Champions League: Feyenoord, Atalanta secure three massive points

Feyenoord Rotterdam had to come from behind to register a 3-2 win over Spanish side Girona in the Champions League on Wednesday night in Catalonia.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the 19th minute through centre-back David Lopez, who netted the club’s first-ever goal in the prestigious tournament.

Their joy was, however, short-lived as an own goal by Venezuelan midfielder Yangel Herrera leveled things for the visitors.

Dutch teenager Antoni Milambo put Feyenoord ahead with a clinical finish before the break, while former Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek equalised for Girona in the 73rd minute.

Nevertheless, the hosts yet again became victims of an own goal, as Czech defender Ladislav Krejci diverted the ball into his net to hand Feyenoord the win.

Girona have conceded three own goals from their first two games, a worrying trend for manager Michel Sanchez.

A second consecutive defeat condemns the Spaniards to 30th on the log, while Feyenoord are eight places ahead after securing their first win of the season.

Addressing the press after the defeat, the Girona boss maintained his side didn’t deserve to lose.

“We have not deserved to lose,” said Michel.

“We had generated enough to get a positive result in a spectacular second half, but I accept that football is like that and that at this moment the team has to face and accept incomprehensible defeats.”

Girona will be hoping to bounce back when they host fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao on Sunday in La Liga, with online bookmakers paying +137 for the hosts to defeat Bilbao (+211).

Lookman masterclass as Atalanta crash Shakhtar Donetsk

Atalanta blitzed past Ukrainian Premier League holders Shakhtar Donetsk with a 3-0 away win on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman stole the headlines as he scored a goal and played a pivotal role in the two goals struck by Swiss centre-back Berat Djimsiti and Italian midfielder Raoul Bellanova.

Lucky enough to have secured a goalless draw with Arsenal in Matchday 1, victory leaves Atalanta 11th on the table, while winless Shakhtar are 27th.

Speaking after the match, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini was impressed by the performance.

“We put in a solid performance from the beginning,” said the Atalanta boss.

“I feared this game, but our approach was excellent, technically and tactically.”

“Finishing the first half 2-0 up helped us, but the team was always confident and controlled the match well.”

“This win was fundamental after the draw against Arsenal. Ultimately, it was easier than expected, but we know Serie A will be tough. We must be at our best against Genoa to earn three points and climb the table.”

Atalanta will be in domestic action on Sunday at the Gewiss Stadium, with top sports betting sites paying -200 for the hosts to defeat Genoa (+532) in the Serie A.

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