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September 18, 2024
Kane made headlines by breaking the scoring record with an impressive four-goal performance, showcasing his extraordinary talent. Meanwhile, Juventus coach Thiago Motta addressed areas for improvement within the team and explained the rationale behind McKennie’s starting role. As both players shine in their respective contexts, their performances highlight key moments in the ongoing season.
Harry Kane surpassed Wayne Rooney’s Champions League record by netting a hat-trick of penalties in a four-goal performance, leading Bayern Munich to a stunning 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.
The England captain matched Rooney’s record of 30 goals in the competition— the highest for an English player— by scoring a penalty in the 19th minute. He then surpassed Rooney with a goal in the 57th minute, increasing his tally on Tuesday (AEST).
Meanwhile, Raphael Guerreiro and Michael Olise gave the hosts a commanding lead by halftime at the Allianz Arena. However, Bruno Petkovic and Takuya Ogiwara pulled Dinamo back into the game, narrowing the score to 3-2.
Nevertheless, Kane and Olise found the net a second time within just three minutes. Kane then capped off his hat-trick with two more penalties, while substitutes Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka finished the rout.
Defending champions Real Madrid required late goals from Antonio Rudiger and substitute Endrick to overcome Stuttgart’s tenacious defense.
Following a scoreless first half, Kylian Mbappe gave the home side the lead. However, Deniz Undav’s equalizer kept the Germans in contention until seven minutes from the end, when Rudiger and Endrick struck to secure a 3-1 victory.
Central defenders Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk both found the net as Liverpool rallied from behind to claim a 3-1 victory at AC Milan.
The Reds had a rocky start when Christian Pulisic put Milan ahead in the third minute. However, a superb header from Konate brought them level, and Van Dijk followed suit, scoring to give Liverpool a lead at halftime.
Dominik Szoboszlai capitalized on Cody Gakpo’s run and cross after the break, sealing the victory impressively.
Aston Villa paid fitting tribute to former striker Gary Shaw, kicking off their campaign in style with a 3-0 victory over Young Boys.
Villa’s return to the pinnacle of European football was marked by the passing of Shaw on Monday. Shaw was a celebrated figure from the club’s 1982 European Cup victory.
Manager Unai Emery urged his players to dedicate the match to Shaw, and they responded, starting their journey in the revamped competition with style through goals from Youri Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey, and Amadou Onana.
Kenan Yildiz, Weston McKennie, and Nicolas Gonzalez each scored as Juventus secured a commanding 3-1 home win against PSV Eindhoven.
Yildiz and McKennie put the hosts ahead 2-0 by halftime. Seven minutes into the second half, Gonzalez scored, securing the victory, even though substitute Ismael Saibari netted a late goal for the Dutch champions.
England midfielder Angel Gomes received a red card five minutes before halftime. Lille suffered a 2-0 loss to Sporting Lisbon, with goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Zeno Debast.
Juventus coach Thiago Motta asserts that the Bianconeri can still enhance their performance despite a 3-1 victory over PSV in the Champions League, adding that Weston McKennie earned his starting spot.
The Bianconeri won 3-1 in their 2024-25 Champions League opener on Tuesday. Kenan Yildiz and McKennie scored in the first half, and Nico Gonzalez added a goal after halftime.
McKennie made his first start for Juventus this season after being sidelined during the summer. He was reintroduced to the squad before signing a contract extension.
“I like Weston, like all other players,” Juventus coach Motta spoke to Sky Sport.
“It was his time to start today. It’s a good result for starting the competition. Now, we must recover for the next game. Weston is part of a strong group.
“The important thing is not my decision. This is my duty. I must field the best 11. I am happy for McKennie. Like all the others, he’s working to improve. The important thing is that the team won today.”
Dusan Vlahovic assisted Nico Gonzalez but squandered a significant scoring opportunity in the second half. The Serbian international has netted two goals in five appearances this season, but Motta remains unconcerned.
“I don’t think it’s complicated. Dusan is always in the best condition to work and help the team,” he said.
“He didn’t score today, and strikers always want to score. They must have this ambition. He did well in many other things. We can do even more, but I am happy with his work. He must manage the emotional side, thinking there are many things to do on the pitch. Goals will come. The important thing is that he’s involved in the group, giving his best.”
Former Serie A player Luca Marchegiani urged Motta to explain the areas where Juventus needs to improve.
” I think today, almost during the whole game, we could do better when opponents had possession,” the coach explained.
“We did well at times but not during the whole game. We must raise the bar and be more consistent. The result is interesting for us. Now, we must recover and prepare for the next league game. We have an important match on Saturday.”
The Serie A giants have another home match ahead. On Saturday, they will host Antonio Conte’s Napoli. The Partenopei sit one point ahead of the Bianconeri in the Serie A standings.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for 24kbet, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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