Champions League action saw Lamine Yamal score in Barcelona’s loss, while Arsenal managed to steal a point in Italy. The first round of the newly expanded UEFA Champions League kicked off on Thursday, marking the debut of the final teams in the 2024-25 season of soccer’s most prestigious club tournament.
Here are the standout moments from Thursday’s six matches.
Raya’s saves salvage a point for Arsenal: Atléti snatches late win
After reaching the quarterfinals last season, Arsenal aims to capture at least one trophy in 2025. The Gunners were fortunate to leave Atalanta with a point on Thursday night.
Goalkeeper David Raya played a pivotal role, making two crucial saves against Azzurri striker Mateo Retegui in the second half, including a penalty stop that kept Arsenal competitive.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid seemed destined for a draw against RB Leipzig, who scored early in the match. However, Uruguayan center back José María Giménez secured a dramatic win for Atleti with a header just before stoppage time, igniting celebrations in the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.
Barcelona faced an uphill battle after Eric Garcia received a straight red card within the first ten minutes of their match against Monaco. Despite this setback, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal equalized with a stunning goal, marking his first in the Champions League.
Yamal’s achievement made him the second-youngest scorer in Champions League history, following his teammate Ansu Fati. However, Monaco’s George Ilenikhena scored the decisive goal late in the match, leading to Barcelona’s first competitive defeat under new manager Hansi Flick.
Bayer Leverkusen continues strong start
Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning German champions, carried their impressive form from last season into the new Champions League campaign. After going almost an entire season unbeaten in Bundesliga play, they faced a setback in the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta.
Despite one loss in the Bundesliga this season, Xabi Alonso’s team made a statement by defeating Feyenoord 4-0 in their Champions League opener on Thursday.
German national team striker Florian Wirtz opened the scoring within four minutes, and Alejandro Grimaldo quickly doubled the lead. Wirtz added a second goal before halftime, and an own goal ensured a commanding 4-0 advantage.
With their first domestic title secured, Leverkusen’s focus now shifts to a deep run in European competition, as they prepare for upcoming matches against Bayern Munich and AC Milan, testing their status as serious contenders in this season’s Champions League.
