ROME (AP) — New format. Same old winners.
The revamped Champions League made its debut on Tuesday, with some big-name clubs already notching victories on the opening night.
After moving from Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappé scored for 15-time champions Real Madrid, who needed late goals from Antonio Rüdiger and Endrick for a 3-1 win over Stuttgart.
Six-time champions Liverpool were able to come from behind to win 3-1 at seven-time champions AC Milan in a repeat of the 2005 and 2007 finals.
Harry Kane scored four goals in FC Bayern Munich’s 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb, starting the fight for a seventh title that could be won at home in May.
Two-time champions Juventus defeated PSV Eindhoven 3-1.
In the new league phase, all 36 teams will be ranked from top to bottom in a single ranking that ends in January.
In addition, Aston Villa returned to the competition for the first time in 41 years, winning 3-0 at Young Boys; and Sporting Lisbon beat Lille 2-0 in a ten-man team.
The first round of league matches will continue with six more matches each on Wednesday and Thursday.
Madrid tested
After a goalless first half, Mbappé gave Madrid the lead seconds after the break when he deflected in a Rodrygo cross.
After Deniz Undav equalised for Stuttgart with a header midway through the second half, Rüdiger restored Madrid’s lead with a header and Endrick made it perfect with a solo counterattack in injury time.
“It was a typical game for Madrid in the Champions League,” said Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. “We always have difficult games. Sometimes we make things complicated ourselves, but compliments to Stuttgart. They put a lot of pressure on, were really offensive and created chances.”
At 18 years and 58 days, Endrick became Madrid’s youngest goalscorer in the Champions League. Raul Gonzalez was 18 years and 113 days old when he scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over Ferencvarosi in 1995, setting the previous record.
Liverpool’s comeback
Christian Pulisic scored an early goal for Milan before Liverpool hit back with headers from both centre-backs, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk. Dominik Szoboszlai scored another goal for Liverpool.
“I am very proud to be here after 50 appearances, a goal and a win at the San Siro after a difficult start. The way we played after that start was outstanding,” said Liverpool captain Van Dijk.
Kane’s record
Kane converted three penalties and broke Wayne Rooney’s record for most Champions League goals by an English player, taking his tally to 33 – three more than Rooney.
Perhaps the most beautiful goal for Bayern was the second goal by Raphael Guerreiro, who scored with a powerful shot after a chest pass from Jamal Musiala.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was not the first choice when he was hired in May, but so far his team has won all five of their matches. His team now sits top of the Champions League on goal difference.
Yildiz the Youngest
Kenan Yildiz’s 21st-minute goal for Juventus was the first of the revamped competition. And what a goal it was.
The Turkish winger dribbled into the left side of the penalty area and shot the ball deep into the top corner of the goal frame.
At 19 years and 136 days, Yildiz broke Juventus’ record as the youngest goalscorer in the competition, set by Alessandro Del Piero when he scored against Borussia Dortmund in September 1995 at the age of 20 years and 308 days.
With a goal reminiscent of the way Del Piero used to score goals, it seemed fitting that Yildiz wore the same number 10 that Del Piero wore at Juventus.
“He was my idol as a child,” said Yildiz. “An incredible evening, goosebumps.”
Emery’s influence
Under experienced manager Unai Emery, Villa have won three of their four Premier League games and were in control throughout their return to the competition after 41 years at Young Boys.
Youri Tielemans put Villa ahead with a diving shot midway through the first half and Jacob Ramsey doubled the lead with a free kick eleven minutes later. Amadou Onana sealed the deal four minutes from time.
Emery has won the Europa League four times with two clubs – three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal. He also coached Villarreal to the semi-finals of the 2022 Champions League and led Villa to the semi-finals of the Conference League last season.
Villa mourned the death of 1982 European Cup winner Gary Shaw, who had died the day before.
Gyokeres’ goals
Viktor Gyokeres, who was tipped to be a transfer target for Arsenal, opened the scoring for Sporting with a beautiful turn and shot into the bottom left corner. It was Gyokeres’ ninth goal in six games this season.
Lille midfielder Angel Gomes was sent off before half-time and Zeno Debast scored another long-range shot midway through the second half.
Protest banner
Bayern fans didn’t seem to be happy with the new format and held up a huge banner that stretched the length of one end of the stands. The banner read: “Too much of a good thing – Back to the roots – Undone for the new CL format.”
The protest banner was displayed during the playing of the Champions League anthem.
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