The Champions League lit up Europe last night with drama, goals and big statements from some of the continent’s top clubs. Here’s how the action unfolded:
Kairat 0-5 Real Madrid
Real Madrid were ruthless in Almaty. Kylian Mbappé stole the show with a hat-trick, scoring on both halfs of the game (penalty 25′, then 52′, 73′). Eduardo Camavinga added a header later in the game, and Brahim Díaz slotted home a stoppage time goal to complete the rout. Kairat barely registered a threat, as Madrid’s passing triangles and midfield dominance suffocated them. For Carlo Ancelotti, it was as comfortable as Champions League nights get.
Atalanta 2-1 Club Brugge
Atalanta rallied for a win after falling behind courtesy of Christos Tzolis’ strike in the 38th minute for Brugge. Lazar Samardžić converted a penalty midway through the second half to level. Then, in the 87th minute, Mario Pašalić rose to head home the winner. The comeback underlined Gian Piero Gasperini’s side’s never-say-die spirit and tactical flexibility.
Marseille 4-0 Ajax
Marseille were devastating early. Igor Paixão bagged a brace inside the first 12 minutes to electrify the Stade Vélodrome. Mason Greenwood added a third just before half-time, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wrapped things up after the break. Ajax looked rattled and out of ideas, unable to cope with Marseille’s pressing game. The scoreline reflected not just Marseille’s sharp finishing but also their hunger to send a message in Europe.
Inter Milan 3-0 Slavia Praha
Inter delivered a composed, authoritative performance. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring, Denzel Dumfries added a second, and Martínez struck again later to seal the win. Slavia fought bravely, pressing high at times, but Inter’s compact defending and quality on the counter ensured they were always in control. It was a statement of professionalism from Simone Inzaghi’s men.
Chelsea 1-0 Benfica
This was a tense and cagey affair decided by the finest of margins. Chelsea’s breakthrough came in the second half when Benfica defender Richard Ríos accidentally bundled Alejandro Garnacho’s cross into his own net. Benfica’s problems deepened when João Pedro was sent off, leaving them a man down. Chelsea, however, didn’t press on to kill the game, instead digging deep to defend their lead. The result may not have been flashy, but it showed Chelsea’s grit and ability to grind out victories under pressure
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
The shock of the night came in Istanbul. Victor Osimhen calmly slotted a penalty in the 16th minute after a sloppy defensive error from Liverpool. From there, Galatasaray put in a disciplined, combative defensive display, shutting down Liverpool’s usually fluid attack. Arne Slot’s men looked flat and frustrated, struggling to break through a compact Turkish backline. With the home crowd roaring them on, Galatasaray’s victory was as much about heart and belief as it was about tactics.
Pafos 1-5 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich treated their trip to Cyprus like a training ground masterclass. Harry Kane struck twice with his trademark precision, while Raphaël Guerreiro and Michael Olise added to the tally with clinical finishes. Nicolas Jackson scored his first Bayern goal to round off the night. Pafos did grab a consolation, but they were hopelessly outmatched. Bayern’s dominance in possession, movement and chance creation underlined why they are perennial contenders for the trophy.
Bodø/Glimt 2-2 Tottenham
A thrilling contest in Norway saw Bodø/Glimt nearly pull off a famous upset. Jens Petter Hauge was the star, netting twice to send the home fans into ecstasy. Tottenham, however, showed character to claw back into the game. Micky van de Ven pulled one back with a header, and Spurs’ pressure forced a late own goal to salvage a draw. While Thomas Frank’s men avoided defeat, they left Norway knowing they had been given a stern test by underdogs who played fearless football.
Atlético Madrid 5-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
Atlético Madrid delivered an attacking masterclass rarely seen from Diego Simeone’s side. Giacomo Raspadori opened the scoring early, Robin Le Normand doubled the advantage, and Antoine Griezmann marked his 200th Atlético goal in style before half-time. Frankfurt’s Jonathan Burkardt pulled one back briefly, but Atlético responded instantly with Giuliano Simeone and Julián Álvarez (penalty) to complete a statement win. It was a night of power, precision and attacking flair that sent a warning to the rest of Europe.