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Champions League: If Leo Messi doesn't score, Own Goal does

Update:

Defeat in the final minute is such a bitter pill to swallow! Atlético Madrid, who have a few unhappy memories of last-gasp goals as it is, went through that heartache again last night in their first European game at the Wanda Metropolitano. It was such a simple winner: with Los Rojiblancos mentally already back in the dressing room and Chelsea anything but, Marcos Alonso popped up in acres of space on the opposite flank and played it into the middle, where Michy Batshuayi turned it into the net. That late strike leaves Atleti with one point from six and in something of a tight spot in the Champions League. Having had to settle for a draw in Rome on matchday one - when victory would have been thoroughly deserved - this loss to an impressive Chelsea now leaves them with an uphill battle in Group C.

Michy Batshuayi (centre) beats Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak (second right) to win Wednesday's Champions League clash in time added on.
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Michy Batshuayi (centre) beats Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak (second right) to win Wednesday's Champions League clash in time added on.JASON CAIRNDUFFAction Images via Reuters

Atlético can have few complaints about losing to Chelsea

And let's be honest: Atlético can't really have many complaints. Chelsea were the better side. More potent, more confident, with a consistent tempo to their play that left the hosts second best in midfield. That it was Diego Simeone's men who took the lead was down to a moment of stupidity from David Luiz, a silly penalty that once more shows him up as a central defender lacking in reliability. After that, Atlético even had the chance to double their advantage on the stroke of half time, in an isolated forward foray on which the ball rebounded to Saúl Ñíguez and his effort flew just inches wide. But before, during and after all that, Chelsea were the dominant force. Álvaro Morata levelled with a firm header and, right at the end, a second arrived from which there was no way back for Atleti.

Barcelona's players celebrate after Sebastian Coates' own goal at the Estadio José Alvalade.
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Barcelona's players celebrate after Sebastian Coates' own goal at the Estadio José Alvalade.PEDRO NUNESREUTERS

Barcelona win with another own goal, PSG swat Bayern aside

Meanwhile, Barcelona won in Lisbon courtesy of a strike by their second-top scorer: Own Goal. That's four this term: one against Real Betis, two at Girona and another last night after pinball-esque stuff in the box. Own Goal remains well short of Leo Messi in the charts, but is on hand to chip in when he isn't on target. Indeed, it's been a more dependable source of goals than Luis Suárez; it could even be said that it's snuffing out any yearning for Neymar as Barça await Ousmane Dembélé's return to fitness. Speaking of Neymar, it's fair to say that the night's chief headline was PSG's comprehensive 3-0 win over Bayern Munich, with scenes of reconciliation between the Brazilian and Edinson Cavani, and a huff from Kylian Mbappé at being substituted. Those chaps are going to give us plenty to talk about.