• Champions League

Fabregas supplies the X factor as Arsenal smash six

Cesc Fabregas scored twice and set up two goals in a wonderful display © Getty Images

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An inspired Cesc Fabregas performance proved to be the perfect catalyst for Arsenal as they began their Champions League campaign with a 6-0 rout of Braga.

The Spanish maestro, who was denied a summer move back to Barcelona, was at the hub of everything, scoring two goals and setting up another two as the Gunners tore their Portuguese opponents to shreds.

The home side began at a canter, Fabregas and the impressive Jack Wilshere dominating the midfield and their sharp, intricate passing had Braga chasing shadows from the outset.

Fabregas appeared to be tripped inside the penalty area after only two minutes but play was waved on. Justice soon prevailed, however, when Marouane Chamakh was felled by Braga keeper Felipe, allowing Fabregas to step up and plant his spot kick precisely in the corner.

Arsenal continued to probe and Wilshere should have doubled their lead but he shot straight at Felipe. The second goal arrived after half an hour, Fabregas beating two players with a mazy run before feeding Andrei Arshavin, who finished coolly.

Chamakh then latched on to a lovely flick from Wilshere to send the Gunners into the break with a healthy three-goal cushion.

The second half offered more of the same, Arsenal cutting Braga open at will and threatening to rack up a cricket score. Arshavin set up Fabregas for his second of the evening and substitute Carlos Vela delighted the crowd with a lofted finish over Felipe. But, not to be upstaged, Fabregas had the last word, putting the ball on a plate for Vela to cap off a terrific night for Arsene Wenger's side.

Chelsea put down an early marker with a thumping 4-1 victory over MSK Zilina in Slovakia.

After a slow start, Chelsea soon woke up and began to assert their authority. Zilina did not heed the warning signs and Michael Essien finished off a fine flowing move for the opener.

Yossi Benayoun released Nicolas Anelka with a perfectly weighted pass and his pull-back from the left eluded Florent Malouda before Essien side-footed home from 12 yards.

Chelsea were effectively home and dry ten minutes later. Malouda sent Anelka racing clear with an inch-perfect through ball and, from a tight angle, the French striker laced an unstoppable drive across Martin Dubravka into the far corner.

John Terry will claim an assist for the third after his thumping header came back off the crossbar and Anelka was on hand to turn in the rebound.

The Premier League champions weren't finished there. Benayoun, who showcased his talent with a stirring display, set Daniel Sturridge free and the young striker finished with aplomb before addressing the crowd with a unique jig.

Chelsea ran riot and, although Tomas Oravec scored a fortunate consolation, the rest of Europe will have stood up and taken notice of a very accomplished performance from Carlo Ancelotti's men.

In Group G, Real Madrid and new coach Jose Mourinho enjoyed a winning start to their Champions League campaign with a routine victory over Ajax at the Bernabeu.

Madrid went ahead in the 31st minute when the ball ended in the back of the net after Gonzalo Higuain and Ajax defender Vurnon Anita had challenged for a corner, and then the prolific Higuain made sure of the points in the 73rd minute to complete a deserved win for Mourinho's men.

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