On Tuesday night gameweek one of the season 2018/19 kicked off with some big results, especially for the Premier League clubs involved in Europe’s elite competition. Here is the story of those big games in Europe on opening night:
Liverpool record last-gasp win over PSG
Liverpool v PSG at Anfield was always going to be one of the games of the night, it so happens the clash did let us down. The home side grabbed a stoppage-time winner to record a 3-2 win over the big-spending French side.
Liverpool took the lead on the half-hour mark, as England international striker Daniel Sturridge headed home from a superb Andy Robertson cross. Jurgen Klopp’s team doubled their advantage six minutes later. PSG full-back Juan Bernat fouled Georginio Wijnaldum in the penalty area and the ever dependable James Milner scored from the resulting spot kick.
The French side had struggled to create much in the opening period, but got back into the game on 40 minutes, as Belgium international Thomas Meunier produced a superb half-volley from the edge of the area.
PSG’s highly-rated attacking duo of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe had endured a quiet night. However, with just seven minutes left on the clock, the Brazilian dribbled into the area and found Mbappe who finished past Alisson in the Reds goal. The goal looked enough to secure a draw the visitors barely deserved.
However, as it often the case with Liverpool at Anfield they came up with a dramatic late goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold struck the upright with a free-kick before the equaliser arrived on 91 minutes. Substitute Roberto Firmino cut inside from the wing and fired a low effort into the far corner of the net.
Cue pandemonium in the Anfield stands. The victory means that Liverpool are favourites to win Group C, but remain outsiders to lift the trophy this season.
Spurs suffer late defeat in Milan
Tottenham suffered a late 2-1 defeat by Internazionale at the San Siro in Group B, as boss Mauricio Pochettino suffered a third consecutive loss for the first time in his managerial career with Spurs.
After a goalless first period, Tottenham took the lead early in the second half. Christian Eriksen saw an initial effort saved by Samir Handanovic only for the Denmark international to volley the ball back towards goal and the effort to deflect in off Inter defender Miranda.
Pochettino’s side looked to be heading for victory until the 85th minute, as Argentinian international forward Marco Icardi struck a fantastic volley from 25 yards that flew past Michel Vorm in the visitor’s goal.
Worse was still to come for Tottenham, as in stoppage-time the Nerazzurri scored the winning goal, as midfielder Matias Vecino headed home from six yards out. In a tough group, this defeat could well cost the north London dearly.
Tuesday’s other Champions League results:
Barcelona 4-0 PSV Eindhoven
Red Star Belgrade 0-0 Napoli
Galatasaray 3-0 Lokomotiv Moscow
Schalke 1-1 Porto
Club Brugge 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
Monaco 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Are Liverpool realistic contenders to win this seasons Champions League?
