The first international break of the new season is here.
But we still have a bit to talk about, before league football resumes next weekend.
Paris Saint-Germain suffered their first defeat in Ligue 1 since March, after Monaco defeated them 3-1 at the Stade Louis II. Coach Jardim’s ingenious 5-2-1-2 formation got the job done.
But you have to wonder if the result would have been any different, if a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic played for PSG. The Big Swede scored a total of 152 goals in 178 matches for the French champions and brought that cutting edge, that nobody else in Paris possesses. No, Edinson Cavani, I am not looking at you.
Ibrahimovic, who now plays for Manchester United, however endured an off day against Hull City, who are currently swimming against the tide of chaos.
The 34-year-old who has scored three times in three Premier League matches, failed to equal a 91-year record, thanks to magnificent defending from the home side.
It was that teenage wonder, Marcus Rashford, that stepped up from the bench, to score right at the death.
Ahead of the Derby next month, City also needed a late, late Raheem Sterling goal to settle their nerves, as they beat West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad. It was the England winger’s second of the evening and he looks like a man reborn under Pep Guardiola.
So, United, City and Chelsea all have nine points from the three points. The Derby on September 10 looking tasty already.
Bayern Munich began their annual procession to the Bundesliga title, with a comprehensive 6-0 thumping of Werder Bremen. Dortmund made sure they kept early pace with a 2-1 win over Mainz.
Ivan Rakitic’s goal proved to be the winner against Athletic Bilbao, while Real Madrid snuck past Celta Vigo. Atletico Madrid are yet to get going, with Antoine Griezmann admitting they could be fighting relegation.
Diego Simeone’s men should get going eventually. He has two weeks to figure a way to kickstart their season.
———– ‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke
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