Caroline Weir’s brace helps Real Madrid to crushing win against Roma

Scotland forward Caroline Weir struck twice as Real Madrid launched their Champions League campaign with a 6-2 statement win over Roma.

Weir was on target in each half at Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano but it was her first strike in the 23rd minute that set pulses racing as she dribbled into the box before beating goalkeeper Rachele Baldi with a powerful shot.

Real went in at half-time 3-2 up but pulled cleared with Weir, their captain, adding her second before Alba Redondo completed her double, with Eva Navarro sealing a dominant victory in which they had 14 shots on target.

Strikers Evelyne Viens and Emilie Haavi netted for Roma, who opened their Serie A Women season with a 4-0 rout of Parma on Saturday.

Liga F teams occupy the top three spots in the table after Atletico Madrid overwhelmed Austrian club St. Polten 6-0 away from home.

Brazilian midfielder Luany was the star of the evening with her assist and 23rd-minute strike helping her side build a comfortable lead.

Atletico were 4-0 up by the interval with Gio Garbelini, Andrea Medina and Vilde Boe Risa also finding their way past keeper Carina Schluter.

They had to wait until the closing moments for their next goals, however, with Fiamma Benitez hitting the target twice, the first from the penalty spot.

Benitez’s double meant Atletico finished the first round of European matches above Real in second place.

Wolfsburg also made a strong start by crushing PSG 4-0 at AOK Stadion.

An early Jackie Groenen own-goal put the French visitors on the back foot and they then leaked goals to Ella Peddemors, Alexandra Popp and Janina Minge.