Real wins at Celtic, but suffers Benzema blow

GLASGOW: Real Madrid clinched a 3-0 victory over Celtic in its Champions League Group F opener on Tuesday, but it came at a cost as the defending champion lost forward Karim Benzema to a knee injury in the first half.

Vinicius Jr., Luka Modric and Eden Hazard got on the scoresheet in the second half for Real at a sold-out Celtic Park. The Spanish heavyweight rode its luck at times as the Scottish side spurned a number of opportunities. The host enjoyed an impressive start, creating several chances in front of its home fans, but was unable to find that killer instinct in front of goal and was punished by the 14-time champion.

Real’s Federico Valverde had a cross-shot that went just wide in the 30th minute, but when play stopped, Benzema bent over holding his right knee, asking for medical attention.

Haaland double helps City thrash Sevilla

Erling Haaland continued his free-scoring start to life at Manchester City with two more goals in a 4-0 win over Sevilla. Haaland put City ahead in the 20th minute, stretching to reach a cross from Kevin De Bruyne and place it past Sevilla keeper Yassine Bounou.

Phil Foden made it 2-0 after the break, jinking and turning to create space on the edge of the box before placing the ball into the bottom corner. Haaland then made sure of a comfortable victory, pouncing to tap-in after Bounou had pushed out a low drive from the impressive Foden. Then, central defender Ruben Dias added the fourth goal in stoppage time, turning in a low cross from Joao Cancelo.

Chelsea sacks Tuchel after defeat to Zagreb

Chelsea’s Champions League winning manager Thomas Tuchel was sacked after the team lost 0-1 to Dinamo Zagreb. “Chelsea has parted ways with manager Thomas Tuchel,” the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. Chelsea finished third in the Premier League last season but the London club is sixth this term.