Champions League
Ludogorets Razgrad 1-2 Real Madrid
Gareth Bale came close to a goal in stoppage time, but by then Real Madrid had already sealed the win, despite Ludogorets’ taking the lead and Ronaldo’s missing a penalty a few minutes later. Bale’s performance was described as ‘poor’, and a recent poll shows that a lot of fans feel he should be dropped from the starting line-up.
Europa League
Tottenham 1-1 Besiktas
Ben Davies has mostly been a Cup player for Tottenham this season, and he started as usual in the Europa League – though, worryingly, he also picked up his third yellow card in four appearances in the competition. Tottenham looked set to take all three points in their group game, only to concede a penalty in the 89th minute. Tottenham have two points from their first two games
Championship
Brighton 1-1 Cardiff
Andrew Crofts was on the bench for Brighton, despite being considered unavailable for Wales as he continues to gain fitness following a serious knee injury.
Tom James was again Cardiff’s only Welshman to be named in the squad, but was again left on the bench as Cardiff’s poor start to the season continued. The best Championship team in Wales have only won one of their last seven matches, while Brighton are winless in six.
Middlesbrough 1-1 Blackpool
Elliot Parish was on the bench for Blackpool, who picked up their third point of the season. While they’re going to need another 35 or so if they’re going to survive, it’s a good away point against Middlesbrough, who have just one defeat from their last six matches in all competitions.
Millwall 1-3 Birmingham
David Cotterill scored with a deceptively swerving free kick as Birmingham ended a run of seven games without a win.
Cotterill also set up Birmingham’s two other goals with crosses – the first when Millwall inexplicably allowed him to dribble, unmarked, into Millwall’s penalty area. This kind of defending probably helps to explain why Millwall are winless in five.
Norwich 0-1 Charlton
Rhoys Wiggins cleared a shot off the line for Charlton as they held on to beat league leaders Norwich, who hadn’t lost since the first day of the season. Morgan Fox made his second stoppage-time appearance in three games for Charlton. Charlton are unbeaten in the league, though they have only won four of their ten games.
Rotherham 2-0 Blackburn
Craig Morgan was named as a substitute after returning from a one-match ban, but he was needed as early as the 10th minute when a team-mate went off injured. Adam Henley came off the bench in his first appearance for Blackburn since August. Rotherham ended a run of five matches without a win.
Sheff Wed 1-1 Ipswich
Jonny Williams’ second loan spell with Ipswich went off to an excellent start when he scored just four minutes after coming off the bench. However, his evening came to a premature end when he was substituted just before full time with a groin injury. Ipswich are now unbeaten in six in the league. Sheffield Wednesday had two goals ruled out due to infringements.
Wigan 0-0 Nottingham Forest
Emyr Huws played 90 minutes against Wigan, despite concerns that he might not be fit enough to play for Wales due to an ankle injury. Forest have now drawn their last three league games 0-0, but are unbeaten in the league and second on goal difference. Wigan, meanwhile, are winless in five.
Leeds 0-0 Reading
Hal Robson-Kanu made his first league appearance of the season for Reading, coming off the bench in the 75th minute.
Jake Taylor has been suffering from a tight hamstring, but was considered fit enough to start the match for Reading. A wayward pass from the usually reliable Chris Gunter gave Leeds an opening, but they were unable to take advantage.
Steve Morison was an unused substitute for Leeds.
Wolves 1-3 Huddersfield
Sam Ricketts finally made his first league appearance of the season for Wolves and nearly scored his second goal, only for his shot to hit the post. Lee Evans kept his place in Wolves’ starting line-up but went off with a hamstring injury shortly before half-time. Dave Edwards was an unused substitute.
Defender Joel Lynch very nearly scored with a long-range effort for Huddersfield.
Fulham 4-0 Bolton
George Williams came off the bench for Fulham, who got their third consecutive win under caretaker manager and Wales assistant coach Kit Symons.
Craig Davies played up front on his own for Bolton, but didn’t see much of the ball, though Vital Bolton praised his fighting spirit. Bolton have lost their last three games and only won one league game all season.
League One
Crewe 0-3 Notts County
Jake Cassidy doubled his goal tally for the season to four for Notts County, who ended a run of five games without a win. His first goal was stroked home following a neat cutback, while the second was a tap-in from very close range.
Jordan Cranston also played 90 minutes for the winners and was on hand to prevent Billy Waters from scoring for Crewe. Waters’ team-mate George Ray went off with a groin injury on 38 minutes.
Crewe are bottom with one win and one draw in the league this season.
Scottish Premiership
Aberdeen 2-2 St Mirren
Ash Taylor nearly got Aberdeen into more trouble when a poor backpass gave St Mirren the chance to score. Luckily for Taylor, it came to nothing.