Real Madrid begin defence of title in stunning fashion

EUROPEAN CUP champions Real Madrid began their title defence in stunning fashion by defeating AS Roma 3-0 in their Group C opener.

The Spainards looked a class apart as they completely dominated their Italian opponents from the very outset. Guti nabbed their first on 41 adding to his tally on 74 minutes, with an effort from Raul sandwiched in between. Former England international Stebe McManaman made an appearance as a substitute twelve minutes from time.

In the other Group C game of the night Genk and AEK Athens finished with a disappointing scoreless draw. In Group B, populated also by Liverpool and Valenica, Swiss side Basel, who conqurered Scottish champions Celtic to book their place in the competition continued their good run of form with a 2 0 win over Spartak Moscow. The sides were level at half time before Hakan Yakin and Julio Rossi managed two in a five-minute spell, 10 minutes after the restart.