Champions League Drama: Barcelona Fall to 10-Man Defeat, Leverkusen Thrash Feyenoord
The opening week of the Champions League saw high drama, upsets, and dominant displays as Europe’s elite clubs kicked off their campaigns. Barcelona’s night in Monaco turned into a disaster after an early red card, while Bayer Leverkusen made a statement with a crushing 4-0 win against Feyenoord. Here’s a roundup of the major highlights.
10-Man Barcelona Fall to Monaco 2-1
Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Monaco turned sour after Eric García was sent off in just the 11th minute. García's dismissal came after he fouled Monaco’s Takumi Minamino, who was through on goal following a misplaced pass from Marc-André ter Stegen. The red card forced Barcelona to play nearly the entire match with 10 men, and Monaco capitalized on the advantage.
Maghnes Akliouche gave Monaco the lead just five minutes after García's exit with a well-placed low shot. However, Barcelona’s 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal brought them back into the game with a strike from the edge of the box in the 28th minute. Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, Barcelona fought hard but were undone in the 71st minute when Monaco's 18-year-old substitute George Ilenikhena found the back of the net to seal a 2-1 victory.
Speaking after the game, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen expressed his disappointment: “We didn’t understand each other in that moment, I feel bad for Eric. The defeat hurts, because with 10 men on the pitch we gave our all and tried to get a point.”
Leverkusen Hammer Feyenoord 4-0
Over in Rotterdam, Bayer Leverkusen produced a first-half masterclass to thrash Feyenoord 4-0. Florian Wirtz was the star of the show, scoring twice as Leverkusen tore through the Dutch side’s defense. The opening goal came early in the fifth minute when Wirtz capitalized on a defensive mistake. Jeremie Frimpong then set up two more goals, first assisting Alejandro Grimaldo in the 30th minute before crossing perfectly for Wirtz to score again six minutes later.
Feyenoord’s night went from bad to worse when goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther conceded an own goal just before half-time. A free-kick from Leverkusen found Edmond Tapsoba, whose header hit Wellenreuther’s foot and trickled over the line.
The Dutch crowd voiced their frustration, booing the team off at half-time. Although Feyenoord showed more energy in the second half, they failed to mount a comeback, and Leverkusen came close to adding a fifth late in the game.
Atlético Madrid Edge Leipzig 2-1 with Late Winner
Atlético Madrid snatched a late 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig in a thrilling contest. Leipzig stunned the home side with a fourth-minute goal from Benjamin Sesko, who headed in from a quick counterattack. But Atlético responded well, dominating possession and creating chances.
Antoine Griezmann brought Atlético level with a superb volley in the 28th minute, and the Spanish side continued to press for a winner. Despite 20 attempts on goal, they had to wait until the 90th minute for the decisive strike. Griezmann turned provider, delivering a cross that José María Giménez headed home to secure the win.
Brest Make European History with 2-1 Win Over Sturm Graz
French club Brest celebrated their first-ever victory in European competition with a 2-1 win over Sturm Graz. Hugo Magnetti opened the scoring for Brest in the 23rd minute with a stunning volley, but the French side conceded an equalizer just before half-time when Edimilson Fernandes scored an own goal.
In the second half, Brest came out more aggressive and regained the lead through Abdallah Sima, who slotted home in the 56th minute. The match ended on a sour note for Sturm Graz as Dimitri Lavalée received a second yellow card, reducing them to 10 men.
Benfica Overcome Red Star 2-1 with Akturkoglu and Kökçü Goals
Benfica began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory at Red Star Belgrade, thanks to goals from Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kökçü. Akturkoglu opened the scoring in the ninth minute by converting a cross at the far post, and Kökçü doubled the lead with a beautifully placed free-kick in the 29th minute.
Red Star pulled one back late in the game through Felício Milson, but they couldn’t find an equalizer as Benfica held on for an important win.
The opening week of the Champions League delivered excitement and surprises. Barcelona’s early setback raises questions about their defensive discipline, while Bayer Leverkusen’s ruthless performance has put them among the early favorites to make a deep run. With Atlético Madrid securing a dramatic win and Brest making history, the stage is set for an unpredictable and thrilling Champions League season.
