The Champions League returned last month, and the first gameweek of action certainly didn’t disappoint as fans all across Europe were treated to some thrilling matches. That said, let’s look at some of the standout fixtures.
Bayern Munich 4-3 Manchester United
Given their turbulent start to the new season, many fans and pundits alike expected this to be a tough night for Manchester United in Germany. After all, Bayern Munich are the second favourites in the Champions League odds after signing Harry Kane this summer.
It started as many imagined, with former Manchester City and Arsenal wingers Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry giving Bayern a 2-0 lead at half-time. Rasmus Hojlund gave the Red Devils a glimmer of hope shortly after the break, but Kane’s penalty restored the home side’s two-goal lead.
Casemiro scored in the 88th minute to make it 3-2 and give Man United a glimmer of hope of snatching a point. However, Mathys Tel grabbed a fourth for Bayern. The game wasn’t over yet though, as Casemiro bagged again to make 4-3.
Arsenal 4-0 PSV
Champions League football returned to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since 2016, and Arsenal fans were treated to a fantastic evening of football in north London as Mikel Arteta’s side put four goals past their Dutch opponents PSV Eindhoven.
The Gunners’ star winger Bukayo Saka gave the home crowd something to celebrate just eight minutes in, when he scored a rebound from Martin Odegaard’s effort. Then, the England international soon turned to the provider when he set up Leandro Trossard for Arsenal’s second in the 20th minute.
Gabriel Jesus then netted his second goal of the season to all but wrap up the three points in the 38th minute. Arsenal took their foot off the gas somewhat in the second half, but the fourth goal eventually came in the 70th minute when Odegaard riffled into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Barcelona 5-0 Antwerp
Barcelona disappointingly haven’t progressed past the group stage of the Champions League for the last two seasons. But Xavi’s men are in much calmer waters this time, and they kickstarted their quest to make the knockouts with a 5-0 win over Antwerp at their temporary home of the Estadio Olimpico.
The Catalan side raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 22 minutes thanks to goals from Joao Felix and Robert Lewandowski, followed by an own goal from Antwerp defender Jelle Bataille. The Belgian side managed to weather the storm for the remainder of the first half.
However, it wasn’t long into the second before Barca found the back of the net again — this time thanks to Gavi, who was booked in the opening 45 minutes. Ex-Chelsea loanee Felix made it a Champions League debut for Barcelona to remember as he added a second in the 66th minute.
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
Manchester City are the outright favourites to win the Champions League after getting their hands on the famous trophy for the first time last year. However, it looked like an almighty upset might have been on the cards when Osman Bukari gave Red Star Belgrade the lead right before the break at the Etihad Stadium.
Whatever Pep Guardiola said in the dressing room at half-time clearly worked, as Julian Alvarez levelled the scores just two minutes into the second half, and the World Cup winner scored again shortly after to fire Man City into the lead. Rodri secured the three points with a rare goal around 15 minutes from time.
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In the Europa League, Liverpool — who recently beat favourites in the Championship winner odds, Leicester City, to progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup — came from a goal down to pick up all three points against LASK, while West Ham United beat Backa Topola 3-1.
