UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 Results: Haaland Breaks Record, PSG Shine, Qarabağ Stun Benfica
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season kicked off this week with Matchday 1 delivering fireworks, surprises, and historic milestones across Europe. From Erling Haaland’s record-breaking goal to Qarabağ’s shocking upset in Lisbon, the opening round of fixtures lived up to the billing of Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
As expected, the big clubs flexed their muscles, but a few underdogs proved they belong on the big stage.
Haaland Reaches Champions League Milestone as City Beat Napoli
2023 Champions Manchester City began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Napoli at the Etihad. The night belonged to Erling Haaland, who scored his 50th Champions League goal in just 49 appearances, becoming the fastest player in history to reach the milestone.
Napoli, reduced to 10 men after a red card in the first half, put up a spirited fight but were ultimately undone by City’s relentless pressure. Pep Guardiola admitted his team needs sharper finishing, but the three points ensure City starts on solid ground.
PSG Send Strong Message with Atalanta Rout
At the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain made a statement with a commanding 4-0 victory over Atalanta. Luis Enrique applauded the team’s balance between attack and defence.
For PSG, who have often been criticised for slow starts in Europe, this emphatic win will calm nerves and spark renewed belief that this could go on like it did last season when they won the treble.
Rashford Shines in Barcelona Win at Newcastle
In one of the standout fixtures of the week, Barcelona defeated Newcastle United 2-1 at St James’ Park. Surprisingly, it was Marcus Rashford a loanee from Manchester United who stole the headlines with two well-taken goals in the second half.
The Magpies, buoyed by their home crowd, started aggressively and went ahead early, but Hansi Flick side grew into the game. Barcelona’s comeback was a testament to their growing resilience, and Rashford’s impact suggests he could become the missing piece in their European ambitions.
Qarabağ Shock Benfica in Lisbon
The biggest upset of the round came in Portugal, where Qarabağ FK stunned Benfica with a 3-2 victory. The Azerbaijani champions were considered heavy underdogs, but their disciplined defending and clinical counterattacks silenced the Estádio da Luz.
For Benfica, this was a disastrous start that leaves them with little margin for error in what is already a competitive competition. For Qarabağ, however, it was a historic night that proves the so-called smaller clubs can still shake European football’s hierarchy.
Liverpool, Frankfurt, and Others Impress
At Anfield, Liverpool edged Atlético Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling encounter that highlighted both sides’ attacking prowess and defensive lapses. Arne Slot hailed his team’s resilience, while Diego Simeone admitted Atlético must tighten up if they are to progress.
Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt dismantled Galatasaray 5-1, showing attacking fluidity and squad depth that could make them dangerous dark horses this season. Club Brugge enjoyed a superb 4-1 win over Monaco, while Sporting CP cruised to a 4-1 victory against Kairat Almaty.
A Season Already Full of Promise
Matchday 1 delivered a perfect mix of big-team dominance and surprise results, the very essence of the Champions League. Haaland’s record-breaking strike ensures his name is already etched in history, PSG look balanced under Luis Enrique, and Rashford’s Barcelona champions league debut could shift the dynamics But beyond the giants, Qarabağ’s shock victory over Benfica is a reminder that this competition thrives on unpredictability. Every point matters, every mistake is punished, and reputations count for little once the whistle blows.
As the preliminary stage continues, fans can expect more drama, more milestones, and possibly more giant-killing acts. If Matchday 1 is any indication, the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season promises to be one of the most gripping in recent memory.
