Champions League: Haaland sets new record, Barcelona claims comeback win

On Thursday, September 18, the final matches of the Champions League 2025/26 opening round took place across Europe. Kazakhstan’s Kairat made their debut in the continent’s main competition, but their long trip to Lisbon ended in disappointment.

Key highlights of the day:

Erling Haaland continues to rewrite Champions League history. The Norwegian striker of Manchester City scored in the second half, reaching 50 goals in the tournament. It took him only 49 matches — faster than anyone before him. Shortly after, Jeremy Doku sealed the reigning champions’ 2–0 victory.

Sporting Lisbon outclassed Almaty’s Kairat. Francisco Trincão opened the scoring in the 44th minute, and the hosts marched on to a convincing 4–1 win.

Drama unfolded in Frankfurt. Galatasaray had a golden chance to go 2–0 ahead, but Barış Alper Yılmaz missed. Soon after, two own goals swung the game, and Can Uzun made it 3–1 in stoppage time of the first half. After the break, Eintracht struck twice more, completing a 5–1 rout.

Elsewhere, Club Brugge stunned Monaco, scoring three times before halftime and eventually winning 4–1. Copenhagen held the lead against Bayer Leverkusen until the 82nd minute when Alejandro Grimaldo equalized. The Danes regained the lead shortly after, but a 91st-minute own goal by Pantelis Hatzidiakos saved Leverkusen — final score 2–2.

In England, Newcastle and Barcelona put on a thrilling clash. The Catalans went into the break leading 2–1, thanks to a goal from Marcus Rashford.

Results (18.09.2025)

• Club Brugge 4:1 Monaco

• Copenhagen 2:2 Bayer Leverkusen

• Eintracht 5:1 Galatasaray

• Manchester City 2:0 Napoli

• Newcastle 1:2 Barcelona

• Sporting 4:1 Kairat