© AFP
In addition to Barcelona – Antwerp, there were seven more matches scheduled for the opening day of the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
AC Milan did not get further than a scoreless draw against Newcastle (0-0) in group F of the Champions League.
Newcastle started the game most eagerly, but the first big chance was for the home team. Midfielder Tommaso Pobega forced Nick Pope to make a first save in the twelfth minute with a shot from the second line. Milan took over the match afterwards and created some good chances through Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leão, among others, but a goal was not achieved.
The Rossoneri also dictated the pace in the second half, although this time the chances remained scarce. Rafael Leão headed the Milanese’s biggest chance over goal. In the final match, Newcastle actually had a chance to win, but Marco Sportiello, who had to replace the injured Mike Maignan, made a good save on a shot by Sean Longstaff.
© AFP
In group G, Young Boys Bern and RB Leipzig kicked off their Champions League campaign. Leipzig, with Red Devil Loïs Openda in the starting line-up, won 1-3 against the Swiss.
After just three minutes, Mohamed Simakan scored the first goal of the new Champions League season. The 23-year-old defender headed in a corner from David Raum via goalkeeper Racioppi. About twenty minutes later the prize was won on the other side: Elia Meschack (33.) leveled the signs again.
In the second half, Openda had a good chance to give the visitors the lead again, but goalkeeper Racioppi made a nice save. Just before the final quarter, Racioppi had to give in to a nice long shot from Xaver Schlager (73.). In the final phase, Benjamin Sesko (90.+2) completely closed the books for Young Boys with a low slider.
