Champions League: Salzburg defeats Benfica, Inter saves a draw

Napoli beats Braga

Benfica Lisbon lost 0-2 (0-1) against Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg after being outnumbered for over 75 minutes at the start of the Champions League on Wednesday. It was an exciting, fast-paced game from the start. Salzburg’s Karim Konaté put a penalty kick over the goal in the 4th minute. Just nine minutes later, Benfica’s António Silva received a red card after a handball on the goal line, and Roko Simic scored the next penalty (15′). After the break, Oscar Gloukh (51st) stepped up for the guests and gave Benfica coach Roger Schmidt a false start.

There were long signs of something similar for last year’s finalists Inter Milan, who fell behind in the 4th minute in San Sebastián. Brais Mendez scored early for the Basques, but Lautaro Martinez (87th) equalized late on. Thanks to a late equalizer, Milan managed to draw 1-1 (0-1) at Real Sociedad.

Arsenal FC and Kai Havertz started the Champions League confidently. Arsenal started their first group stage start in seven years as if the Londoners had never left. Bukayo Saka (8th minute), Leandro Trossard (20th) and Gabriel Jesus (38th) made things clear before halftime. Martin Odegaard (70th) increased after the break.

Italian champions SSC Napoli won 2-1 (1-0) against Portuguese club SC Braga. Naples prevailed in Braga thanks to a goal from Giovanni di Lorenzo (45th+1) and an own goal from Sikou Niakaté (88th). The ex-Leipziger Bruma (84th) scored to equalize. Sevilla FC and RC Lens drew 1-1.

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