European Elite: Bayern, Real Madrid, and Liverpool Assert Dominance on Opening Night

By Emmanuel Kwada

The new Champions League format kicked off on Tuesday, with Bayern Munich making a stunning statement by becoming the first team to score nine goals in a game in the modern competition. Harry Kane scored four goals, including three penalties, as Vincent Kompany’s Bayern hammered Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 at the Allianz Arena.

Champions league’s Logo, Credit: CBS Sport

Michael Olise scored twice on his Champions League debut, while Raphael Guerreiro, Leroy Sane, and Leon Goretzka were also on target for the home team in Germany. Dinamo Zagreb briefly threatened a comeback, scoring twice in two minutes after halftime, but Bayern responded with six goals from the 57th minute onwards.

“It’s an amazing game, a bit of a crazy game,” Kane said. “It’s the first time I’ve scored three penalties in a game. That doesn’t happen at all really.”

Reigning champions Real Madrid and Liverpool also secured victories. Kylian Mbappe marked his first Champions League game with Real by scoring the opening goal in their 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart. Antonio Rudiger and Endrick added late goals to seal the victory.

It’s the first time I’ve scored three penalties in a game. That doesn’t happen at all really

Liverpool came from behind to beat AC Milan 3-1, with Ibrahima Konate equalizing and Virgil van Dijk heading the away side in front before halftime. Dominik Szoboszlai wrapped up the victory.

Aston Villa enjoyed a 3-0 win away to Young Boys in their first-ever match in the modern Champions League, while Juventus beat PSV Eindhoven 3-1 and Sporting defeated Lille 2-0.

Photo Credit: Thomas COEX / AFP

Other notable results from Tuesday’s Champions League matches include:
Aston Villa’s impressive 3-0 win over Young Boys, with goals from Youri Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey, and Amadou Onana. Villa manager Unai Emery dedicated the win to former player Gary Shaw, who passed away on Monday.

Juventus’ 3-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven, thanks to goals from Kenan Yildiz, Weston McKennie, and Nicolas Gonzalez.
Sporting’s 2-0 win over Lille, with Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres and Zeno Debast finding the net.

Real Madrid’s German defender #22 Antonio Ruediger celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 1 football match between Real Madrid CF and Stuttgart VFB at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 17, 2024. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)

The new Champions League format features 36 teams in a single league, with each team playing eight matches against eight different opponents. The top eight teams will advance automatically to the last 16, while teams finishing 9th to 24th will enter a play-off round.

Photo Credit: Thomas COEX / AFP)

Wednesday’s matches promise more excitement, including:

Manchester City vs. Inter Milan (2023 final rematch)
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Braga, Chelsea vs. Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund vs. Copenhagen

Stay tuned for updates and analysis from the Champions League.