The Champions League returned with a three-night Matchday, producing a series of statement victories and high-profile disappointments. Holders PSG, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all won by big margins, while all five Premier League clubs were victorious, led by last season’s runners-up Arsenal.
This season’s review focuses on the winner and loser from each day rather than assessing the Matchday as a whole.
Tuesday: Real Madrid make Mourinho’s return one to remember
Real Madrid were the clear winners on Tuesday after defeating Serie A champions Inter in a remarkable contest that marked Jose Mourinho’s return to the Champions League and a meeting with his former club.
It was not a flawless display from Mourinho’s side, but Real showed the resilience that was missing last season. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring after Yann Bisseck’s error, before Fede Valverde doubled the advantage by taking advantage of another defensive mistake. Carlos Augusto pulled one back in the second half and Inter pressed for an equaliser, but Real deserved the points.
Inter enjoyed more possession, yet Real Madrid created nine big chances to their opponents’ four and had one more shot on target. It was not a vintage performance, but it was a significant win against one of Europe’s stronger teams.
Lille were Tuesday’s biggest losers, allowing a promising position against Real Betis to slip away. They led 2-1 at half-time, but a quickfire double put Betis 3-2 ahead less than 10 minutes into the second half. Ethan Mbappe’s red card, three minutes after Troy Parrot put Betis in front, ended Lille’s hopes. Last season’s Ligue 1 third-placed finishers will regret failing to turn control into points in a match they need to win if they are to reach the play-offs.
Wednesday: Ferran Torres delivers a debut hat-trick
Ferran Torres was the standout performer on Wednesday, scoring three times on his PSG Champions League debut. The man who scored the World Cup final winning goal put the hosts 3-0 ahead with a trademark finish from Ousmane Dembele’s delivery, then added two goals in 10 second-half minutes to complete his hat-trick before the hour.
With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dembele and Desire Doue supplying opportunities, Torres has already scored five goals in his first four appearances for PSG.
Liverpool also impressed, recovering from a goal down to beat Atletico Madrid at Anfield in the best performance of the Andoni Iraola era so far.
Napoli, however, were badly exposed by Arsenal’s 1-0 win in Naples. Arsenal, the Premier League champions and last season’s UCL finalists, could have won by more, while Napoli created only five shots, three on target and no big chances, with an xG of 0.23. Massimiliano Allegri’s side must improve before facing Bologna in Serie A.
Thursday: Como shine while Roma struggle
Como could not have imagined a better Champions League debut after beating RB Leipzig. Martin Baturina opened the scoring after 18 minutes, Anastasios Douvikas made it 2-0, and Nico Paz and Assane Diao combined for the third. Paz then created Maximo Perrone’s goal after Leipzig had scored a consolation.
It was an energetic performance from Cesc Fabregas’ side, who continued attacking until the final whistle.
Roma completed a disappointing week for Serie A clubs. Despite three wins from three in the league, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team were held 1-1 by Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Bryan Cristante’s 39th-minute goal offered little evidence of a convincing display, while Archie Brown equalised in the 48th minute by lifting the ball over Mile Svilar. Fenerbahce created the better chances thereafter, highlighting how far Italian football remains from where it should be.