Both Real Madrid and Manchester United made some managerial changes this summer, with Carlo Ancelotti taking over from Jose Mourinho and David Moyes filling the huge shoes left behind by the departing Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ancelotti is no stranger to European adventures. He is one of the few men in world football to have won the Champions League title as a player and as a coach.
Moyes, on the other hand, cannot boast of a CV as big as the Italian's. Despite his inexperience in the competition, Fergie's successor has a great squad at his disposal and could taste instant glory at continental level.
Of course, nothing helps to instill confidence in a new manager than an opening day victory. Both sides did just that, with Los Blancos thrashing hosts Galatasaray 6-1 and the Red Devils powering past Bayer Leverkusen 4-2.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in imperious form, netting a hat-trick after the half-time break which is the second of his UEFA Champions League career so far (and 21st overall).
Not surprisingly, this puts him alongside some highly esteemed company—one being none other than his perennial rival, Lionel Messi:
In short—Venit, Vidit, Vicit:
Not to be outdone by his former teammate, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney also reached not just one milestone—but two of his own against their Bundesliga opponents, Bayer Leverkusen.
The 27-year-old’s brace on either side of Robin Van Persie’s 59th minute goal now makes him Britain’s all-time leading Champions League scorer with 29 goals (and counting).
And, as if that wasn’t impressive enough:
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Following his contentious relationship with his former manager at Everton, it’s quite refreshing to have Wazza back in form and refocused as the Red Devils look to improve on their Champions League performance this season.
