The 2013-14 UEFA Champions League has yet to begin in earnest, but those great goals which characterize Europe’s elite soccer competition are already flowing.
On Tuesday, Antoine Griezmann and Haris Seferovic, forwards for Spanish club Real Sociedad, kicked off the festival of goals with a pair of wonder-strikes that put Socieded on course to qualify for the Champions League group stage.
Griezmann struck in the 17th minute, using a spectacular scissor kick to beat Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. It’s likely that the goal simultaneously thrilled and pained Griezmann’s family and friends. The 22-year-old is a Lyon fan, and he and his father attended many games at the Stade de Gerland — the very stadium where he scored that goal.
Seferovic’s strike was more business, less personal. The Swiss striker hit a hard, dipping shot — on the half-volley — from around 25 yards away to beat Lopes.
Real Sociedad takes it 2-0 lead back to Spain, where it will host Lyon in the return leg Aug. 28.
The draw for the group stage will take place on Aug. 30, but the Champions League is already producing moments of magic.
See Griezmann’s scissor-kick goal below.
See Seferovic’s half volley below.
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Photo via Facebook/Antoine Griezmann
