Two long-time absentees from top-level European soccer made a triumphant return to the Champions League on Wednesday, showcasing impressive performances against regular contenders in the competition.
Sparta Prague, making their first appearance on the main stage in 19 years, delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Salzburg. The Czech side wasted no time in asserting their dominance, taking the lead within the first two minutes of the match.
Meanwhile, Bologna marked their return to the Champions League after a 60-year hiatus by holding Shakhtar Donetsk, a seasoned participant in the competition, to a goalless draw in Italy. Bologna displayed a strong attacking presence, especially after saving a penalty in the early stages of the game.
The matches were part of the new Champions League format, where 36 teams will face eight different opponents each until January. The teams will be ranked in a single league table to determine the qualifiers for the knockout phase.
In one of the standout fixtures of the evening, Manchester City faced Inter Milan in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 final, which was won by the English Premier League champions.
Sparta Prague set the pace with a rapid start, as midfielder Kaan Kairinen found the back of the net in just over two minutes. The team continued their momentum with goals from Victor Olatunji and Qazim Laçi, securing a convincing victory.
Salzburg, under the guidance of coach Pep Lijnders, faced a disappointing start to their Champions League campaign after having to navigate through qualifying rounds in August.
On the other hand, Bologna's goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski made a crucial save early in the match, denying Shakhtar Donetsk from the penalty spot. Despite numerous attempts on goal, Bologna was unable to break the deadlock, settling for a draw.
Bologna, playing in only their third Champions League game ever, showcased resilience against a more experienced opponent. The historic Stadio Renato Dall’Ara provided the backdrop for the match, a venue with a rich footballing heritage dating back almost a century.
Both Sparta Prague and Bologna demonstrated that they are ready to make their mark in the Champions League, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable competition ahead.
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