Champions' League, day three

Mixed results for Spanish sides on Wednesday, with Real Madrid coming back from a goal down at half time to beat Rosenborg 4-1, but Betis outclassed after losing 4-0 at Chelsea. (19.10.05)

Real Madrid 4 - Rosenborg 1

Real Madrid came back from a goal down to score four times in the second half and beat Rosenborg 4-1. Missing the injured Ronaldo the Spaniards were unable to find the target in the first half, and there were whistles from the crowd when Strand picked up a cross form Dursin to put the Norwegian side ahead. But just three minutes after the restart Woodgate rose above the defence to head Beckham's cross in for the equaliser, and four minutes later Raúl's quick footwork after a run by Robinho gave his side the lead. Helguera made it three when he headed a Beckham free kick down past Johnsen, and Beckham himself got the fourth with another trademark free kick. (19.10.05)

Chelsea 4 - Betis 0

Betis though have an uphill battle to qualify for the second round after they were hammered 4-0 by Chelsea. The Spaniards held out until midway through the first half, when Drogba picked up a through ball from Essien to hit a deflected shot past Doblas. And the Spanish keeper was at fault when he dropped Lampard's free kick at the feet of Carvalho for him to score the second on the stroke of half time. Joe cole made it three with a low shot wide of Doblas soon after the restart after picking up a pass from Essien, and Crespo headed the fourth from a pinpoint cross from Wright-Phillips a few minutes later. Liverpool's victory at Anderlecht leaves Serra Ferrer's side four points adrift of the two English clubs. (19.10.05)


Draws all round in the opening day of the third round of Champions' League games, with all four matches in the groups involving Spanish sides ending all square. (18.10.05)

Panathinaikos 0 - Barcelona 0

A goalless draw by Barcelona at Panathinaikos maintained the Catalans' three point lead at the top of group C. It was a dull game though, and chances were few and far between as both defences were in control. Only Eto'o and Van Bronckhorst caused any problems for local keeper Galinovic before the break, and Víctor Valdés was even less troubled at the other end. Rijkaard eventually turned to Messi, and soon after coming on he sent away Eto'o who rounded the keeper only to see his shot deflected away from goal by Biscan. Otherwise there was little to shout about, but Barça came away with the point they wanted to take them closer to a place in the second round. (18.10.05)

Villarreal 1 - Benfica 1

Villarreal were unable to hold on to a one goal lead against Benfica, and with three draws from their opening games are currently lying third in their group table. The Spaniards were bettered in the first half by Ronald Koeman's side, who could have gone ahead had Nuno Gomes not fired a shot over the bar from a couple of yards out. Pellegrini brought on Josico at the break and for a short while his team were on top, Riquelme scoring their first Champions' League goal from the penalty spot after Rocha fouled Sorín. But five minutes later a dipping shot from Fernandes caught Viera off his guard, and Villarreal will have to get a result in Portugal in the return leg in a fortnight's time if they are to make it to the last sixteen. (18.10.05)