The UEFA Champions League returned in thrilling fashion this week as the opening round of the league phase delivered goals, drama and late twists across Europe.
At Anfield, Liverpool held off a spirited Atletico Madrid to secure a 3-2 Champions League win. Andrew Robertson set the tone just four minutes in before Mohamed Salah doubled the lead with his trademark composure.
Atletico clawed their way back, with Marcos Llorente scoring on the stroke of half-time and again in the 81st minute. But Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sealed the points for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
In Munich, Bayern Munich underlined their intent with a commanding 3-1 win over Chelsea. An early own goal from Trevoh Chalobah gave the hosts control before Harry Kane struck twice, including a penalty, to put the contest beyond reach.
Cole Palmer briefly restored hope for the visitors, but Bayern’s dominance ensured the Premier League side left Germany with no point.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan silenced the Amsterdam crowd with a clinical 2-0 victory over Ajax, thanks to a brace from Marcus Thuram just before and after the break.
Paris Saint-Germain also flexed their muscles, brushing aside Atalanta 4-0 at the Parc des Princes. Marquinhos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes and Sergio Ramos all found the net in a commanding display.
Slavia Prague and Bodo/Glimt shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw, while Olympiakos were held to a goalless stalemate by Pafos in Piraeus.
Tuesday’s action was no less dramatic. Juventus and Borussia Dortmund played out an eight-goal thriller in Turin, finishing 4-4 after a frantic second half.
Real Madrid edged Marseille 2-1 with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice from the penalty spot, while Arsenal claimed a solid 2-0 away win at Athletic Bilbao through goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Benfica were stunned 3-2 at home by Qarabag, while Tottenham earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Villarreal.
The competition continues on Thursday with Manchester City hosting Napoli, Newcastle taking on Barcelona, and Sporting Lisbon facing Kairat Almaty.
Champions League results for matchday one and two:
Tuesday
PSV Eindhoven 1-3 Union Saint-Gilloise
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Benfica 2-3 Qarabag
Juventus 4-4 Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
Wednesday
Olympiakos 0-0 Pafos
Slavia Prague 2-2 Bodo/Glimt
Ajax 0-2 Inter Milan
Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Atalanta
Thursday fixtures
Club Brugge v Monaco (16:45 GMT)
FC Copenhagen v Bayer Leverkusen (16:45 GMT)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Galatasaray (20:00 GMT)
Manchester City v Napoli (20:00 GMT)
Newcastle v Barcelona (20:00 GMT)
Sporting Lisbon v Kairat Almaty (20:00 GMT)
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