Champions League 2025/26 Kicks Off with High-Scoring Thrills
the 2025/26 Champions League season exploded into action Tuesday night with six matches producing a combined 23 goals, signaling a possibly explosive campaign. Dramatic results included late comebacks, own goals, and penalties as EuropeS elite clubs began their quests for continental glory.
The opening matchday delivered immediate upsets and captivating contests, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive group stage. These results will heavily influence group standings and qualification hopes, with six further matches scheduled for Wednesday to complete the first round of fixtures. the tournament’s expanded format this season promises increased opportunities for clubs across Europe, and the early results suggest a wide-open race for the knockout stages.
Arsenal launched their campaign with a 2-0 victory at San Mames against Athletic Bilbao, courtesy of goals from Gabriel Martinelli (72′) and Leandro Trossard (87′). PSV Eindhoven fell to a 3-1 defeat at home to Union Saint-Gilloise, despite a late consolation goal.
Later matches saw Juventus snatch a 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund after scoring twice in injury time. Tottenham Hotspur secured a narrow 1-0 win over Villarreal thanks to an own goal from Luiz Junior (4′). Real Madrid overcame Marseille 2-1 with two penalties converted by Kylian Mbappe (28′, 81′), while Qarabag stunned Benfica with a 3-2 victory in Lisbon, overcoming a two-goal deficit.
Complete Results:
* Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
* PSV Eindhoven 1-3 Union Saint-Gilloise
* Benfica 2-3 Qarabag
* Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Villarreal
* Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille
* juventus 4-4 Borussia Dortmund