By Nisar Khan
We had late-winners (and equalizers), domination, red cards and sublime play. The Champions League is now in full swing. Arsenal dominate Napoli, along with Dortmund and Chelsea pulling off great performances. Teams are beginning to make noise in the epitome of European football. Here is the complete round-up and analysis for the Champions League action on Tuesday, October 1.
We had late-winners (and equalizers), domination, red cards and sublime play. The Champions League is now in full swing. Arsenal dominate Napoli, along with Dortmund and Chelsea pulling off great performances. Teams are beginning to make noise in the epitome of European football. Here is the complete round-up and analysis for the Champions League action on Tuesday, October 1.
Arsenal 2 - 0 Napoli
The Gunners put on a masterclass at the Emirates for their 10th straight win that included a debut goal for Mesut Ozil.
Arsenal had a magnificent start to the game at the Emirates. Mesut Ozil scored his first goal for Arsenal just eight minutes in off an assist by Aaron Ramsey. The Gunners continued their excellent play before striking just seven minutes after with goalscorer Mesut Ozil setting up Olivier Giroud to give Arsenal's second. Just a quarter-of-an-hour in and Arsenal were dominating the visitors. Passing the ball around, quality creation of chances and the fans vocal pleased with their teams' performance. The Gunners continued to press in search for a third goal before half-time, but last-ditch attempts from Napoli defenders kept them at bay for the time being. An excellent first half of football for Arsenal, who were in complete control of Napoli.
In the second half, Napoli simply had no response. Arsenal comfortably moved the ball around without little resistance from Napoli - besides late attempts in damage limitation. Aaron Ramsey received a standing ovation when he was substituted after yet another fantastic game. They cruised to a dominant win in emphatic fashion - what a way to celebrate Arsene Wenger's 17th year anniversary as manager of the club.
Steaua Bucharest 0 - 4 Chelsea
Chelsea ran riot in their trip to Romania to face Bucharest. Two goals from Ramires, an own goal and Lampard would pay dividend to the final scoreline.
Arsenal were not the only London club to finish the first half two goals in the lead. Chelsea also had a dominant start in Romania with Ramires striking before the twenty-minute mark. Jose Mourinho was more than satisfied as the half-time break approached. In spite of Torres' departure from the game due to a knee injury, the visitors had a pleasing first half. Chelsea's second goal came right before half-time, Georgievski scored an own goal. A surging run from Samuel Eto'o forced a save from the Bucharest keeper, only to rebound of Georgievski's foot for the own-goal. Unfortunate for the own-goal, but in spite of Bucharest's misfortune in that goal, Chelsea were dominant in the first half.
Ramires scored a sensational goal to mark his second, and Chelsea's third in the early moments of the second half. Andre Schurrle's run set up for Oscar who provided the assist for Ramires' goal. And if that was not enough to guarantee the win, Lampard's goal from outside the area sure did.
Zenit 0 - 0 Austria Wien
In the early kick-off, Zenit and Austria Wien battled towards a goalless draw. The biggest chance of the game came from Hulk when he rattled the woodwork in the first half. However, no goals would ensue during the game, although they may have if Witsel (Zenit) was not sent off, as it seemed to extinguish the flame in Zenit's attack.
Dortmund 3 - 0 Marseille
Dortmund re-instated their targets for Champions League success as they dominated Marseille in front of a vibrant home crowd.
It was indeed a very entertaining first fourty-five minutes. Dortmund did better in the first half with Robert Lewandowski scoring 19 minutes in off Dortmund's break. An easy goal for Lewandowski that put Dortmund in the lead. Down but not out, Marseille were still in the game with a positive albeit inferior performance in the first half.
Seven minutes into the second half, Marco Reus would give the hosts a 2 - 0 lead with a delightful free-kick with an early bounce that beat Steve Mandanda as he parried it into the goal. And if the game wasn't won already, Robert Lewandowski's goal would seal the deal with ten minutes remaining as he scored from the penalty spot driving it straight down the middle.
Celtic 0 - 1 Barcelona
It was far from the Celtic Park miracle that ensued last year, as Celtic kept Spanish Champions at bay until the odds stacked against them with Fabregas scoring the only goal of the game.
Celtic were able to withstand an onslaught of Barcelona dominance in the first half, restricting Barcelona from scoring a goal in the first half, although they came very close as part of their intense first half display.
The hosts were pushed further on the backfoot when Scott Brown was shown a red-card for a foul. The task at keeping the Spanish Champions at bay became a lot harder. Barcelona would eventually capitalize on the advantage with Cesc Fabregas' header from a Sanchez cross.
Ajax 1 - 1 Milan
In what was expected to turn into a real slowburner, the result would be defined in the dying moments of the game, with not one but two shockers.
Another demonstration of dominance, but no goals in the first half. With 70% of possession, five shots on target - as oppose to Milan's 0 - Ajax definitely lead on the stats, but not in the game as it was goalless going in the break with both teams having their work cut out.
They sure left it late. Denswil looked like he had scored the winner in the 90th minute, but Mario Balotelli would stun them in stoppage time with a late equalizer. Incredible.
Porto 1 - 2 Atletico Madrid
Porto took the lead a mere sixteen minutes into the game,with Jackson Martínez's header giving them the lead. Porto's threshold on the game was slowly depicted in the first half as Atletico found their rhythm.
An impressive start to the second half by Atletico was marked with a 58th minute goal by Godin. The Uruguayan was able to leap into the air and head the ball for Atletico's equalizer. Then, Atletico would go further in the dying moments, with Turan's close range goal.
Basel 0 - 1 Schalke
Basel had the better of the first half, but Schalke looked threatening from set-pieces. As half-time approached at St-Jakob Park, it was all even.
Schalke's Draxler quickly broke the deadlock in the second half. After Basel cleared a corner, it would fall out to the German who put his foot through in a wonderful strike leaving the keeper no chance of stopping it.
Quick Breakdown & Analysis
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| Aaron Ramsey - among other Arsenal players - was on top form on the night (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com) |
The Gunners put on a masterclass at the Emirates for their 10th straight win that included a debut goal for Mesut Ozil.
Arsenal had a magnificent start to the game at the Emirates. Mesut Ozil scored his first goal for Arsenal just eight minutes in off an assist by Aaron Ramsey. The Gunners continued their excellent play before striking just seven minutes after with goalscorer Mesut Ozil setting up Olivier Giroud to give Arsenal's second. Just a quarter-of-an-hour in and Arsenal were dominating the visitors. Passing the ball around, quality creation of chances and the fans vocal pleased with their teams' performance. The Gunners continued to press in search for a third goal before half-time, but last-ditch attempts from Napoli defenders kept them at bay for the time being. An excellent first half of football for Arsenal, who were in complete control of Napoli.
In the second half, Napoli simply had no response. Arsenal comfortably moved the ball around without little resistance from Napoli - besides late attempts in damage limitation. Aaron Ramsey received a standing ovation when he was substituted after yet another fantastic game. They cruised to a dominant win in emphatic fashion - what a way to celebrate Arsene Wenger's 17th year anniversary as manager of the club.
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| The team celebrate Mesut Ozil's opening goal (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com) |
Steaua Bucharest 0 - 4 Chelsea
Chelsea ran riot in their trip to Romania to face Bucharest. Two goals from Ramires, an own goal and Lampard would pay dividend to the final scoreline.
 |
| Ramires' scored two goals for the away side (Image Courtesy: @MrFootyPics) |
Ramires scored a sensational goal to mark his second, and Chelsea's third in the early moments of the second half. Andre Schurrle's run set up for Oscar who provided the assist for Ramires' goal. And if that was not enough to guarantee the win, Lampard's goal from outside the area sure did.
Zenit 0 - 0 Austria Wien
In the early kick-off, Zenit and Austria Wien battled towards a goalless draw. The biggest chance of the game came from Hulk when he rattled the woodwork in the first half. However, no goals would ensue during the game, although they may have if Witsel (Zenit) was not sent off, as it seemed to extinguish the flame in Zenit's attack.
Dortmund 3 - 0 Marseille
Dortmund re-instated their targets for Champions League success as they dominated Marseille in front of a vibrant home crowd.
It was indeed a very entertaining first fourty-five minutes. Dortmund did better in the first half with Robert Lewandowski scoring 19 minutes in off Dortmund's break. An easy goal for Lewandowski that put Dortmund in the lead. Down but not out, Marseille were still in the game with a positive albeit inferior performance in the first half.
Seven minutes into the second half, Marco Reus would give the hosts a 2 - 0 lead with a delightful free-kick with an early bounce that beat Steve Mandanda as he parried it into the goal. And if the game wasn't won already, Robert Lewandowski's goal would seal the deal with ten minutes remaining as he scored from the penalty spot driving it straight down the middle.
 |
| The Champions League runners-up are off to a flying start to this campaign (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com) |
Celtic 0 - 1 Barcelona
It was far from the Celtic Park miracle that ensued last year, as Celtic kept Spanish Champions at bay until the odds stacked against them with Fabregas scoring the only goal of the game.
Celtic were able to withstand an onslaught of Barcelona dominance in the first half, restricting Barcelona from scoring a goal in the first half, although they came very close as part of their intense first half display.
The hosts were pushed further on the backfoot when Scott Brown was shown a red-card for a foul. The task at keeping the Spanish Champions at bay became a lot harder. Barcelona would eventually capitalize on the advantage with Cesc Fabregas' header from a Sanchez cross.
 |
| Celtic eventually came short of the Spanish giants (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com) |
Ajax 1 - 1 Milan
In what was expected to turn into a real slowburner, the result would be defined in the dying moments of the game, with not one but two shockers.
Another demonstration of dominance, but no goals in the first half. With 70% of possession, five shots on target - as oppose to Milan's 0 - Ajax definitely lead on the stats, but not in the game as it was goalless going in the break with both teams having their work cut out.
They sure left it late. Denswil looked like he had scored the winner in the 90th minute, but Mario Balotelli would stun them in stoppage time with a late equalizer. Incredible.
 |
| Mario Balotelli scored a late goal to equalize (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com) |
Porto 1 - 2 Atletico Madrid
Porto took the lead a mere sixteen minutes into the game,with Jackson Martínez's header giving them the lead. Porto's threshold on the game was slowly depicted in the first half as Atletico found their rhythm.
An impressive start to the second half by Atletico was marked with a 58th minute goal by Godin. The Uruguayan was able to leap into the air and head the ball for Atletico's equalizer. Then, Atletico would go further in the dying moments, with Turan's close range goal.
Basel 0 - 1 Schalke
Basel had the better of the first half, but Schalke looked threatening from set-pieces. As half-time approached at St-Jakob Park, it was all even.
Schalke's Draxler quickly broke the deadlock in the second half. After Basel cleared a corner, it would fall out to the German who put his foot through in a wonderful strike leaving the keeper no chance of stopping it.
Quick Breakdown & Analysis
- Arsenal completely dominated Napoli at the Emirates. After a torrid first half for the visitors I expected them to do better in the second but this was not the case. Completely outplayed by Arsenal all over the field.
- Bucharest had no answer for Chelsea either. I thought the absence of Torres after the injury would affect them, but it did not at all. Playing right up to the end with a nice finish by Lampard.
- If Dortmund ever made a statement, it was tonight. Lewandowski on some supreme striking form and Group E is all about Arsenal and Dortmund now.
- Celtic did surprisingly better than I thought they wood. Yes, they may have been dominated by Barcelona, but they kept the goals at bay. Obviously it will be much harder at the Nou Camp. Nevertheless, the red card eventually took it's toll.
- Ajax and Milan was not looking the best of games... until stoppage time that is. Denswil's goal was surely the winner, but Balotelli's goal was just an emphatic way to equalize so late in the game.
- Atletico slowly got into the game against Porto. Porto had the better first half, but Atletico got in it with the equalizer, and progressed towards the game winner.
An indeed dramatic night of Champions League football. Wins for Arsenal and Chelsea in emphatic fashion, meanwhile Dortmund make a statement for Champions League contention. Late drama too between Milan and Ajax may have been gut-wrenching for fans while Celtic stayed put... but not for long enough. Chelsea, Dortmund and Arsenal are the headline-stealers for tonight. Why? One word - Domination.
By Nisar Khan - Read more articles from this author
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