Bayer Leverkusen Stun Feyenoord in Thrilling Match, While Benfica Edge Out Red Star in European Showdown
Champions League Roundup: Bayer Leverkusen and Benfica Secure Wins
Bayer Leverkusen made a strong start to their Champions League campaign, defeating Dutch hosts Feyenoord 4-0 in the first round. The German side took an early lead through Florian Fritz’s fifth-minute goal, followed by Alex Grimaldo’s strike in the 30th minute.
Fritz scored his second goal of the match in the 36th minute, securing a comfortable lead for Leverkusen. The German side’s fourth goal came in the 44th minute, courtesy of an own goal by Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Flenarther, who failed to clear Edmond Tapsoba’s ball.
Benfica Beats Red Star in Thrilling Match
Portuguese side Benfica secured a 2-1 win over hosts Red Star of Serbia, earning their first three points in the continental championship. Turkish midfielder Kerim Akturkoglu gave Benfica an early lead in the ninth minute, followed by Orkun Kokku’s goal in the 29th minute.
Red Star’s Angolan player Felicio Melson reduced the gap with a goal in the 86th minute, but the home team’s efforts to equalize were unsuccessful, resulting in their first defeat of the competition.