There was another action-packed evening of Champions League action on Wednesday night with no shortage of drama and controversy across the continent.
It was a night in which Lionel Messi surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo ’s records in the competition as he helped inspire Paris Saint-Germain to come from behind to avoid a shock loss against Israeli side Maccabi Haifa, with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar also on the scoresheet.
In the same group, Benfica secured a deserved 2-1 win at Juventus to leave the Italian giants in disarray in the group – although elsewhere, match favourites Milan, Real Madrid and Napoli all recorded victories. Here are the main talking points from the night’s action.
Asensio silences Madrid whistles
Marco Asensio was whistled as he was introduced as a substitute for Real Madrid after his public strop over a lack of playing time at the club.
The Spaniard responded positively to the adverse reaction of the Madrid fanbase, who were not impressed by his displeasure, by thumping home a second goal for Carlo Ancelotti’s side on the night to bring about a win over RB Leipzig.
Fede Valverde had given the home sides a late goal to break the deadlock before Asensio – who has been linked with a transfer – made sure of the points.
Napoli penalty chaos
There was chaos at Ibrox as Napoli needed three attempts from the penalty spot to finally take the lead against Rangers.
The home side’s defender Jamie Sands was sent-off after bringing down Giovanni Simeone in the area, but Gers goalkeeper Allan McGregor saved brilliantly from Piotr Zielinski’s spot kick, but Matteo Politano tucked away the rebound. However VAR saw some encroachment and the penalty had to be retaken - with McGregor saving the spot kick again, before Rangers cleared the danger.
Have Your Say! Which team do you think will win the Champions League this season ? Tell us what you think here.
Eight minutes later and Napoli were awarded another soft penalty as the ball was blasted against the hand of Borna Borasic. Politano stepped up this time from the spot, and duly found the net.
Giacomo Raspadori and Tanguy Ndombele scored late for Napoli to make sure of the points for the visitors, who have made it six points from six after their opening day demolition over Liverpool.
Messi sets multiple Champions League records
Lionel Messi set two new Champions League records on Wednesday night to move past his long-term sporting rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Argentine superstar netted from close-range to draw Paris Saint-Germain level away to Maccabi Haifi in Israel. It came after Tjaronn Chery had given the home side a shock lead – netting their first goal in the competition (outside of qualification matches) for two decades.
Messi netted the equaliser on the night, meaning he has scored against 39 different opponents in the competition – a tournament record and one clear of Ronaldo. It was also the 18 th season in which he has scored in the Champions League, another record and again – one clear of the Portuguese star.
Juve in danger of shock elimination
It was not entirely surprising that Juventus were edged out by an away loss at Paris Saint-Germain in the first matchday, but it ramped up the pressure for the visit of Benfica on Wednesday.
The Portuguese club helped eliminate Barcelona from last season’s competition and could be about to do the same to the Italian giants, as they recorded a stunning but deserved 2-1 win in Turin.
Arkadiusz Milik gave the home side the lead but a Joao Mario penalty and David Neres strike turned the game on its head, with Juve – and Maccabi Haifa – now both six points off the qualification spots.
Shakhtar spirit shines through
Shakhtar Donestk are Ukraine ’s sole representative in the Champions League group stage this campaign and, symbolically, no Russian clubs are involved in the competition.
Despite losing a stream of non-Ukraine players which decimated their squad and being forced to play ‘home’ matches in Poland due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Shakhtar have continued their impressive start to their Champions League campaign.
Having notably won 4-1 away to RB Leipzig in their opening match, Igor Jovicevic’s side came from a goal down to earn a draw in Warsaw against Celtic to consolidate their position within the group.
The highly-rated Mykhailo Mudryk netted Shakhtar’s equaliser – the attacker is in demand with Arsenal reportedly among the club’s interested.
Milan ease to win
Milan were held to a draw at Red Bull Salzburg on their opening matchday but recorded a relatively comfortable 3-1 victory at home to Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
The Italian champions are favourites, alongside Chelsea, to progress from the group but Zagreb’s opening day win opened the group up – putting the pressure on Milan for this clash.
Olivier Giroud’s penalty gave Stefano Pioli’s side the lead before Alexis Saelemaekers and Tommaso Pobega made the win comfortable, after Mislav Orsic had pulled a goal back for the visitors.
