Champions League restarts with World Cup star Lopes of Cape Verde missing for Shamrock Rovers

AI Summary

The Champions League resumed with Shamrock Rovers missing defender Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, who was still engaged with Cape Verde's notable World Cup run. The first goal of the season came from 41-year-old Nano of Lincoln Red Imps in the qualifying round.

Far from the World Cup spotlight, the Champions League has restarted with Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes unable to play because of his memorable tournament run with Cape Verde. In 10 games played Tuesday in the Champions League first qualifying round, the first goal of the season was scored in Gibraltar by a player even older than Cristiano Ronaldo — 41-year-old Nano, the left back for Lincoln Red Imps. Lopes returned to Dublin on Monday three days after Cape Verde thrilled the World Cup by pushing defending champion Argentina and Lionel Messi to the limit in a 3-2 loss in the round of 32 at Miami Gardens.