Champions League: Barcelona's 5, PSG and City's Wins, and 5 Talking Points From Tuesday’s Games

After two decades of witnessing either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi participating in the UEFA Champions League, the 2023-24 campaign began without the presence of either superstar.

Nevertheless, the grandeur and excitement surrounding Europe's most esteemed club competition were on full display on Tuesday, September 19.

In the aftermath of the opening round of matches, Sports Brief takes a closer look at the five key highlights:

Tuesday's UCL games: 5 talking points

1. Barcelona are back with a bang

Spanish champions, FC Barcelona seem to have found their rhythm, overcoming a sluggish start to the season with consecutive 5-0 victories in all competitions.

Led by Atletico Madrid loanee, Joao Felix, the five-time champions delivered a superb performance at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, dispatching Royal Antwerp in an impressive fashion.

Another notable highlight from Barcelona's triumph was Robert Lewandowski, who has now reached the milestone of 100 goals in UEFA club competitions, including qualifying matches.

According to ESPN, the Polish striker became the third player to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

2. Lazio's goal-scoring goalie denies Atletico

Lazio goalkeeper, Ivan Provedel delivered a thrilling late equaliser to prevent Atletico Madrid from securing all three points in their Group E showdown at the Stadio Olimpico.

In the dying moments of the game, the keeper - on his Champions League debut - showcased his unexpected attacking prowess by connecting with a cross from Luis Alberto, executing a deft glancing header.

Opta reports that prior to Provedel's remarkable feat on Tuesday night, the last goalkeeper to score in the UCL (excluding penalties) was Vincent Enyeama on September 29, 2010.

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3. Red-hot Alvarez rescues City from trouble

Defending champions, Manchester City emerged unscathed from their group opener, thanks to red-hot striker Julian Alvarez, who secured a brace to orchestrate a comeback victory for the Citizens.

The Argentine star swiftly levelled the score for Man City in the early moments of the second half, responding to Osman Bukari's surprising opening goal for the visitors.

Alvarez latched onto a well-placed through ball from Erling Haaland, deftly manoeuvred past Red Star's goalkeeper Omri Glazer, and slotted the ball into the net from a tight angle.

He was then credited with City's second goal as Glazer inadvertently directed the forward's free kick into the net in the 60th minute. Rodri added a third goal to secure the triumph for the reigning champions.

4. Mbappe is key to PSG's success

Kylian Mbappe found the target once more as Paris Saint-Germain initiated their Champions League journey with a 2-0 triumph at home against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, offering glimpses of their potential under the guidance of new coach, Luis Enrique.

Per Transfermarkt, the Frenchman notched his eighth goal in just five matches under the former Barcelona coach, emphasising his pivotal role in PSG's pursuit of securing their maiden Champions League title.

Mbappe broke the deadlock from the penalty spot, with Achraf Hakimi extending the Parisians' lead with a superbly executed goal.

5. Newcastle survive UCL return

Newcastle secured a well-deserved point in their comeback to the competition, marking their return after an absence since the 2002/03 season.

Goalkeeper, Nick Pope made an impressive series of saves, denying Tommaso Pobega, Rafael Leão, and Samuel Chukwueze in quick succession early in the match.

For context, Milan's 15 first-half shots represented their highest tally in the opening 45 minutes of a Champions League game since the 2011-12 season, when they had 17 against BATE.

Their seven shots on target in the first half marked their most in a UCL opening half in the past two decades, as reported by Opta Analyst.

Barcelona's Felix equals Messi's UCL record