AMSTERDAM – Michael Bradley pitched in with his usual clean performance in midfield as AS Roma kicked off the new Serie A season with a 2-0 victory at promoted Livorno on Sunday night.
The US star was nearly flawless distributing the ball as the visitors dominated both the central park area and the overall passing game. Bradley also chipped in on the buildup to Daniele De Rossi's 65th minute winner.
Turning to France's Ligue 1, Alejandro Bedoya worked an impressive overall shift at the foreign position of wingback as Nantes dropped a tight 2-1 decision to visiting champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The summer signing worked both flanks in a five-man back line the 12th place Canaries installed for just this match. In addition to seeing his first Nantes yellow, Bedoya drew a fine save with a header and issued two assist-worthy final balls that deserved better finishes.
Eredivisie action saw Aron Jóhannsson's five-game scoring run to start the season snapped as AZ Alkmaar fell 2-0 away to nearby rivals FC Utrecht. The USMNT recruit had his best look at goal with the Cheese Farmers already down two near the hour, but could not find the net from a sharp angle after rounding the home goalkeeper.
Next door in Belgium, Sacha Kljestan played his part well in Anderlecht's 5-2 demolition of guests Charleroi. The former Chivas USA midfielder helped to set up two of the champs' goals as they climbed to second place with their fourth straight win.
Up north in Denmark, Babajide Ogunbiyi bagged his first career Superliga goal to cap fifth place Viborg's 3-1 home win over Esbjerg. The center back deposited a corner kick midway through the second half as the promoted Greens notched back-to-back top-flight victories for the first time in nearly six years.
Conor O'Brien was robbed of an equalizer as early strugglers FC Nordsjælland dropped a 2-1 home result against Odense BK. The midfielder, who also picked up a yellow card, saw his 60th minute rocket denied as the ninth place Wild Tigers lost their fourth straight road game in league play.
Across the North Sea in England's Premier League, Brad Friedel watched from the bench as Tottenham remained one of three perfect sides through two rounds with a 1-0 defeat of visiting Swansea City.
A league below in the Championship, Eric Lichaj put in another solid showing as Nottingham Forest moved to the top of the table with a 1-1 draw at Watford. The right back argued to no avail that his 38th minute cross caught the hand of Hornets defender Daniel Pudil.
Heading to Norway, Steve Clark logged four saves as Hønefoss halted a five-game losing streak by topping guests Sarpsborg 08 by a 3-1 count. The Michigan native was guilty of a bad 11th minute gaffe in leaking Martin Wiig's long distance opener, but atoned with a huge stop on Mohamed Elyounoussi with the score still tied seven minutes from time.
Mikkel Diskerud came on six minutes from time to help Rosenborg stay in the Tippeligaen penthouse with a last gasp 3-2 winner at Sandnes Ulf. The Troll Kids are now unbeaten in their last 11 away matches across all competition.
Finally, Over in Germany's second flight, Bobby Wood departed just before the hour mark of 1860 Munich's 1-0 loss at Paderborn. His best chance came shortly before the break, on a shot rifled just over the bar.
