French Champions, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) started their 2023/24 UEFA Champions League campaign on a brighter note after defeating German side, Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in Paris.
The first half ended goalless at the Parc des Princes, as all effort to break the deadlock proved abortive in France.
However, upon resumption of second half, Kylian Mbappe gave PSG the lead after converting a penalty, before the Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi doubled the lead with a fantastic solo effort in the 58th minute.
UCL defending champions, Manchester City began their Champions League defence with a win over Crvena Zvezda of Serbia, as Julian Alvarez and Rodri scored in a 3-1 comeback win.
Rodri is the best midfielder in Europe, Pep Guardiola declared after the Spaniard scored again for Manchester City.
Bukari opened scoring, but Julian Alvarez struck twice, before Rodri added a third.
The midfielder now has three goals and two assists this season, and Guardiola feels he can get even better in the absence of more attacking teammates in the central areas.
Barcelona made their comeback in the UCL count by hammering Royal Antwerp 5-0, while Newcastle United played out a 0-0 draw at AC Milan.
Elsewhere in Italy, Provedel’s goal came in stoppage time and turned out to be the last touch of the game, ensuring Lazio avoided a defeat on home soil against Diego Simeone’s team.
Provedel is the first goalkeeper to score in the Champions League since Vincent Enyeama did so for Hapoel Tel Aviv against Lyon in 2010.