United, Real start off on winners

City:

Manchester United and Real Madrid were emphatic winners as the UEFA Champions League group stage got under way. United scored four of their five goals against Panathinaikos FC in the first half. Mikaël Silvestre scored the first goal of the group stage with Quinton Fortune, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Nicky Butt also on target for United before Eric Djemba-Djemba capped the 5-0 victor. Meanwhile, Real Madrid beat Marseille 4-2, after going behind. Roberto Carlos drilled in the equaliser. Ronaldo then scored twice and Luis Figo added another from the penalty spot. Italy's two representatives, the holders AC Milan and S S Lazio, also savoured victories along with Chelsea FC and Rangers FC. Chelsea has dominated the headlines across Europe with their spending spree this summer, and their huge investment paid dividends at AC Sparta Praha, where defender William Gallas scored the only goal with five minutes remaining.