Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League action delivered goals, drama, and brilliant finishes across Europe, with late strikes and late equalizers on Matchday 2 of the 2025–26 season.
PSG Strike Late to Sink Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain battled back from an early deficit to claim a 2–1 win over Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium, maintaining their perfect record in the competition.
Barcelona, boosted by the return of 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal, took the lead in the 19th minute when Marcus Rashford teed up Ferran Torres for a composed finish past Lucas Chevalier.
PSG was missing some key players, including captain Marquinhos and attackers Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué, PSG grew into the game regardless.
Nuno Mendes danced past three defenders to set up Senny Mayulu for a slick 38th-minute equalizer.
The winning moment came in stoppage time when Achraf Hakimi’s precise cross found Gonçalo Ramos, who slotted home the winner to stun the Catalan crowd.
This is PSG’s third consecutive away victory over Barcelona in European competition.
Arsenal Survive Olympiacos Scare
At the Emirates, Arsenal edged Olympiacos 2–0 to make it two wins from two in Group E.
Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring early, but the Gunners wasted numerous chances to seal the game and needed a crucial David Raya save to preserve their lead.
Substitute Bukayo Saka eventually eased nerves, rifling home a stoppage-time clincher from the left wing, with his first shot on target.
Haaland Shines, But City Held by Monaco
Erling Haaland struck twice to continue his red-hot scoring form, but Manchester City were denied a win in Monaco as Eric Dier converted a 90th-minute penalty for a 2–2 draw.
Haaland’s double took his tally to 52 goals in just 50 Champions League appearances, but defensive lapses cost City once again.
Pep Guardiola’s men have now failed to win their last five away games in the Champions League, conceding late goals in two straight fixtures.
Read also: Mbappé Hits 60 Champions League Goals — Kane Shines, Spurs Escape, Griezmann Hits 200
Qarabağ Make History, Dortmund Hit Four
Azerbaijan’s Qarabağ recorded back-to-back Champions League wins for the first time, beating Copenhagen 2–0 to continue their fairytale run.
In Germany, Borussia Dortmund cruised past Athletic Club 4–1 to stay unbeaten this season, with Carney Chukwuemeka scoring his first European goal and Julian Brandt rounding off the rout.
Villarreal Peg Juventus Back, Napoli Secure First Win
Renato Veiga’s last-minute header salvaged a 2–2 draw for Villarreal against Juventus, denying the Italians a valuable away win.
Meanwhile in Naples, on-loan Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund struck twice—including a brave header for the winner—as Napoli beat Sporting CP 2–1 for their first victory of the campaign.
Newcastle Run Riot in Brussels
Newcastle United rebounded from domestic disappointment with a resounding 4–0 away victory over Union Saint-Gilloise.
Anthony Gordon netted two penalties, Nick Woltemade opened the scoring, and Harvey Barnes added a late fourth as Eddie Howe’s men dominated from start to finish.
Leverkusen and PSV Share the Spoils
In Germany, Bayer Leverkusen were held to a 1–1 draw by PSV after Guus Til cancelled out Christian Kofane’s opener.
Both teams remain unbeaten in the group.
Tuesday’s UCL Results (30 September)
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Atalanta 2–1 Club Brugge
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Kairat Almaty 0–5 Real Madrid
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Atletico Madrid 5–1 Eintracht Frankfurt
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Bodø/Glimt 2–2 Tottenham Hotspur
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Chelsea 1–0 Benfica
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Galatasaray 1–0 Liverpool
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Inter Milan 3–0 Slavia Prague
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Marseille 4–0 Ajax
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Pafos 1–5 Bayern Munich
Wednesday’s Champions League Results (Oct 1)
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Qarabağ 2–0 Copenhagen
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Union SG 0–4 Newcastle United
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Arsenal 2–0 Olympiacos
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Barcelona 1–2 PSG
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Bayer Leverkusen 1–1 PSV
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Borussia Dortmund 4–1 Athletic Club
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Monaco 2–2 Manchester City
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Napoli 2–1 Sporting CP
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Villarreal 2–2 Juventus
