The UEFA Champions League returned on Tuesday with a dramatic opening night that delivered goals, comebacks and statements of intent from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The 2026/27 competition is being played under the 36-team league-phase format, with Matchday 1 spread across three days. Tuesday’s opening six fixtures immediately provided a reminder of why the Champions League remains club football’s grandest stage.
AEK Athens opened their campaign with a narrow 1–0 victory over LASK, securing all three points through a first-half free-kick from Razvan Marin. The Greek side held firm defensively to protect their advantage and begin their league-phase campaign on a winning note.
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In Germany, Borussia Dortmund defeated Villarreal 3–2 in an entertaining encounter. Serhou Guirassy struck twice for Dortmund, while an own goal also contributed to the hosts’ victory. Villarreal continued to threaten throughout the match, ensuring a tense finish in front of the Dortmund faithful.
Aston Villa produced one of the night’s most impressive results, defeating Club Brugge 3–2 away from home. John McGinn, Emiliano Buendía and Nicolas Jackson put Villa in control, with Pau Torres playing a major role by supplying two assists. Club Brugge fought back in the second half, but Unai Emery’s side held on for a valuable victory.
Manchester City also began with three points, defeating Porto 2–0 at the Estádio do Dragão. Erling Haaland was the difference-maker, scoring twice in the second half to give City’s campaign a perfect start.
There was another comeback story in France, where Real Betis defeated Lille 3–2. Betis came from behind twice before completing the turnaround, with Marc Bartra scoring twice and Troy Parrott delivering the winning goal. Lille were also reduced to ten men after Ethan Mbappé was sent off.
“UEFA Champions League returned today with a surge of excitement and drama”
The headline fixture of the night came at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 2–1. Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde put Madrid two goals ahead before Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter. Real ultimately held firm to secure a statement victory in their opening league-phase fixture.
The results set up an intriguing continuation of Matchday 1. Wednesday’s programme features Barcelona against Feyenoord, Liverpool against Atlético de Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain against Slovan Bratislava, Sporting CP against Galatasaray and Napoli against Arsenal, among other fixtures.
For fans in Kampala and around the world, the opening night offered exactly what the Champions League promises: elite talent, unpredictable results and the possibility that every match can become a defining moment.
And with the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, PSG and Arsenal still waiting to make their first appearances, the opening chapter of the 2026/27 Champions League is only getting started.
