UCL: Istanbul Stuns Manchester United, Barcelona Meets Neshcheret

Wednesday’s Champions League matches brought one big surprise and mostly wins of the favorites. Manchester United sensationally lost in Turkey, while all other big names, including Chelsea, Barcelona, and Juventus, won their respective matches. 

Solskjaers Walking on Thin Ice

There were already some debates about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s future at United’s bench before the game in Istanbul. After losing to Basaksehir tonight, the Norwegian manager’s future is not bright at all. 

Istanbul Basaksehir had never won a game in the #UCL before tonight ❌

Then Man Utd came to town 🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/CU9L7bNgPO

— GOAL (@goal) November 4, 2020

United suffered a 2-1 defeat, complicating things for themselves, as well as running their already shaky morale. 

“The last two results have been a punch to the stomach. The only way I know to respond, and I hope the players as well, is to get our act together for Everton,” Solskjaer said. 

Demba Ba and Edin Visca scored for the hosts, both in the first half, while Antony Martial delivered a hit for the Red Devils also, in the first part of the game. 

RB Leipzig and PSG had a rematch of the recent UCL semifinals. This time, the Germans won 2-1, even though PSG took an early lead through Di Maria. Enkunku and Forsberg turned the game upside down, bringing the second win for Naglesmann’s side in Group H, where they share the first spot with United both having six points. PSG is third with three, the same as Istanbul. 

Juve and Barca Convincing in Group G

The Old Lady was dominant in Budapest, where they beat Ferencvaros 1-4. Alvaro Morata finally scored some goals, posting a brace. After having so many disallowed goals recently, this comes as a refreshing situation for the Spanish striker. Paolo Dybala added one too, and Ferencvaros’ player Dvali scored an own goal.

Dynamo Kyiv's 18-year-old Ruslan Neshcheret was called up from their B team due to both first-team goalkeepers testing positive for COVID-19.

Tonight, he saved a Lionel Messi free-kick at Camp Nou in the Champions League 🤯 pic.twitter.com/F5ijOV5e6d

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 4, 2020

Barcelona beat Dynamo Kyiv 2-1, and that is only because of a teenage goalkeeper in front of the guest’s goal. His name is Ruslan Neshcheret, and with his 18 years, he amazed the world, stopping all sorts of attempts from the rivals’ players. 

“I was like in a fairytale. Playing at this great stadium in such a game is a dream for any footballer… We were really happy to have a chance to play against such top opponents,” the youngster stated.

Barca tops the standings with 9 points, Juve has 6, Dynamo and Ferencvaros have one each.

Chelsea Easy With Rennes, Sevilla’s Superb Comeback

The Blues had no trouble against Rennes, posting an easy win, 3-0. Timo Werner scored twice in the first half, both times from the penalty spot, and Tammy Abraham added one more goal in the second 45 minutes. 

In the other game of Group E, Sevilla made a miraculous rally to beat the Russian team, Krasnodar. The Spaniards were 0-2, and was short for a player after Jesus Navas’ red card.

However, that didn’t prevent them from scoring twice through Youssef En-Nesyri in the span of three minutes, to claim a 3-2 win, and take a massive step towards the next round. 

🇲🇦 Enter En-Nesyri! Sevilla turn it around against Krasnodar (3-2)! 👊#UCL pic.twitter.com/nvays3bj1c

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 4, 2020

Both they and Chelsea have 7 points, while Krasnodar and Rennes sit at one each.

And at last, Group F. Borussia Dortmund visited Club Brugge, beating the Belgian powerhouse with 0-3. Eden Hazard’s brother Thorgan scored twice, and Erling Haaland once for the Millionaires’ win. 

Zenit and Lazio played their match earlier due to the time zone and TV schedule. The Russians had a lead in the first half but couldn’t withstand the guests’ pressure, and the match ended with 1-1.

Borussia is first with 6 points, Lazio has 5, Club Brugge 4, and Zenit just one.