Ajax and Liverpool remain flawless after the first three matchdays here in the Champions League and they did it by beating their formidable opponents last Tuesday evening.
Erik ten Hag’s side showed no mercy against Borussia Dortmund through a strong team effort while Jurgen Klopp’s men eked out a close victory in a heated battle against Atletico Madrid.
Order has been restored as there weren’t much upsets this time, although the race for the top two spots of each groups continue to tighten each passing day.
Today at SBOTOP, let’s review by looking at what happened based on the most recent Champions League 2021 results.
Ajax seize control in Group C
Ajax took a huge step forward in their Champions League campaign as they’ve overwhelmed Borussia Dortmund with a score of 4-0 at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
From the moment that Marco Reus scored an own goal after a Dusan Tadic free-kick at the 11th minute, the game was broken wide open in favour of the Dutch Eredivisie champions.
Daley Blind, who hasn’t scored for Ajax in all competitions for almost a year, put the hosts up 2-0 when he was left unmarked inside the penalty box at the 25th minute.
Brazilian winger Antony recorded a goal of his own near the hour mark while Sebastien Haller, who has resurrected his professional football career, found his sixth goal of the tournament late.
Ajax now hold solo first in Group C while Borussia Dortmund stayed at second with six. On the other Group C match, Sporting grabbed their first three points of the competition by extending Besiktas’ losing streak with a 4-1 scoreline.
Liverpool continue to stand tall in Group B
It’s no surprise that the Champions League 2021 odds have Liverpool as one of the favourites to win it all following their performance yesterday at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita were enough as the Reds subdued Atleti with a 3-2 scoreline.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Jurgen Klopp’s side during the eighth minute and Naby Keita added one five minutes later to put the visitors up 2-0.
But Antoine Griezmann spearheaded the comeback by tallying a brace within 14 minutes and the game was all square at the 34th minute.
After a reckless challenge from the Barcelona loanee at the 52nd minute, however, Liverpool had the numbers advantage but they had to earn their final goal.
The Reds drew a penalty late in the game and Mohamed Salah secured the three points by sending Jan Oblak the wrong way at the 78th minute.
The Egyptian forward broke another record for Liverpool by becoming the first player in club history to score in nine consecutive games in all competitions.
Indeed there’s death, taxes, and Mohamed Salah racking up the goals for Liverpool.
Lionel Messi has ice in his veins
RB Leipzig looked like they were on their way to win their first group stage game in the Champions League up until the stars showed up for PSG.
After being down by one goal courtesy of Kylian Mbappe in the ninth minute, Jesse Marsch’s side got back into the driver’s seat with goals from Andre Silva and Nordi Mukiele.
With the score at 2-1 in favour of the Red Bulls, the Parisiens leaned on to the duo of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe to steal the three points.
Lionel Messi’s first goal came from a brilliant one-two from Kylian Mbappe after RB Leipzig lost possession at the 67th minute.
Kylian Mbappe then won a penalty seven minutes later to which Lionel Messi calmly converted with a beautiful Panenka shot.
PSG now lead Group A with seven points while RB Leipzig, who have yet to gain their bearings under Jesse Marsch, remain dead last with zero points.
Real Madrid and Manchester City move up to second place
It was the youngsters who came to play for Real Madrid and Manchester City last night.
Vinicius Jr. spearheaded Real Madrid’s 5-0 beatdown against Shakhtar Donetsk by scoring a brace – which was followed up by goals from Rodrygo, Karim Benzema, and an own goal from Sergiy Kryvstov.
With Sheriff Tiraspol failing to win in the other Group D game against Inter Milan, Real Madrid drew level with the Moldovan club at six points.
Phil Foden, meanwhile, inspired Manchester City to their 5-1 victory against Club Brugge despite not scoring a single goal.
The 21-year-old forward essentially gave the Sky Blues the lead for good when he teed up Joao Cancelo with a sumptuous pass at the half-hour mark.
Riyad Mahrez, Kyle Walker, and Cole Palmer all scored too while Hans Vanaken tallied the consolation goal for Club Brugge.
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