The UEFA Champions League matchday two provided an unforgettable night of football action, with Girona’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Feyenoord and Atalanta’s commanding 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. Girona’s first-ever home match in the Champions League ended in disappointment as two own goals and missed penalties dominated a chaotic game at Estadi Montilivi. Meanwhile, Atalanta secured their first away win in five Champions League matches, thanks to an inspired performance from Ademola Lookman.
Girona vs. Feyenoord: Own Goals and Missed Penalties Define the Match
Girona’s UEFA Champions League debut at Estadi Montilivi was a highly anticipated occasion. However, their historic night ended in despair as Feyenoord capitalized on two own goals and a missed penalty to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory. The result marked Feyenoord’s first-ever away win against Spanish opposition in European competition, breaking their three-match losing streak in Spain.
2 – @GironaFC_Engl are the first side in @ChampionsLeague history to net an own goal in each of their first two games in the competition (also the first team to concede their first two goals by own goals in the competition. Misfortune. pic.twitter.com/E9SGjkxCRF
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 2, 2024
Early Dominance from Girona
The match began with Girona taking control of the game, pressing Feyenoord’s defense and creating several chances. Viktor Tsygankov was instrumental in Girona’s attacks, forcing Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther into action early on. Girona’s first goal came in the 19th minute, as David López pounced on a rebound from Ladislav Krejčí’s header, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead and sending the home crowd into raptures.
Feyenoord’s Response and the First Own Goal
Despite Girona’s strong start, Feyenoord found their way back into the match. A free-kick by Igor Paixão led to the equalizer in the 23rd minute when Yangel Herrera, under pressure from Quinten Timber, inadvertently headed the ball into his own net. This own goal shifted the momentum in Feyenoord’s favor, and Girona’s fortunes worsened when Tsygankov was forced off with an injury.
Just moments later, Feyenoord capitalized on another Girona error. David López, who had opened the scoring for Girona, misjudged a pass that Timber intercepted. Timber quickly set up Antoni Milambo, who calmly slotted the ball past Paulo Gazzaniga to give Feyenoord a 2-1 lead before halftime.
Drama Before Halftime: Missed Penalty for Feyenoord
Feyenoord continued to apply pressure, and Timber’s relentless pressing earned a penalty after Gazzaniga’s poor pass was intercepted by Iván Martín, who fouled Timber in the box. However, Gazzaniga redeemed himself by saving Ayase Ueda’s spot-kick, keeping Girona within striking distance as they went into halftime trailing by just one goal.
Second-Half Chaos: Disallowed Goals and More Missed Penalties
The second half began with more drama, as Donny van de Beek thought he had equalized for Girona with a deflected goal. Unfortunately for Girona, the goal was disallowed due to a narrow offside call. Girona’s frustrations continued when Wellenreuther dropped a cross and fouled Bojan Miovski, giving away a penalty. However, Wellenreuther redeemed himself by saving Miovski’s penalty and his subsequent follow-up header, denying Girona a golden opportunity to level the score.
Van de Beek’s Equalizer and Krejčí’s Own Goal
Despite the setbacks, Girona’s persistence paid off in the 74th minute. Arnaut Danjuma weaved through Feyenoord’s defense and teed up Van de Beek, who calmly slotted home to make it 2-2. Girona’s joy, however, was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Krejčí, attempting to clear a cross from Dávid Hancko, deflected the ball into his own net, handing Feyenoord a 3-2 lead.
Wellenreuther made another crucial save in the dying moments, denying Cristhian Stuani’s powerful header, securing Feyenoord’s victory. Girona, meanwhile, remains without a point in the Champions League, extending their winless run to six matches across all competitions.
Atalanta vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: Lookman Inspires 3-0 Victory
While Girona’s night ended in heartbreak, Atalanta cruised to a 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, marking their first away win in the Champions League in five matches. Ademola Lookman was the standout performer, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta’s triumph, which broke their poor run of form in European competition.
Atalanta’s Early Domination
Atalanta entered the match eager to end a winless streak that had seen them struggle in Europe since 2021. They took control of the neutral venue in Gelsenkirchen from the outset, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when Lookman sent a precise cross into the box, allowing Berat Djimsiti to finish from close range, giving Atalanta a 1-0 lead.
Lookman’s Brilliance Extends Atalanta’s Lead
Atalanta continued to push forward, and Lookman came close to doubling their lead with a powerful volley that rattled the crossbar. Minutes later, Lookman made no mistake, side-footing a clever pass from Sead Kolašinac into the net to make it 2-0 just before halftime. The Nigerian forward’s calm finish put Atalanta in a commanding position as they entered the break with a two-goal lead.
Second-Half Control: Bellanova’s First Goal for Atalanta
Atalanta wasted little time in securing their victory, scoring their third goal just three minutes into the second half. Davide Zappacosta’s precise cross found Raoul Bellanova, who headed in his first goal for the club since joining from Torino. With a comfortable 3-0 lead, Atalanta controlled the remainder of the match, easing off in the closing stages but still dominating possession.
Shakhtar’s Struggles Continue
Shakhtar Donetsk, who were largely ineffective throughout the match, extended their winless streak against Italian teams to nine matches. The Ukrainian side failed to register any meaningful attacking threat, with Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi barely called into action. With this defeat, Shakhtar remains in a precarious position in their Champions League group, needing significant improvements to avoid another early exit from the competition.
Mixed Fortunes in the Champions League
Matchday two of the UEFA Champions League delivered contrasting fortunes for Girona and Atalanta. Girona’s debut home match in the competition ended in despair, with two own goals and missed penalties leading to a 3-2 defeat against Feyenoord. Meanwhile, Atalanta put their European struggles behind them, cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, thanks to Ademola Lookman’s inspired performance.
While Girona will need to regroup quickly to salvage their Champions League campaign, Atalanta’s victory offers hope of progressing further in the competition. With more thrilling matchdays ahead, these teams will look to build on their performances as they continue their European journeys.
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