A magnificent display by Real Madrid's Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo inspired the eight-times European club champions to a 2-1 victory over AS Roma in the Olympic Stadium in last night's Group A first-round Champions League match.
Figo, revelling at being restored to the playmaker's role in the absence of the suspended Zinedene Zidane, producing a superb display, scoring the opener with a curling freekick and setting up the second for Guti.
A Francesco Totti penalty - after a needless foul by Aitor Karanka on Frenchman Jonathan Zebina - reduced arrears but it was too late.
A late goal from umit Karan gave Galatasaray a 1-0 win over a disappointing Lazio in a lacklustre Group D match. Substitute Sergen Yalcin justified the home crowd's insistent calls for him to be brought on by setting up Karan's goal in the 79th minute.
Yalcin's fine pass left Karan one on one with Angelo Peruzzi and he slipped the ball easily past the goalkeeper. There was little excitement in the first half though Hernan Crespo gave the Italian side with some hope with some close shots.
