Champions League: Arsenal strike back to earn opening night win

Lukas Podolski and Gervinho

Arsenal responded to going a goal down in Montpellier in the best way possible as they hit back to earn a 2-1 victory on the Champions League’s opening night.

Younes Belhanda chipped home an early penalty to give the French champions the lead after the Moroccan had been fouled by Thomas Vermaelen, but the Gunners hit back to lead within 10 minutes through goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho.

German forward Podolski – on his European debut for his new club – was on hand to turn home following good work from Santi Cazorla and ex-Montpellier man Olivier Giroud, before Gervinho tapped home a low cross from Carl Jenkinson to put his side in front.

Montpellier sought a response in the second period, but Remi Cabella could only fire wide after seizing on a mistake from Abou Diaby, before the same Montpellier man floated a chip against the crossbar.

With Arsène Wenger serving a European touchline ban, Steve Bould directed Arsenal operations and watched on as his side survived despite Belhanda firing an shot straight at goalkeeper Vito Mannone and a strong penalty appeal when Diaby clashed with Cabella.

In the other match in Arsenal’s Group B, goals from Benedict Howedes and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar gave Schalke a 2-1 success at Olympiakos.

Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain got their Group A campaign underway with a 4-1 victory over Dynamo Kiev in the French capital, whilst Porto won 2-0 at Dinamo Zagreb.

Group C featured a goalless draw between AC Milan and Anderlecht and a 3-0 victory for Champions League debutants Malaga against Zenit St Petersburg, with midfielder Isco scoring twice.

In the other match in a heartbroken Manchester City’s Group D, a solitary strike three minutes from time from the Polish forward Robert Lewandowski earned Borussia Dortmund the points from their home match against Ajax.

Mark Jones – follow me on twitter

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