He managed to score three points in his first appearance in the Champions League with Leipzig, which won 1-3 over Swiss club Young Boys. As a substitute for Milan, he was unable to change the scoreline that was still on the board against Sven Botman’s Newcastle United after ninety minutes.
Young Boys – RB Leipzig 1-3
In Switzerland, Simons, who started his German adventure well, started as expected in the starting line-up for RB Leipzig. The Germans got off to a good start: after just three minutes, defender Mohamed Simakan headed home from a corner kick, and Young Boys goalkeeper Anthony Racioppi did not look good. Half an hour later, the home team came back again thanks to a shot from Meshack Elia.
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In the second half, Simons thought he deserved a penalty, but to his dismay the referee ruled that Racioppi had not brought him down illegally. In the end it no longer mattered: Xaver Schlager took the lead fifteen minutes from time, and then Benjamin Sisko put an end to all uncertainty in stoppage time: 1-3.
Milan – Newcastle United 0-0
In Milan, coach Stefano Pioli had a disappointing announcement regarding Tijani Reynders. The Dutchman was among the casualties sent to the bench after the heavy 5-1 City derby defeat to Inter last weekend. From the dugout, the former Arizona player had to watch passively as his teammates wasted chance after chance against Sven Botman’s Newcastle United side (who was on the pitch for the full ninety minutes). After an hour of play, Reijnders was allowed to come on as a substitute for Tomasso Pobega, but his inclusion won’t change anything.
