FC Zurich no match for Real Madrid
FC Zurich lost 5-2 to Real Madrid in their first game of the Champions League group phase on Tuesday.
Real Madrid, the nine-time European champions, coasted to a three-goal lead at Zurich’s Letzigrund stadium in the first-half, then conceded two goals within a minute midway through the second half.
Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo gave Madrid the lead in the 27th minute, followed by Raul in the 34th. Gonzalo Higuain scored in extra time.
Zurich, the underdogs, got goals from Xavier Margairaz on a 64th-minute penalty and a header from Silvan Aegerter moments later.
Madrid sealed victory as Ronaldo struck again in the 89th and Guti scored on a counterattack just before the final whistle.
“I never feel pressure,” Ronaldo said. “I just work to score goals. I scored two and I’m really pleased for that but the important thing is to win games.”
“Real was for sure a little bit in fear of us. At 3-2 anything is possible,” Zurich goalkeeper Johnny Leoni said. “If they want to win the Champions League they will have to play better.”
Madrid had invested €250 million (SFr379 million) in players in the offseason.
Three people were injured and several arrested before and after Tuesday’s match, police said.
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