The unexpected excitement of Champions League action on a Thursday has taken many by surprise.
This new chapter unfolded with six matches across Europe, yielding numerous thrilling outcomes. Allow us to highlight the most memorable moments for your consideration.
The absence of Ødegaard presents a significant challenge.
The announcement regarding Martin Ødegaard’s ankle injury, which may result in an absence of up to eight weeks, is likely to dishearten Arsenal supporters.
This sentiment may be further intensified following the performance observed in their Champions League debut.
The Gunners narrowly defeated their rivals Tottenham 1-0 in the absence of their midfield leader; however, against a determined Atalanta team, the significance of Ødegaard’s absence became glaringly apparent.
Mikel Arteta’s squad exhibited a lack of character during the first half, as Kai Havertz and Declan Rice struggled to emulate the creativity that Ødegaard typically contributes.
They concluded the first half with a mere 184 passes and did not manage to take a shot between the 18th and 74th minutes.
The introductions of Jorginho and Raheem Sterling failed to ignite any momentum in the match.
With the season still in its infancy, Arsenal risks falling further behind if they do not address the absence of Ødegaard. Arteta will undoubtedly be grateful for David Raya’s remarkable double penalty save, which ensured the match concluded in a stalemate of 0-0.
The remarkable talent of Wirtz deserves to be showcased on a grand stage
Florian Wirtz has finally made his debut in the Champions League. It is surprising that it has taken this long for him to reach this milestone.
This prestigious European tournament serves as a platform for the finest players to showcase their talents, and the 21-year-old German international demonstrated that he belongs among them with an outstanding individual performance against Feyenoord.
Wirtz scored his first goal in the competition just four minutes and 36 seconds into the match, delivering a precise low shot from distance. He went on to secure a second goal before halftime, bringing his total to six goal contributions in six appearances this season.
Additional significant statistics comprise a perfect record of 100% in ground duels, an impressive pass accuracy of 87%, the creation of three scoring opportunities, three successful ball recoveries, and the distinction of being the first German player to score twice in their debut in the competition.
Had it not been for the anterior cruciate ligament injury, his talents would have been showcased on the UEFA Champions League stage much sooner. Nevertheless, it is a pleasure to finally have him here.
Yamal’s abilities alone are insufficient to rescue Barcelona.
Barcelona previously depended heavily on Lionel Messi’s exceptional abilities to extricate them from challenging situations. However, with the Argentine superstar now playing in the United States, this burden has shifted to an unexpected individual.
Lamine Yamal once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the finest footballers in the world at just 17 years of age. The Euro 2024 champion shone in the Champions League, scoring his inaugural goal in the tournament.
His long-range curling shot, which has become somewhat of a signature move, enabled Barcelona to equalize after Eric Garcia was dismissed just 10 minutes into the match. Regrettably for Hansi Flick and his team, Yamal’s remarkable individual performance was insufficient to secure a victory this time.
Barcelona allowed the decisive goal when substitute George Ilenikhena directed a shot towards Marc Andre ter Stegen, which unfortunately slipped past him. The goalkeeper was also involved in the incident that led to the red card, having chosen to make a hurried pass.
Barcelona is aware, Flick is aware, and the entire world is aware that Yamal possesses the talent to elevate the club to greater heights. However, his remarkable abilities will be rendered ineffective if some of the more experienced players fail to perform their duties when needed.
Brest secures the title for the best debutant in the competition
The 2024/25 season marked the debut of both Brest and Girona in Europe’s premier competition, with Brest making a more significant impact. Girona narrowly missed securing a notable draw against Paris Saint-Germain, suffering a 1-0 defeat in the final moments of the match, while Brest triumphed in their opening game, defeating SK Sturm Graz 2-1.
The disparity in the quality of the opponents is evident. Nevertheless, upon stepping onto the grand stage of European football, the French club celebrated their inaugural goal, with Hugo Magnetti executing a volley from distance.
Brest also contributed to the scoreline with two additional goals, one from Abdallah Sima and another resulting from an own goal by Edimilson Fernandes. In this newly structured competition, where every goal and point holds significant weight, Brest has achieved its best start in Champions League history, currently positioned 13th in the standings, ahead of renowned clubs such as PSG, Arsenal, Inter, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Milan.
Wanda continues to serve as a sanctuary for theatrical performances
The Wanda Metropolitano stands as a formidable arena that overwhelms visiting teams with the fervent support of its red and white supporters. It serves as a genuine stage for thrilling encounters, as was evident once again on Thursday.
RB Leipzig initially believed they could seize victory on this ground after Benjamin Sesko netted a goal just 3:55 into the match, marking one of the earliest goals conceded by Atlético Madrid in this competition. Nevertheless, the ever-dependable Antoine Griezmann was determined to alter the course of the game.
The iconic French forward showcased his timeless talent by volleying in an equalizer from just beyond the penalty spot, and he later made a decisive impact in the 90th minute. The crowd, along with Diego Simeone, erupted in celebration as Griezmann regained possession in the penalty area and delivered a no-look cross to José María Giménez, who headed in the decisive goal.
It is appropriate that one of Atlético Madrid’s most outstanding players, who not only tops their scoring statistics in Europe but also played a pivotal role in their advancement to two prior Champions League finals, was the individual to incite such remarkable scenes within the stadium.
The Wanda Metropolitano remains a venue that overwhelms opposing teams.
