Mbappe on target in PSG win over Dortmund, Man City survive opening scare

Long-time friends Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi scored two goals in the space of nine minutes to help French giants PSG kickstart their hunt for the elusive UEFA Champions League title with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.

Having been held to a barren draw by the end of the first half, two goals before the hour mark got the job done as the Parisiens overcame the German opposition in front of their home fans at the Parc des Prince.

It was Mbappe who struck first just four minutes into the second period after centre referee Jesus Manzano pointed to the penalty spot when defender Niklas Sule was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.

The 24-year-old, who was once again the subject of heavy transfer speculation away from the club, stepped up and gave his side the lead after placing the ball into the bottom corner and past Gregor Kobel for an eleventh Champions League group stage goal in his last nine appearances.

Nine minutes later, Hakimi ensured there was some breathing space on the scoreboard when he feinted past his onrushing marker before curling the ball into the back of the net after a neat interchange with Vitinha in the Dortmund box, a strike that sealed all the three points on the opening night.

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Elsewhere, Julian Alvarez saved Manchester City's blushes after Red Star Belgrade took a shock lead at the Etihad as the holders began their Champions League defence with a 3-1 win on Tuesday.

The visitors' goal had been bombarded before they stunned Pep Guardiola's men when Osman Bukari opened the scoring in first half stoppage time.

However, Alvarez continued his sparkling early season form by levelling just two minutes after the break.

The Argentine then got some help from Red Star goalkeeper Omri Glazer as he flapped at Alvarez's free-kick to allow the ball to fly into the far corner.

Rodri then rounded off the scoring with a composed finish 17 minutes from time to help the Cityzens get perfect liftoff in their title defense.

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In another match, new signing Joao Felix struck twice as Barcelona flexed their muscles with a crushing 5-0 win over Royal Antwerp, showing their determination to be considered among Europe's elite once again.

After consecutive humiliating group stage eliminations, Barcelona, who are desperate to go deep in the competition they last won eight years ago. were keen to get the perfect start and they managed to do just that.

Felix shone for the Spanish champions as he bagged a brace in the Catalan capital. The side coached by Xavi were then helped on their way by an own goal before Robert Lewandowski and Gavi also got on the scoreboard.

UCL Tuesday Results

Man City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade

PSG 2-0 Dortmund

Barcelona 5-0 Antwerp

AC Milan 0-0 Newcastle

Young Boys 1-3 RB Leipzig

Feyenhoord 2-0 Celtic

Lazio 1-1 Athletico Madrid

Shaktar Donetsk 1-3 FC Porto