Champions League Round-Up: Bayern, Inter, Liverpool and PSG Start Strong

Champions League 2025/26 Matchday 1 (image source)

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League kicked off in sensational fashion, with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain joining Bayern München, Inter Milan and Liverpool among the big winners in Matchday 1. Debutants Bodø/Glimt and Pafos also claimed historic points, signalling that this campaign will not be short of surprises.

At the Parc des Princes, PSG launched their title defence with a commanding 4–0 victory over Atalanta. Marquinhos struck inside three minutes before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the advantage before half-time. Codro Gout Gout’s thunderbolt and Carlos Soler’s composed finish sealed the rout, showcasing the French champions’ formidable attacking depth.

In Munich, Bayern downed Chelsea 3–1, powered by Harry Kane’s brace. Trevor Chalobah’s own goal handed Bayern the lead, with Kane converting a penalty won by Moisés Caicedo. Although Cole Palmer’s curling effort briefly raised Chelsea hopes, Kane punished defensive lapses to close out the result — a clear statement from the German champions.

Inter Milan stunned Ajax 2–0 in Amsterdam with Marcus Thuram twice heading home from Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s pinpoint corners. The victory highlighted Inter’s set-piece strength and exposed lingering vulnerabilities in Erik ten Hag’s side.

At Anfield, Liverpool edged Atlético Madrid 3–2 in a pulsating contest. Mohamed Salah’s double gave the hosts a two-goal cushion, but Marcos Llorente’s brace drew the Spaniards level. In stoppage time, Virgil van Dijk rose highest to head in a Szoboszlai corner, underlining Arne Slot’s side’s resilience in crunch moments.

Elsewhere, Bodø/Glimt battled to a 2–2 draw at Slavia Praha, overturning a two-goal deficit thanks to Daniel Bassi’s penalty rebound and Sondre Brunstad Fet’s 90th-minute volley. The Norwegian debutants showed grit and belief on their Champions League bow.

Meanwhile, Cypriot champions Pafos held Olympiacos to a goalless draw in Piraeus despite playing with ten men from the 26th minute. Goalkeeper Neofytos Michael delivered a heroic performance, confirming that even group underdogs can thrive under pressure.

Analysts say the early results point to key storylines: PSG’s title defence looks formidable, Kane’s form is driving Bayern forward, Inter’s tactical efficiency is telling, Liverpool remain clutch under Klopp, while Bodø/Glimt and Pafos prove that Europe’s minnows are not to be underestimated.

Matchday 2 (30 September–1 October) brings further intrigue, with Chelsea hosting Benfica, Atlético welcoming Frankfurt, and PSG meeting Marseille. All eyes will be on whether Bayern can sustain momentum, Liverpool can handle Galatasaray’s firepower, and the newcomers can continue to upset the established order.