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The drama of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League day 3 reached a thrilling finale as Monaco edged past ten-man Barcelona, with Atlético recording an important win.
The Champions League’s excitement continued Thursday, delivering a whirlwind of goals, red cards, and late winners.
Monaco 2-1 Barcelona
Monaco celebrated their return to Europe’s top stage by overcoming a depleted Barcelona, who lost Eric García in the 11th minute.
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Maghnes Akliouche put Monaco ahead with a stunning strike, but Lamine Yamal’s equaliser before the half-hour kept things tense.
The decisive moment came with 19 minutes left, as Lagos-born forward George Ilenikhena latched onto a long ball and struck a fierce shot past Ter Stegen.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Elsewhere, Arsenal survived a tough battle at Atalanta, thanks to David Raya’s heroics between the sticks.
Raya’s spectacular penalty save and another follow up save after Thomas Partey’s foul kept Mateo Retegui’s effort out, denying Atalanta a late lead. The Gunners came close through Gabriel Martinelli and Juan Cuadrado, but the match ended goalless.
Arsenal will face Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday while Atalanta will be at home against Como on Monday.
Atlético Madrid 2-1 RB Leipzig
In Spain, Atlético Madrid left it late to snatch a 90th-minute winner against German opponents RB Leipzig.
Benjamin Šeško gave the visitors an early lead, capitalizing on Jan Oblak’s rebound save, but Atleti fought back.
Antoine Griezmann’s first-half equaliser set the stage for a tense second period. His pinpoint cross in the dying minutes allowed José María Giménez to head home the match-winner.
Tags: José María Giménez, #Atléti, Atlético Madrid, RB Leipzig, Barcelona, Monaco, Benjamin Šeško, Atalanta, David Raya, Arsenal, Mateo Retegui, Maghnes Akliouche, George Ilenikhena, #UCL, #ChampionsLeague, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports.
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