Bayern Munich defeated Manchester United 4-3 at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, in their first game in Group A of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. The score seemed close, but the process was one-sided most of the time for the home team.
By contrast, Real Madrid and Union Berlin had a truly close game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. Jude Bellingham saved the day for Real in the 94th minute with a valuable goal, but the competition before that moment showed the club there is still a lot of work to do in improving their roster.
The most significant goal of all 16 games on Tuesday and Wednesday was by Lazio's goalkeeper, Ivan Provedel. Born in 1994 and wearing the No. 94 jersey, he scored a header in the 94th minute to tie the game 1-1 with Atletico Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring a goal in the UEFA Champions League group game against Manchester United at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, September 20, 2023. /CFP
Jude Bellingham (C) of Real Meadrid celebrates after scoring a goal in the UEFA Champions League group game against Union Berlin at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, September 20, 2023. /CFP
Ivan Provedel (L) of Lazio scores a header in the UEFA Champions League group game against Atletico Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, September 19, 2023. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Guest: Josh McNally
Cover designer: Feng Yuan