Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 delivered high-octane drama as European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Liverpool kicked off their campaigns with emphatic wins. Harry Kane’s clinical brace powered Bayern to a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the Allianz Arena, while Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sealed a pulsating 3-2 triumph for Liverpool against Atlético Madrid at Anfield.
The night also saw PSG cruise past Atalanta, Inter dominate Ajax, and debutants Bodø/Glimt and Pafos earn gritty draws. But it was Kane’s ruthless finishing and Van Dijk’s captain’s moment that stole the spotlight.
Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea: Kane’s Brilliance Punishes Inexperienced Blues
Bayern Munich flexed their attacking muscle against a youthful Chelsea side making their first Champions League appearance since the 2022/23 season. The German champions took the lead in the 20th minute through a Trevoh Chalobah own goal, before Harry Kane converted a penalty and added a second with a composed finish in the 63rd minute.
Cole Palmer briefly gave Chelsea hope with a well-taken goal in the 29th minute, but defensive lapses and Kane’s clinical edge proved decisive.
| Key Moments | Description |
|---|---|
| 20’ | Chalobah own goal gives Bayern the lead |
| 27’ | Kane converts penalty after Caicedo foul |
| 29’ | Palmer scores for Chelsea with a low finish |
| 63’ | Kane capitalizes on Gusto’s error to score second |
Chelsea fielded eight Champions League debutants, and their inexperience showed against Bayern’s seasoned lineup. Kane now has 10 goals in six appearances for Bayern this season, underlining his status as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.
| Bayern Player Ratings | Chelsea Player Ratings |
|---|---|
| Kane – 8 | Palmer – 8 |
| Olise – 8 | Sanchez – 8 |
| Neuer – 7 | Cucurella – 7 |
| Upamecano – 7 | Joao Pedro – 7 |
Liverpool 3-2 Atlético Madrid: Van Dijk Delivers in Dying Minutes
Anfield witnessed a rollercoaster as Liverpool edged past Atlético Madrid in a five-goal thriller. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a deflected free-kick, followed by a composed finish in the 6th minute to make it 2-0.
Atlético clawed back through Marcos Llorente, who scored in first-half injury time and again in the 88th minute to level the match. But in the 92nd minute, Van Dijk rose highest to head home Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner, sending Anfield into raptures.
| Key Moments | Description |
|---|---|
| 4’ | Salah’s free-kick deflects in off Robertson |
| 6’ | Salah doubles lead with bottom-corner finish |
| 45+1’ | Llorente scores from edge of box |
| 88’ | Llorente equalizes with deflected volley |
| 92’ | Van Dijk scores winner from corner |
Liverpool’s new signing Alexander Isak impressed on debut, while Atlético manager Diego Simeone was sent off after a heated exchange with fans following Van Dijk’s goal.
| Liverpool Player Ratings | Atlético Player Ratings |
|---|---|
| Van Dijk – 9 | Llorente – 8 |
| Salah – 8 | Oblak – 7 |
| Isak – 7 | Koke – 7 |
| Szoboszlai – 8 | Griezmann – 6 |
Other UCL Highlights
| Match | Result | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|
| PSG vs Atalanta | 4-0 | Kvaratskhelia (1 goal) |
| Inter vs Ajax | 2-0 | Marcus Thuram (2 goals) |
| Slavia Praha vs Bodø/Glimt | 2-2 | Brunstad Fet (90’ equalizer) |
| Olympiacos vs Pafos | 0-0 | Derrick Luckassen (Player of the Match) |
PSG began their title defense in style, while Inter’s Thuram stole the show with a brace. Bodø/Glimt and Pafos impressed on debut, holding their own against seasoned opponents.
Group Standings After Matchday 1
| Group | Team | Played | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Bayern Munich | 1 | 3 | +2 |
| A | Chelsea | 1 | 0 | -2 |
| B | Liverpool | 1 | 3 | +1 |
| B | Atlético Madrid | 1 | 0 | -1 |
| C | PSG | 1 | 3 | +4 |
| C | Atalanta | 1 | 0 | -4 |
| D | Inter Milan | 1 | 3 | +2 |
| D | Ajax | 1 | 0 | -2 |
What’s Next: Matchday 2 Fixtures
| Date | Fixture |
|---|---|
| 30 Sept | Inter vs Slavia Praha |
| 30 Sept | Bodø/Glimt vs Tottenham |
| 01 Oct | Arsenal vs Olympiacos |
| 30 Sept | Pafos vs Bayern Munich |
With momentum on their side, Bayern and Liverpool will look to build on their opening wins. Chelsea and Atlético, meanwhile, face early pressure to bounce back.
Conclusion: Kane and Van Dijk Lead Champions League Charge
Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 delivered drama, goals, and standout performances. Harry Kane’s brace reminded Europe of his elite finishing, while Virgil van Dijk’s late header showcased Liverpool’s resilience under pressure.
As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect more fireworks, tactical battles, and individual brilliance. With the group stage heating up, every point—and every moment—counts.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, verified sports coverage, and UEFA statistics. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute betting or coaching advice. All fixtures and standings are subject to official updates.
