Madrid, Bayern win again amid Old Trafford drama

Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern München secured second UEFA Champions League wins on Tuesday but a six-goal thriller at Old Trafford and a dramatic victory for Claudio Ranieri's FC Internazionale Milano stole the limelight.

Manchester United FC, held at SL Benfica in their Group C opener a fortnight ago, looked set for victory against FC Basel 1893 when Danny Welbeck scored on 16 minutes and added another seconds later. Yet Fabian Frei replied on 58 minutes and on the hour set up Alexander Frei to head the equaliser, the namesakes having also been on target in Basel's opening win against FC Oţelul Galaţi.

Just as in that match, Alexander Frei struck from the spot to put Basel ahead, only for Ashley Young to make it 3-3 in added time. As for Oţelul, they lost again, 1-0 to Benfica.

Ranieri took charge of Inter last week with the team winless all season, but after masterminding a weekend victory at Bologna FC, tonight they got off the mark in Group B with a 3-2 triumph at PFC CSKA Moskva, the home side having wiped out a two-goal deficit before Mauro Zárate struck with 11 minutes left. Trabzonspor AŞ, who defeated Inter on matchday one, drew 1-1 with LOSC Lille Métropole and are a point clear of Ranieri's side at the summit.

Bayern began Group A with victory at Villarreal CF and continued their superb start to 2011/12 by beating much-fancied Manchester City FC 2-0 courtesy of two first-half Mario Gomez goals. SSC Napoli, who drew at City in their first fixture, gained a maiden UEFA Champions League win, 2-0 against Villarreal.

On six points like Bayern are Madrid, 3-0 victors against AFC Ajax thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká and Karim Benzema. Olympique Lyonnais, who face the Merengues on matchdays three and four, are two points adrift following their 2-0 defeat of GNK Dinamo Zagreb, like Villarreal and Oţelul yet to get off the mark.

Groups E to H continue on Wednesday and the next set of games involving today's teams are on 18 October.

Group A
FC Bayern München 2-0 Manchester City FC
SSC Napoli 2-0 Villarreal CF

Group B
Trabzonspor AŞ 1-1 LOSC Lille Métropole
PFC CSKA Moskva 2-3 FC Internazionale Milano

Group C
Manchester United FC 3-3 FC Basel 1893
FC Oţelul Galaţi 0-1 SL Benfica

Group D
Olympique Lyonnais 2-0 GNK Dinamo Zagreb
Real Madrid CF 3-0 AFC Ajax