The opening night of UEFA Champions League 2013/14 Group Stage took place on the evening of Tuesday 17 September 2013, as major clubs across Europe took to the field looking to get their European campaigns off to the best possible start.
All eyes were on Real Madrid, who, following their purchase of Gareth Bale from Tottenham, now posses the two most expensive footballers on the planet. Real – and in particular Cristiano Ronaldo – did not disappoint: the Portuguese star struck a second half hat-trick en route to an impressive 6-1 victory in Galatasaray, to give Real a commanding early lead in Group B.
Both Manchester clubs were in action, as Man Utd picked up a 4-2 home win over Leverkusen and City needed three second half goals – including a stunner from Yaya Toure – to defeat Plzen 3-0 in the Czech Republic.
Holders, Bayern Munich, were in impressive form at home to CSKA Moscow: Bayern won 3-0 to take a share of the Group D lead, with Manchester City.
PSG lead Group C, despite taking their time to get ahead away to Olympiacos. PSG eventually ran out 4-1 winners, putting them on three points, along with Benfica who gathered three of their own with a 2-0 home win over Anderlecht.
Copenhagen, often tricky at home, proved to be resilient once more this evening, as they held Juventus to a 1-1 draw.
UEFA Champions League 2013/14: Results, Tuesday 17 September 2013
- Man Utd 4-2 Leverkusen (Group A)
- Real Sociedad 0-2 Shakhtar Donetsk (Group A)
- Galatasaray 1-6 Real Madrid (Group B)
- Copenhagen 1-1 Juventus (Group B)
- Benfica 2-0 Anderlecht (Group C)
- Olympiacos 1-4 PSG (Group C)
- Bayern 3-0 CSKA Moscow (Group D)
- Plzen 0-3 Man City (Group D)
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Arsenal is not yet there in terms of competing in the Champions league.
i douted them when they play against the runners up of last year, Dortmund.
The germans’ football have improved tremendously, if my memory serves me well,
the lost 4-1 at home to bayern munich and surprisingly come back very strongly at
Germany and managed to win 2-0 of which it was not enough.
in conclusion, the next season they will be ready, not these time.
Im not sure ifc arsenal they can do wonder to champion league under coach wanger
Arsene Wenger is the ideal coach for Gunners, but if they can sustain the experince players.
they are unpredictable, they are marvelous to watch, they are the second team world wide
that can play good if not carpet football after barca, am an honest man who can tell the truth,
my favourite team is chelsea, i love them but they can play ugly football but constructively.
they are the only team that can defend well.