Updates from the Champions League
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010
Tottenham’s Champions League debut got off to a dream start at Bremen, man of the moment Gareth Bale whipped in a fierce cross from the left and Petri Pasanen turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Crouch. It got even better for the Lilywhites soon after when Rafael van der Vaart crossed from the left and Peter Crouch escaped Pasanen to head home their second of the night.
Reigning champs Inter Milan started perfectly at Twente, a fine team move in the 24th minute saw Milito’s shot parried to Wesley Sneijder who buried the ball into the unguarded net. The Dutch weren’t behind for long as Theo Janssen levelled with a 20th minute free-kick. Amazingly Twente then took the lead courtesy of a Diego Milito own goal from a corner, but Inter levelled a thrilling first half in the 41st when Samuel Eto’o drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.
After losing the Hercules at the weekend the writing looked on the wall when Barcelona fell behind at home to Panathinaikos as Sidney Govou struck. But the Catalans were only behind for two minutes before Xavi threaded a trademark pass through to Leo Messi who applied the killer finish. Barca then move 2-1 ahead when David Villa scored and Pep Guardiola’s men combined with a series of one-twos that carved through the Pana defence and Leo Messi claimed his second of the night.
Busaspor conceded a wonder goal to Tino Costa, the Valencia midfielder struck a long range beauty that swerved into the top corner from almost 40 yards. Los Che extended their lead in the 41st when Aritz Aduriz was in the right place to head home afree-kick that struck the woodwork.
Hapoel Tel Aviv fell behind in Benfica after 20 minutes when Luisao spun and cracked a shot following a corner.
Lyon broke the deadlock with Schalke when a poor headed backpass was intercepted by Michel Bastos who slid in the opener.