Champions League 2024-25: Bayern Demolish Zagreb, Mbappé Shines for Real Madrid, and Liverpool Triumph

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European football returns with thrilling Champions League 2024-25! Bayern crush Zagreb 9-1, Mbappé scores for Real Madrid, and Liverpool pull off a comeback against Milan!

Champions League 2024-25

The 2024/25 Champions League season kicked off in sensational style, delivering high-scoring thrillers, historic wins, and outstanding individual performances. With the competition’s new format creating added excitement, Europe’s elite clubs did not disappoint on the opening night. Here’s a complete roundup of the key matches, including Bayern Munich’s nine-goal demolition of Zagreb, Kylian Mbappé’s first Champions League goal for Real Madrid, and Liverpool’s comeback victory over Milan at San Siro.

Bayern Munich Hit Nine in Record-Breaking Display Against Zagreb

Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb: Bayern’s Champions League opener was a night to remember, as Harry Kane led the charge in a record 9-1 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb. Despite a shaky start in the second half, Bayern delivered a historic performance, marking the highest number of goals scored by any team since the modern Champions League format was introduced.

The Bavarians thought they had taken an early lead when Jamal Musiala played Serge Gnabry through on goal, but the attempt was ruled offside. However, Bayern were awarded a penalty after a foul on Aleksandar Pavlović, which Harry Kane confidently converted to give the home side the advantage.

Musiala was instrumental again, chesting the ball down to Raphaël Guerreiro, who smashed in a volley that survived a VAR review for offside. The goals kept coming, as former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise scored his first Champions League goal with a header to make it 3-0 by half-time.

Zagreb fought back after the break, pulling one back through Bruno Petković, but their resurgence was short-lived. Bayern regained control when Kane tapped in a rebound after the Zagreb goalkeeper failed to hold on to a shot.

Kane completed his hat-trick with another penalty, followed by a fourth goal from the spot, making it his night to shine. Further strikes from Leroy Sané and Leon Goretzka capped off an emphatic 9-1 victory, solidifying Bayern’s status as one of the favorites to lift the trophy this season.

Liverpool Stage Dramatic Comeback Against Milan

AC Milan vs Liverpool: At the iconic San Siro, Liverpool battled back from an early deficit to beat AC Milan 3-1, securing their first win under new manager Arne Slot. Milan struck early, with Christian Pulisic beating Alisson at the near post after just a few minutes.

Liverpool remained composed and gradually grew into the game. Their resilience paid off when Ibrahima Konaté nodded in from a set-piece, leveling the score midway through the first half. Mo Salah came agonizingly close to putting the Reds ahead but was denied by the woodwork.

It was another set-piece that gave Liverpool the lead, with Virgil van Dijk powering in a header to make it 2-1. As Milan pushed for an equalizer, Liverpool capitalized on a counter-attack, with Cody Gakpo driving down the left flank before setting up Dominik Szoboszlai for a simple finish, sealing a memorable 3-1 victory for the Premier League giants.

Real Madrid and Sporting CP

Mbappé Scores First Champions League Goal for Real Madrid

Real Madrid vs Stuttgart: Kylian Mbappé marked his Champions League debut for Real Madrid with his first goal in the competition for his new club. The French superstar helped Madrid secure a hard-fought 3-1 victory over a resilient Stuttgart side.

Mbappé had two early chances to open the scoring, but it wasn’t until the second half that he found the back of the net. A brilliant run from Rodrygo down the right-wing saw the Brazilian set up Mbappé in the box, who made no mistake in converting from close range.

However, Stuttgart didn’t fold easily. They equalized through Deniz Undav, who headed past Thibaut Courtois after an impressive cross into the box. Real Madrid regained control thanks to a header from Antonio Rüdiger, capitalizing on Luka Modrić’s pinpoint corner delivery. The final blow came in stoppage time when young talent Endrick scored a spectacular solo goal, running from deep to slot past the goalkeeper and secure the win for Madrid.

Sporting Overpower Lille as Gyökeres Shines

Sporting CP vs LOSC Lille: Sporting secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against Lille, with in-form striker Viktor Gyökeres leading the charge. The Swedish forward opened the scoring with a well-taken goal inside the box, and from there, Sporting never looked back.

Lille’s night went from bad to worse when Angel Gomes received his second yellow card, reducing the French side to ten men. Sporting took full advantage, with defender Zeno Debast doubling the lead with a 30-yard screamer that left Lille’s goalkeeper with no chance.

Sporting’s victory puts them in a strong position to progress in the group stage, and with Gyökeres in top form, they look poised to make a deep run in the tournament.

Juventus and Aston Villa

Juventus Triumph as Motta Wins First Champions League 2024-25 Match

Juventus vs PSV: Thiago Motta celebrated his first managerial Champions League victory as Juventus cruised to a 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven. New signing Nico González was the star of the show, delivering a goal and an assist in a comprehensive performance.

Juventus started brightly, with Kenan Yildiz curling in a stunning opener from outside the box. González then set up Weston McKennie with a well-timed cross, allowing the American midfielder to double Juve’s lead. The Argentine midfielder capped off a fine night by scoring Juventus’ third, latching onto a pass from Dušan Vlahović and finishing into the roof of the net.

PSV pulled one back late in stoppage time, but it was merely a consolation as Juventus secured three important points in their quest for Champions League glory.

Aston Villa Mark Champions League Return with a Big Win

Aston Villa vs Young Boys: Villa ended a 41-year wait for Champions League football in style, defeating Swiss side Young Boys 3-0. Youri Tielemans opened the scoring after a well-worked set piece, and Jacob Ramsey added a second following a defensive mix-up.

Ollie Watkins appeared to have scored Villa’s third with a thunderous shot into the top corner, but the goal was ruled out for handball in the build-up. Substitute Jhon Durán had a similar strike disallowed, but Amadou Onana eventually sealed the victory with a long-range effort in the dying moments.

This win marks a promising return to Europe’s top competition for Villa, who last featured in the Champions League in 1983.

In a Nutshell

The opening night of the 2024/25 Champions League delivered all the drama, excitement, and high-quality football that fans have come to expect. Bayern Munich’s record-breaking performance, Mbappé’s first UCL goal for Real Madrid, and Liverpool’s comeback against Milan were just a few of the standout moments from a thrilling night of action. As the group stage unfolds, fans can look forward to even more incredible performances and memorable matches in this year’s competition.

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