alvarez’s fourth goal for the club completed the rout. Pep Guardiola’s men are three points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund in Group G and will qualify for the knockout stage with a win in Copenhagen next week.
The Spanish club responded to the defeat – and a disastrous start to the season that has landed them 17th in LaLiga – by dismissing coach Julen Lopetegui shortly after the final whistle. CHELSEA EASE WINS FOR THE FIRST TIME Chelsea ended their winless run in Group E with a 3-0 victory over Italian champions AC Milan at Stamford Bridge, thanks to goals from Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Reece James.
The Blues won their second game in a row under new manager Graham Potter, setting up a crucial clash at the San Siro in six days. Chelsea is second in Group E, tied on points with third-placed Milan and one point behind leaders Salzburg, who defeated Dinamo Zagreb 1-0. “It’s easier when you win games,” Aubameyang explained.
“The mood is very good right now. Shakhtar put on a spirited performance in Madrid, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin making 11 saves, but they were unable to overcome a two-goal deficit against Real. Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior goals in the first half put Real in command, and the 14-time champions made it three wins from three in Group F despite Oleksandr Zubkov’s effort for Shakhtar.
Haaland scores Madrid will be assured of a place in the last 16 if they defeat second-placed Shakhtar next time out. After Celtic were defeated 3-1 by RB Leipzig, the Germans are only a point behind Shakhtar. The former England goalkeeper’s poor pass allowed Andre Silva to restore Leipzig’s lead in the second half, before the Portugal striker added a late goal.
PSG HOLDING BENFICA After a hard-fought draw against one of the tournament favorites, Benfica is level on points with leaders PSG at the top of Group H. In the 22nd minute, Messi scored his 127th Champions League goal with a trademark left-footed finish into the top corner after a neat exchange of passes involving Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Danilo Pereira scored an own goal for Benfica four minutes before the break, and both teams had chances to win in the second half. Messi only had 11 goals in 34 games for PSG last season, but he already has eight in 13 this season. “It’s normal, it takes time,” PSG captain Marquinhos told Canal Plus. “He’s a little more at ease now.
I’m hoping Leo Messi has a great season until the end in order to win this championship.” Haaland scores Juventus moved within four points of the top two with a 3-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa, thanks to a brace from Adrien Rabiot and a goal from Dusan Vlahovic.
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