Champions League giants start with resounding wins

Real Madrid began their Champions League defence with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday morning (AEST) at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Goalless at the break, the Blancos broke the deadlock immediately after the restart through Kylian Mbappe, who scored for the third consecutive match.

Nevertheless, the Germans equalised in the 68th minute through Deniz Undav’s powerful header.

A series of relentless attacks enabled the hosts to regain their lead in the 83rd minute through centre-back Antonio Rudiger, before teenager Endrick Felipe put the result beyond doubt for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

Sitting third in La Liga, Real Madrid return to domestic action on Saturday against Espanyol.

Online bookmakers are paying -526.32 for Madrid to triumph, with the visitors at huge odds of +1361.

Meanwhile, Liverpool had to come from behind to secure three crucial points in Italy, beating AC Milan 3-1 at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.

The hosts took the lead within the first three minutes through former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, but Liverpool levelled matters in the 23rd minute through Ibrahima Konate.

Reds captain Virgil van Dijk converted with a powerful header to put the visitors in front four minutes before the break, while Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the result with a goal midway through the second half.

Liverpool turn their attention to the Premier League this weekend, where they are -322.58 favourites to beat Bournemouth (+821) with the top soccer betting sites.

Meanwhile, AC Milan have a tough assignment in the Serie A this weekend, with leading bookie Marantelli Bet backing Internazionale (-142.86) to beat the Rossoneri (+387) in their derby clash.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich registered a incredible 9-2 victory over Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb at the Allianz Arena.

England skipper Harry Kane bagged the match ball after scoring four goals, while Michael Olise netted a brace.

Raphael Guerreiro, Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka scored a goal apiece for Bayern, while the Croatian champions found their consolation goals through Bruno Petkovic and Takuya Ogiwara.

Vincent Kompany’s side will be in action this weekend, where they are -238.1 favourites to beat Werder Bremen (+601) with online betting sites.

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