Champions League opening day review: Revamped format debuts with goal fest
The newly revamped UEFA Champions League kicked off on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, delivering exciting matches as some of Europe’s most decorated clubs claimed victories on opening night. With a new single-league format and 36 teams ranked from top to bottom, fans were treated to thrilling performances from clubs such as Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Juventus.
Mbappé Shines in Real Madrid’s Victory
Kylian Mbappé marked his UEFA Champions League debut with Real Madrid in style, scoring the opening goal in a 3-1 victory against Stuttgart. After a goalless first half, Mbappé found the net just seconds after the restart, redirecting a cross from Rodrygo. Stuttgart responded through Deniz Undav’s header, but Madrid’s late goals from Antonio Rudiger and 18-year-old Endrick sealed the win. Endrick’s stoppage-time solo effort made him the youngest player in Madrid’s history to score in the Champions League, surpassing the record set by Raul in 1995.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois summed up the match, saying, “This was a typical Madrid match in the Champions League. We sometimes complicate things, but Stuttgart were impressive.”
Liverpool’s Comeback Against AC Milan
Liverpool, another Champions League giant, staged a comeback to defeat AC Milan 3-1 in a rematch of the 2005 and 2007 finals. Christian Pulisic opened the scoring for Milan early, but Liverpool’s response was swift and clinical. Headers from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk turned the game around before Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the victory.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reflected on the win, saying, “After a difficult start, the way we played was outstanding.”
READ MORE: Harry Kane overtakes Wayne Rooney to become England’s top scorer in UCL
Kane’s Historic Four-Goal Haul in Bayern Munich’s Rout
Bayern Munich announced their Champions League intentions with a resounding 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb. Harry Kane stole the spotlight, scoring four goals, including three penalties, to break Wayne Rooney’s record for the most Champions League goals by an English player. Kane’s tally now stands at 33, three more than Rooney.
Raphael Guerreiro added a stunning goal for Bayern, who now sit atop the Champions League standings on goal difference. Bayern’s coach, Vincent Kompany, has won all five matches since his appointment in May.
Juventus’ Victory and Yildiz’s Record-Breaking Goal
Two-time Champions League winners Juventus eased past PSV Eindhoven 3-1. Turkey winger Kenan Yildiz opened the scoring with a sublime effort, becoming Juventus’ youngest scorer in the competition at 19 years and 136 days, surpassing Alessandro Del Piero’s record.
Yildiz, who wore Del Piero’s famous No. 10 shirt, expressed his joy: “He was my idol as a child. An incredible evening, goosebumps.”
Aston Villa’s Triumphant Return to Europe
Aston Villa, playing their first Champions League match in 41 years, dominated Young Boys with a 3-0 win. Goals from Youri Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey, and Amadou Onana secured the victory. Under manager Unai Emery, Villa has enjoyed a strong start to the season in both the Premier League and Europe.
Protest Banners Against the New Format
Not all fans were excited about the Champions League’s new format. Bayern Munich supporters unfurled a large banner reading, “Too much of a good thing — back to the roots — undo new CL-format,” during the playing of the tournament’s anthem, expressing dissatisfaction with the changes.
The revamped Champions League continues with more matches on Wednesday and Thursday, promising further drama and excitement in the road to the final at Bayern’s home stadium in May.
