The UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season kicked off on September 17, 2024, with a thrilling set of matches that showcased the best of European club football. Here’s a detailed look at the key games from the opening day.
Juventus began their Champions League campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven. Juventus took control early in the match. Yildiz K. opened the scoring in the 21st minute with an assist from Gonzalez N. Just six minutes later, McKennie W. doubled the lead, ensuring Juventus went into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage. In the second half, Gonzalez N. further extended Juventus’ lead, scoring in the 48th minute with an assist from Vlahović D., completing his contribution with both an assist and a goal. Despite being outplayed, PSV managed to score a consolation goal in the closing minutes. Saibari I. found the net in the 93rd minute on an assist from Bukayoko J., concluding the match at 3-1.
Aston Villa showcased their strength with a commanding 3-0 win against Young Boys. The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute through Tielemans Y., assisted by McGinn J. Ramsey J. added to the tally in the 38th minute, courtesy of an assist from Watkins O. Watkins O. appeared to have scored again just before halftime, but VAR disallowed the goal due to handball. Despite another disallowed goal for Duran J., Aston Villa sealed their victory with Onana A.’s goal in the 86th minute.
Liverpool overcame an early setback to secure a 3-1 win against AC Milan at San Siro. Milan started strongly, with Pulišić C. scoring in the 3rd minute on Morata A.’s assist. Liverpool responded quickly when Konate I. equalized in the 23rd minute, assisted by Alexander-Arnold T. Just before halftime, van Dijk V. put Liverpool ahead with a header from Tsimikas K.’s corner. Szoboszlai D. secured Liverpool’s victory with a third goal, assisted by Cody Gakpo.
Bayern Munich delivered a spectacular performance with a resounding 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb. Although Gnabry’s early goal was disallowed for offside, Kane opened the scoring from a penalty in the 19th minute. Guerreiro extended Bayern’s lead in the 33rd minute, followed by Olise’s goal in the 38th minute. Dinamo showed signs of life early in the second half with goals from Petković and Ogiwara within two minutes, making it briefly competitive at 3-2. However, Bayern’s relentless attack continued as Kane completed his hat-trick with two more penalties, while Olise, Sane, and Goretzka added to Bayern’s tally.
Real Madrid secured a solid 3-1 victory over Stuttgart at home. The first half was relatively quiet as Stuttgart held their ground effectively against Real Madrid’s attacks. However, Madrid broke through right after halftime when Mbappe opened their account. Stuttgart managed to equalize through Undav D., but late goals from Rudiger and Endrick ensured Madrid’s win.
Sporting Lisbon dominated Lille to win 2-0 at home. Gyorkeres V. scored in the 38th minute on Goncavles P.’s assist to give Sporting the lead they deserved after dominating possession and creating more chances than Lille throughout the first half. Gomes A.’s red card left Lille with ten players just two minutes after Sporting’s first goal, putting them at an even greater disadvantage for most of the match’s remainder. Debast Z.’s second-half goal in the 65th minute sealed Sporting’s victory, assisted by Braganca D., securing all three points.The opening day of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season delivered excitement and high-quality football across Europe. With dominant performances from clubs like Bayern Munich and Liverpool, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches as the tournament progresses.
