Champions League: Manchester City, Barcelona, and others start strong

KATHMANDU: Manchester City kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Napoli.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 56th minute with a brilliant header from Phil Foden’s cross.

This goal marked Haaland’s 50th in the Champions League, achieved in just 49 matches.

Jeremy Doku sealed the win in the 65th minute, skillfully maneuvering past three Napoli defenders before scoring.

Barcelona also began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United.

Marcus Rashford scored twice for Barcelona in the 58th and 67th minutes, while Anthony Gordon pulled one back for Newcastle in the 90th minute.

Portuguese side Sporting CP defeated Kairat Almaty 4-1 at home. German club Eintracht Frankfurt registered a dominant 5-1 victory over Galatasaray.

Meanwhile, FC Copenhagen and Bayer Leverkusen played out a 2-2 draw in Denmark. Belgian club Club Brugge comfortably beat Monaco 4-1.

Champions League Thursday Results:

• Manchester City 2-0 Napoli

• Barcelona 2-1 Newcastle United

• Sporting CP 4-1 Kairat Almaty

• Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 Galatasaray

• FC Copenhagen 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen

• Club Brugge 4-1 Monaco