The Champions League kicked off Tuesday afternoon, with 18 games being played across Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
This is the second year with the new format. Last season, the UEFA Champions League changed their historic group stage format to a league-wide table. In this table, 36 clubs, a four club increase from 2023, receive a draw of eight matches: four home, and four away.
After the eight matches have been played, the standings of the table are broken up in thirds. The top eight clubs with the most points get a bye and automatically advance to the Round of 16. The next 16 make the knockout stage, and the last 12 are eliminated.
This Tuesday, Arsenal defeated Atletico Club 2-0. Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, who subbed on in the 71st minute in place of recent signing Eberichi Eze, scored just 36 seconds later. A late goal from Leandro Trossard helped seal the deal for the Gunners as they started their Champions League campaign with a victory.
Arsenal’s London rival, Tottenham Hotspurs, also picked up their first win of the season, as an early Villareal own goal was all the Spurs needed to secure the three points.
Over in Spain, the kings of the Champions League, Real Madrid, faced French side Marseille. American winger Tim Weah scored the opening goal for Marseille in the 22nd minute. However, two penalties from superstar striker Kylian Mbappe was enough for Real Madrid to secure the 2-1 victory.
There were two major upsets on Tuesday. First, Azerbaijan side FK Qarabag defeated two-time Champions League winner, Benfica, after falling behind 2-0 early in the first half for their first ever win in the Champions League.
Belgian side Union St.-Gilloise defeated Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, 3-1, for their first ever Champions league victory as well.
In possibly the most entertaining match of the week, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, two European giants, faced off. With Dortmund leading 4-2 after a Ramy Bensebaini penalty in the 86th minute, Juventus had a steep mountain to climb. However, in the 94th minute, Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic cut the lead to one, and Lloyd Kelley squared the match at 4-4 in the 96th to gain a point.
Wednesday afternoon saw the reigning champions, Paris St. Germain, start their campaign off strong with a commanding 4-0 victory over Atalanta. Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and long-time PSG defender Marquinhos got in on the action in the offensive onslaught.
In a 2012 Champions League final rematch, Bayern Munich hosted Chelsea at the Allianz Arena. A Michael Olise cross knocked in by Chelsea defender Trevor Chalobah followed by a Harry Kane penalty put Bayern up 2-0. Despite a quick response by Chelsea’s star man, Cole Palmer, it was not enough for the Blues as Bayern went on to win 3-1.
Last season’s Premier League champions, Liverpool, were also in action on Wednesday, hosting Atlético Madrid. Heading into stoppage time, the match was tied 2-2. However, a late inswining Liverpool corner in the 92nd minute headed in by defender Virgil Van Dijk gave the Reds the 3-2 victory.
The runners up of the Champions League last season, Inter Milan, travelled to Amsterdam to take on Ajax. Two headers from French striker Marcus Thuram was all Inter needed, as they defeated the 4x Champion League winners 2-0.
There were also two ties on Wednesday afternoon. Cypriot squad Pafos FC took on Greek side Olympiacos. Despite an early red card from Pafos, Olympiacos could not capitalize as the match finished in a scoreless draw.
Slavia Prague faced the Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in their first ever Champions League match. Despite falling behind 2-0 in the 77th minute, Bodo/Glimt fought back and earned a 2-2 draw, saving a point.
On Thursday, old Manchester stars were on display.
Kevin De Bruyne, midfielder for Napoli, returned to Manchester City for the first time since his departure this offseason. However, it wasn’t the sweet homecoming the midfield maestro expected as Erling Haaland and Manchester City defeated Napoli 2-0. Haaland’s goal made him the fastest ever player to score 50 goals in the Champions League.
Manchester United’s former wonderboy turned back the clock, as new Barcelona winger and former Red Devil Marcus Rashford scored a brace Thursday to help Barcelona push past Newcastle, 2-1.
Bayer Leverkusen and F.C. København faced off in Copenhagen in a 2-2 draw. In a chaotic finish, a Leverkusen free kick and Kobenhavn goal saw the Danish side up 2-1 going into stoppage time. However, a late own goal committed by København tied the game at 2-2 — ending the match in a draw.
German side Eintracht Frankfurt put on a show, putting five past Turkish side Galatasaray, and topping the table after Matchday 1.
Frankfurt wasn’t the only side whose offense was on display as both Belgian squad Club Brugge and Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon both won their matches 4-1.
After an action packed first week, the Champions League returns next Tuesday with Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and other big names taking the field.