News
TUE 13.09.2016
The LaLiga teams achieved their objectives on the opening day of action in the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League group stage. FC Barcelona were in thrilling form as they took apart Scotland's Celtic on home turf, while last season's finalists Atletico put in a disciplined performance to see off a strong PSV Eindhoven side who made life very tough in the Netherlands.
Neymar and Messi tore into Celtic from the opening minutes at Camp Nou and quickly put Luis Enrique’s side ahead. The Brazilian first slipped a ball between two defenders for Messi to score from a tight angle, and then played a series of one-twos in the area before the Argentine made it 2-0. Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to save a penalty to keep a clean sheet for the hosts before halftime.
Messi has struck twice!
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) September 13, 2016
The first was his fastest goal in the @ChampionsLeague (02:46). #UCL pic.twitter.com/pVDPIptktT
After the restart Neymar got himself on the scoresheet with a curling freekick over the wall and soon after he was back in the action again. He floated a ball into the area and substitute Andres Iniesta smashed a volley high into the net. Messi racked up his hat-trick tapping in from Luis Suarez’s low cross to make it 5-0. The Uruguayan closed out the game with a double. The first was a superb volley into the top corner after he controlled Neymar’s lofted pass on his chest and then swivelled to hammer home. It was Neymar's fourth assist of the game. Luis Suarez's last goal was pushed into the far corner from Messi’s low cross.
In Eindhoven, Atletico were given a run for their money by a determined PSV who took the Madrileños to penalties in the knockout stage last season. Saul gave Diego Simeone’s the lead just before halftime with a volley from the edge of the area. But they owe Jan Oblak a great deal of thanks after the keeper saved a penalty from Moussa Dembele soon after.
A satisfying start to the campaign for both LaLiga clubs.
© LALIGA - 2016