Ronaldo and Morata save Madrid in Champions League opener

Sep 15, 2016, 07:14
Ronaldo and Morata save Madrid in Champions League opener

The opening goal appeared to shock Real Madrid into life, but Sporting were still carrying a threat and Casilla had to get down to keep out another Cesar strike in the 53rd minute as the enthralling game continued to entertain.

Who: Real Madrid vs.

A minute from time, the three-time world footballer of the year - who had previously looked off the pace - drew the eleven-time European champions level with a brilliant free-kick into the top corner.

On the other hand, Sporting also had an easy outing in the weekend, as goals from Gelson Martins, and new signings Joel Campbell, and Bas Dost fired the club to a 3-0 victory over Moreirense.

Fourteen years after scoring on his Sporting debut, Ronaldo bagged his 550th goal against his former charges. Ronaldo of course learned his professional trade with Sporting Lisbon before later moving to English side Manchester United.

Ronaldo denied his Portuguese boyhood club, and chose not to wildly celebrate his free-kick.

And Alvaro Morata - back at Real after two years with Juventus - won it with a stoppage-time header.

This year, for the first time, Zidane has the chance to take Real Madrid all the way from the group stage opener to glory.

"They took it to us, especially in the first period".

After an wonderful start by European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich on the opening day of the Champions League, Real Madrid will hope to dance their way to victory on Wednesday.

Legia, meanwhile, can expect to hear from UEFA after crowd trouble involving the home fans marred the match. Furthermore, the now Jorje Jesus-managed team produced a credible W2-D1-L3 record on the occasion of their last Champions League group stage appearance two seasons ago and they have retained key, Euro 2016-winning players such as William Carvalho and Adrien Silva despite interest from across Europe.

Jordan Ferri, who honed his skills at Lyon's renowned academy with Tolisso, made it 2-0 four minutes into the second half from Cornet's assist.

Despite suffering defeat, the coach does not envisage anyone pushing the Champions League holders as hard as his side did.

"We started the game a little passively", Ronaldo told BeIN Sports after netting against the side where he started his career.

Lyon eased the pressure on coach Bruno Genesio with a comfortable 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb to open their Champions League campaign.

Leicester won in Belgium from Mark Albrighton and Riyad Mahrez' double; and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City trounced Borussia Moenchengladbach 4-0 with the help of a hat-trick from Sergio Aguero.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
  • Ricciardo hoping karma repays Monaco error in Singapore

    Ricciardo hoping karma repays Monaco error in Singapore

    Of course, we haven't been able to test on the circuit, so all of our theories are just theories at this stage. The Briton heads into the weekend with a two-point lead over Nico Rosberg, who won the last race in Italy.

    How to Get Apple's New iPhone Software Update

    Comes with a new design and user interface: Apple says it has "redesigned the experience of the lock screen ". If you haven't heard, Apple has released iOS 10 , and the update bricked some users' iPhones and iPads.
    HTC Teases A new Device Ahead of Event on September 20

    HTC Teases A new Device Ahead of Event on September 20

    Most of the leaks concerning the HTC Desire 10 have come straight from @evLeaks on his Twitter page and also via Venturebeat.com . HTC is at it again with the hyper short promo video tweets, this time advertising its forthcoming HTC Desire 10 line.
  • Obama hopeful on spending, Zika funds after meeting Congress leaders

    Obama hopeful on spending, Zika funds after meeting Congress leaders

    Obama's priorities for a lame-duck postelection session of Congress will also be on the table Monday afternoon at the White House. The House-passed Zika bill provides funding to state and local health agencies, but omits any funding of Planned Parenthood.
    Doctor accused of sexually abusing gymnasts

    Doctor accused of sexually abusing gymnasts

    A doctor with ties to Michigan State University has been accused in a lawsuit of sexual assault and molesting an underage victim. She alleges Nassar never wore gloves when examining her at Michigan State University, where he's a faculty member.
    USA concludes $38 bn Israel military aid deal

    USA concludes $38 bn Israel military aid deal

    Under the previous arrangement, Congress approved funds for missile defense separately and on an annual basis. Both Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton have vowed to protect Israel's security if elected.
  • Pak needles India, Sharif dedicates Eid to 'sacrifices' of Kashmiris

    Pak needles India, Sharif dedicates Eid to 'sacrifices' of Kashmiris

    In Karachi main congregation of Eid was held at Gulshan-e-Jinnah where Acting President Mian Raza Rabbani, Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Deputy Mayor Karachi Arshad Wohra offered Eid prayers along with cabinet members and other notables.
    Pitt holds off Penn State rally to win 42-39

    Pitt holds off Penn State rally to win 42-39

    He invited former Pitt greats to speak to his team throughout the week. That's going to happen when it's meant to happen. Pitt-Penn State is still very much a thing.
    NY settles with 4 companies to stop tracking children online

    NY settles with 4 companies to stop tracking children online

    Your children's online activity is a little more protected after an investigation found that several kids' toy companies were illegally tracking kids' preferences.
  • Boy seen in car with passed-out adults gets new home

    Boy seen in car with passed-out adults gets new home

    According to NBC News , the boy, who has not been identified, will be living with his great aunt and great uncle in SC . Pasek was raising the boy because her own troubled son and his girlfriend couldn't manage, a family member told NBC.

    New England Patriots vs. Arizona Cardinals

    The Cardinals had a chance to win it, but Chandler Catanzaro missed a 47-yard field goal with 41 seconds left. We can finally put the Super Bowl talk and unnecessary hype to rest for the time being. "It's pretty simple.

    Senior Isil operative killed in Aleppo

    It was not clear whether that leader was Adnani. "I wouldn't be surprised if we saw some plots in Western capitals", he said . The US had been actively been looking for Adnani for some time , given his prominent role within the organisation.
popular

Employers turn to workers to help slow health cost growth Employers turn to workers to help slow health cost growth
This year's survey finds that most employers who provide health benefits offer coverage to workers' spouses. Stoves said that the deductible rose 10 percent this a year ago , to $2,000 for an individual plan in 2016.

Pete Carroll: Russell Wilson's ankle injury is 'nothing very serious'
The Dolphins were stymied by Seattle's defense for three quarters before putting together an impressive drive to take the lead. Prater missed an extra point wide right with 4:04 left in the season opener, a miscue that almost cost the Lions.

Tech expert who set up Clinton's server ignores subpoena Tech expert who set up Clinton's server ignores subpoena
Pagliano previously plead the Fifth in a closed-door session with the House Select Committee on Benghazi past year . But he said he was aware of many failed login attempts that he described as "brute force attacks".

Colorado trolls MI with uniforms Colorado trolls MI with uniforms
If the Buffaloes follow through with their depth chart, hopefully they can pull off something similar to their 1994 win over MI . However, just because they're probably going to lose doesn't mean that they can't have some fun heading into Saturday.