Group B: AIK Solna 1 -
Barcelona 2 Barcelona came back from behind with two goals in the last
ten minutes of the match. Van Gaal left Luis Enrique out after an argument over
his replacement by Gabri a couple of games ago, and Xavi replaced the injured
Guardiola. The Barcelona defence started off shakily, and after 26 minutes Van
Gaal decided to take off Bogarde who had already been booked and put on
Abelardo. Solna took the lead in the 72nd minute, Novakovic lobbing Hesp from
the edge of the area with the Barcelona keeper off his line. Barcelona brought
on Dani for Kluivert and Gabri for Xavi and threw everything forward, and they
managed to equalise five minutes from time in controversial circumstances.
Solna were trying to bring on two substitutes, but French referee Sars allowed
Figo to take a corner before the second change had been made. Abelardo came
forward and reached the ball before the Swedish defence, his header beating
keeper Asper. In the second minute of injury time Barcelona wrapped up the
three points, Dani heading Figo's free kick past the despairing Asper for the
winner.
Group E: Olympiakos - 3
Real Madrid 3 An exciting match in Athens, with chances for both sides
to win before they finally shared the points. Madrid were almost at full
strength, with only Balic missing from what theoretically is Toshack's first
choice team. Morientes kept his place up front, with Anelka once again on the
bench. Ex Barcelona forward Giovanni, now playing his football in Greece, had
been involved in bitter interchanges in the Spanish press with fellow Brazilian
countryman Roberto Carlos. Both players were inspired on the night, with
Giovanni scoring twice and Roberto Carlos scoring one and making another.
Giovanni's first came in the tenth minute when he headed in Zahovic's free
kick. Madrid drew level through Savio halfway through the first half after a
pass from McManaman, and Roberto Carlos gave Madrid the lead from a free kick
on the half hour. Olympiakos turned the game around in a period of 3 minutes in
the second half shortly after Hierro was forced to leave the field with an
ankle injury, Giovanni equalising with a close range shot and Zahovic
establishing the lead with a goal from the edge of the area. Olympiakos had not
lost in their stadium in four years and they seemed to be heading for victory
when Raúl appeared ten minutes from time to turn in Roberto Carlos's
cross.
Group F: Valencia 2 -
Glasgow Rangers 0 Valencia finally lifted their heads up to win their
first match of the season. Cúper changed his diamond shape which he has
been using in the league, opting to play four midfield players in line to
suffocate the Scottish attack, with Albelda and Gerard in the centre and
Mendieta and Kily González wide. The move worked, and Cañizares
was given little work in the first half. The first goal came in the second
half, when Moore turned Juan Sánchez's cross into his own net when there
appeared to be little danger. Rangers came forward and Valencia took advantage
to score their second goal sixteen minutes from time, Kily González and
Juan Sánchez combining for Kily to hit a good left foot shot past
Charbonnier. Several Valencia players were showing signs of the strong physical
play of the Scots, and Claudio López is doubtful for the next match
against PSV after being taken off twenty minutes from time with injuries to his
knee and ankle. |