The second day of Matchday 1 in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League delivered drama, goals, and storylines that will echo long beyond the opening round.
From Harry Kane punishing his former London rivals to Virgil van Dijk sealing another last-gasp Liverpool win, fans were treated to another night of thrilling football across Europe.
Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid: Van Dijk the Last-Minute Hero
Liverpool extended their astonishing streak of late winners, scoring for the fifth straight match after the 83rd minute or later, as captain Virgil van Dijk powered home a stoppage-time header to sink Atlético Madrid 3-2 at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah lit up the opening stages, his deflected free-kick wrong-footing Jan Oblak in the fourth minute before combining with Ryan Gravenberch to make it 2-0 by the sixth.
Marcos Llorente, Liverpool’s tormentor in 2020, struck back with a brace, first poking home in stoppage time of the first half, then equalising in the 81st minute via a deflected volley.
But with the Kop roaring, Van Dijk rose highest from a corner to snatch victory, sparking chaotic celebrations as Diego Simeone was shown a red card after clashing with fans.
Bayern Munich 3–1 Chelsea: Kane Delivers Painful Lesson
Harry Kane tormented Chelsea on their Champions League return, scoring twice as Bayern Munich ran out 3-1 winners at the Allianz Arena.
Trevoh Chalobah’s unfortunate own goal handed Bayern the lead after Chelsea’s defence switched off from a drop-ball situation.
Kane then won and converted a penalty after Moisés Caicedo brought him down, before Cole Palmer pulled one back on his 100th Chelsea appearance with a stunning strike.
But Malo Gusto’s costly giveaway allowed Kane to curl home his second in the 63rd minute, ending hopes of a comeback.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reflected on the loss, saying:
“In this competition, you must be focused for 95 minutes. We played well, but not for the entire game.”
“We can build something special from this defeat.”
Kane’s numbers underline his impact: 10 goals in six games this season, and 95 in 102 games for Bayern since joining in 2023.
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany praised him:
“People see the goals, but watch his work off the ball. The pressing, the movement, that’s what makes him world class.”
PSG 4–0 Atalanta: Champions Start With a Statement
Defending champions, PSG wasted no time reminding Europe of their quality, demolishing Atalanta 4-0 at the Parc des Princes.
Captain Marquinhos scored early before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s brilliant solo effort doubled the lead. Nuno Mendes added a third from a tight angle, and Gonçalo Ramos capitalised on a late defensive error to complete the rout.
Despite a missed penalty from Bradley Barcola, PSG were dominant throughout, rarely tested by the Italians. Meanwhile, PSG manager Luis Enrique watched the first half from the stands.
Ajax 0–2 Inter Milan: Thuram Heads Nerazzurri to Victory
Inter Milan, finalists in 2024, opened their campaign with a professional 2-0 win at Ajax, courtesy of Marcus Thuram’s double.
The French forward struck twice from Hakan Çalhanoğlu corners, taking his tally to five goals in four games this season.
Inter’s defence, marshalled by Yann Sommer, restricted Ajax to just one clear chance, brilliantly denied by the Swiss goalkeeper.
Elsewhere in Europe
Champions League Day 2 Result
- Olympiacos 0-0 Pafos
- Slavia Prague 2-2 Bodo/Glimt
- Ajax 0-2 Inter Milan
- Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea
- Liverpool 3-2 Atlético Madrid
- PSG 4-0 Atalanta
Day 3 Fixtures
Champions League Day 3 promises another blockbuster slate, with fixtures including;
- Club Brugge vs. AS Monaco
- F.C. Copenhagen vs. Bayer Leverkusen
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Galatasaray
- Manchester City vs. Napoli
- Newcastle United vs. Barcelona
- Sporting CP vs. Kairat Almaty
