Moses's Spartak, Olayinka's Slavia, Onyeka's FCM, Onuachu's Genk walking UCLQ tightrope

Published: August 05, 2021

Victor Moses's Spartak Moscow, Paul Onuachu's Racing Genk, Peter Olayinka's Slavia Prague and Raphael Onyedika's FC Midtjylland are walking a Champions League tightrope after losing the first leg of their third qualifying fixtures this week.

2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner Moses managed to pass a fitness test and came off the bench for the last 22 minutes as Spartak Moscow were beaten 2-0 by Benfica at the Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow.

Rafa Silva and Gilberto scored for the Portuguese club in the second half.

At the Luminus Arena, Onuachu who has been widely rumoured to be leaving the Belgian Cup winners this month, opened his account for the season but could not prevent Racing Genk from losing 2-1 to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Tete, from the spot, cancelled out Onuachu's opener in the 53rd minute before Alan Patrick's 81st minute winner.

In an all-Nigerian match at Philips Stadion (Eindhoven), with Nonso Madueke for PSV and Raphael Onyedika for FC Midtjylland, the Danish side need a miracle to progress to the playoffs after they were beaten 3-0.

Madueke got the Eredivisie side on their way when he netted the opener in the 19th minute, Götze doubled their lead ten minutes later and Gako tapped home in the 32nd minute for a convincing win.

Both Onyedika and Madueke logged ninety minutes for their respective clubs.

At the Groupama Aréna in Budapest, Ferencváros ran out 2-0 winners against last season's Europa League surprise package Slavia Prague, with an own goal from Taras Kacharaba and Igor Kharatin's penalty deciding the game.

Super Eagles striker Peter Olayinka is still relevant at the Czech champions, entering the game as a substitute at half-time.

The second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round fixtures will take place next week.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : spartak.com

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