• Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Arsenal claim big win in Champions League return, Bayern also win

Arsenal claim big win in Champions League return, Bayern also win

Berlin, 21 September 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Arsenal returned to the Champions League after six years by thumping PSV Eindhoven 4-0, and Bayern Munich won their 20th straight opener in the elite event 4-3 against Manchester United.

Arsenal won from first-half goals by Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Odegaard with 20 minutes left.

Bayern Munich won a duel of ex-champions against United, with England captain Harry Kane converting a penalty after earlier goals from Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry and Mathys Tel on target in stoppage time.

Last season's finalists Inter Milan salvaged a late 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad in Group D where Salzburg are early leaders after winning 2-0 at 10-man Benfica. Brais Mendez put the hosts ahead early but Lautaro Martinez levelled late for Inter who had a red card for Nicola Barella rescinded.

Italian champions Napoli got a late 2-1 in Braga to top Group C ahead of record winners Real Madrid who were earlier once again rescued by Jude Bellingham for a stoppage time 1-0 win over debutants Union Berlin.

Galatasaray fought from two goals down to 2-2 against 10-man Copenhagen in the closing stages, and Sevilla and Lens drew 1-1.

Photo: MIA archive