Champions League 2024-25 matches featuring Manchester City’s 0-0 draw with Inter, Celtic’s 5-1 demolition of Slovan Bratislava, PSG’s late 1-0 win over Girona, and Borussia Dortmund’s 3-0 victory over Club Brugge!
The second night of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage brought plenty of drama across six matches, with standout performances from some of Europe’s elite football clubs. Manchester City were held to a goalless draw by Inter Milan in a rematch of last year’s final, while Celtic ran riot against Slovan Bratislava with a 5-1 thrashing at home. Elsewhere, PSG secured a late victory over Girona, and Borussia Dortmund dismantled Club Brugge in style.
Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan: A Repeat of Last Year’s Final
Manchester City began their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan in a repeat of last season’s final, but this time, the match ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw for Pep Guardiola’s side. Despite dominating possession early in the game, City struggled to break down Inter’s disciplined defense.
Inter Milan, led by Simone Inzaghi, grew into the game after absorbing City’s early pressure. The Italian side came close to taking the lead through former Manchester United player Matteo Darmian, but Joško Gvardiol’s crucial block spared City’s blushes after a mistake by goalkeeper Ederson.
City’s talisman, Erling Haaland, had a few glimpses of goal but couldn’t find the back of the net. His best opportunity came in the first half when he fired just wide from the edge of the box. Bernardo Silva also missed a golden chance, air-kicking Kevin De Bruyne’s cutback.
In the second half, Inter’s Marcus Thuram had two excellent chances to break the deadlock but failed to convert. City’s control over the game increased after Kevin De Bruyne was substituted due to a knock, but despite their dominance, they could not breach Inter’s defense. A draw seemed a fair outcome as neither side could capitalize on their chances.
This result keeps Manchester City in contention, but the reigning champions would have preferred to start their campaign with a win.
Celtic 5-1 Slovan Bratislava: A Scottish Masterclass
Celtic kicked off their Champions League season in spectacular fashion, securing an emphatic 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park. Brendan Rodgers’ side displayed dominance from the outset, giving their fans plenty to cheer about.
Celtic took the lead in the 17th minute when Liam Scales powered home a header from an Arne Engels cross. The goal ignited the crowd, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. Bratislava struggled to contain Celtic’s fluid play, and Rodgers’ men made them pay with an explosive second half.
Just two minutes after the break, Kyogo Furuhashi doubled Celtic’s advantage with a simple tap-in after a brilliant ball across the box from Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn. The hosts weren’t done yet, as Arne Engels, already with an assist to his name, added a third from the penalty spot.
Bratislava’s Kevin Wimmer gave his side a glimmer of hope with a stunning left-footed finish, but Celtic quickly snuffed out any chances of a comeback. Daizen Maeda added a fourth with a cool finish, and Adam Idah completed the rout with a fifth goal just before full-time. Celtic’s confident display sends a strong message to their Champions League group rivals. The Scottish champions have set themselves up well with this huge win.
PSG 1-0 Girona: Late Drama at Parc des Princes
Paris Saint-Germain left it late to overcome a stubborn Girona side in their opening group stage match, securing a 1-0 victory at the Parc des Princes. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, PSG struggled to break down Girona’s defense for most of the match.
Marco Asensio and Ousmane Dembélé were at the heart of PSG’s attacking play, with the latter coming closest in the first half, only to be denied by an excellent save from Paulo Gazzaniga. Girona, competing in their first-ever Champions League match, defended resolutely and looked set to frustrate the French champions.
It wasn’t until the final minute of normal time that PSG found a breakthrough. A low cross from Nuno Mendes caught Gazzaniga off guard, and the Girona goalkeeper fumbled the ball into his own net. PSG’s late winner spared their blushes and ensured they secured all three points in their opening match.
Club Brugge 0-3 Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund’s Late Show Seals Victory
Borussia Dortmund secured a 3-0 victory against Club Brugge in a game that remained goalless until the 76th minute. The German side struggled to break down the Brugge defense for much of the match, but a moment of magic from substitute Jamie Bynoe-Gittens changed the game.
Gittens’ heavily deflected shot found its way past Simon Mignolet to break the deadlock, giving Dortmund the lead they craved. Four minutes later, Gittens doubled Dortmund’s advantage with a solo effort, cutting inside and finishing with aplomb.
To round off a successful night for the Bundesliga side, Serhou Guirassy added a third goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time. The late flurry of goals ensured Dortmund left Belgium with a convincing win, setting them on the right path for their Champions League campaign.
Looking Ahead: To Upcoming Fixtures of Champions League 2024-25
The second night of the Champions League group stage delivered plenty of excitement, with Manchester City frustrated by Inter’s resolute defense, Celtic smashing Slovan Bratislava, and both PSG and Borussia Dortmund securing vital wins. As the tournament progresses, these early results could prove crucial in determining the fortunes of some of Europe’s top clubs.
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