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Last night was a mixed one for Canadian players on the biggest club stage of them all.
Alphonso Davies was included in the Bayern Munich 18 to face Olympiakos Pireaus in Greece’s main port city. But game-time didn’t come his way as Tolisso, Boateng and Perisic all emerged from the bench to help the Bavarians come from behind to secure a 3-2 victory.
Bayern had Robert Lewandowski to thank for another brace. The Pole is probably the world’s most in-form striker currently with 21 goals in his 17 matches this season for club and country. He’s also scored in his last 12 for Bayern.
Despite Davies’ idleness last night, the Canadian youngster can be consoled by the good form of his team and his consistent inclusion in important match-day squads. Bayern top Champions League Group B with a maximum 9 points from 3 games, one a recent, momentous 7-2 victory over Tottenham in London.
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What a difference a week makes for Canadian national team goalkeeper Miljan Borjan. Just seven days before, he sat alongside coach John Herdman at an exuberant press conference as the pair talked excitedly about Canada’s momentous victory over the United States. Last night, like what soccer does so often, it was all back down to earth after shipping five goals against Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and company, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Red Star Belgrade’s, Athlete of the Year didn’t have much chance with most of what flew past him, as Spurs clicked into gear and Red Star’s defending contributed to the heavy defeat (0-5).
Borjan has been Serbian champion with Red Star over the past two seasons, and claimed a Champions League shut-out against eventual European champions Liverpool, last season.
Red Star have their work cut out for progress in Europe’s elite competition this season and must now gain two points more than Tottenham over the last three game-days, which include visits by the Londoners and Davies’ Bayern, and an away trip to Greece to face Olympiakos.