Real Madrid Edge Marseille as Arsenal Cruise in Champions League Openers
The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League kicked off on Tuesday, September 16, with drama, late goals, and standout performances across Europe.
Arsenal enjoyed a smooth start to their campaign, defeating Spain’s Athletic Club 2-0 at San Mamés. Gabriel Martinelli broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute after a well-timed assist from Leandro Trossard, before the Belgian sealed victory with a strike of his own in the 87th minute, set up by Martinelli. Meanwhile, Belgian side Union St. Gilloise stunned PSV Eindhoven with a convincing 3-1 win.
In Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a tense encounter as Real Madrid, reduced to ten men after Dani Carvajal’s 70th-minute red card, battled past Marseille 2-1. Kylian Mbappé proved decisive, converting two penalties in the 29th and 81st minutes. Marseille had taken an early lead through Tim Weah, who scored in the 22nd minute following a Mason Greenwood assist, but Madrid’s resilience ultimately prevailed.
Elsewhere, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund served up a goal fest in Turin, drawing 4-4 in a thriller. Tottenham Hotspur managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Villarreal, while Portuguese giants Benfica fell 3-2 at home to Qarabag FK in one of the night’s biggest upsets.
The action continues on Wednesday, September 17, with several high-profile clashes on the schedule. Bayern Munich host Chelsea in a heavyweight tie, Liverpool face Atletico Madrid at Anfield, and Paris Saint-Germain welcome Italian side Atalanta to the Parc des Princes.
With early shocks and dominant performances already on display, the new Champions League season promises another year of unforgettable football nights across Europe.
