UCL: Arsenal Subs Shine, Qarabag Stun Benfica, and an Eight-Goal Classic in Turin

The UEFA Champions League returned with a dramatic opening round of group fixtures on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. From Arsenal’s bench boosting their campaign in Bilbao, to Qarabag pulling off a shock in Lisbon, and Juventus and Dortmund serving up an eight-goal thriller, the night delivered a mix of surprises, comebacks, and standout individual performances.

Arsenal break Bilbao resistance with substitute firepower

Arsenal began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory away to Athletic Bilbao. Mikel Arteta’s side controlled large spells but struggled to convert their dominance until the introduction of Gabriel Martinelli in the 71st minute.

The Brazilian forward made an immediate impact, racing onto a flick from Leandro Trossard to score with his first involvement. Minutes later, Martinelli turned provider, cutting the ball back for Trossard to finish and seal the win.

Athletic, playing their first Champions League match since 2014, pushed the Gunners for much of the game but were undone by the visitors’ attacking depth. Arsenal will host Olympiakos next, while Bilbao travel to Borussia Dortmund.

Qarabag shocks Benfica in Lisbon

One of the night’s biggest stories came from Portugal, where Qarabag FK stunned Benfica 3-2 at Estádio da Luz. The hosts twice took the lead, only for Qarabag to respond each time before snatching a dramatic late winner.

The result represents a historic away victory for the Azerbaijani champions and leaves Benfica under early pressure in the group stage.

Mbappé rescues 10-man Real Madrid against Marseille

At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid overcame a first-half red card to defeat Marseille 3-2. Kylian Mbappé was the difference, scoring twice — including a decisive second-half strike — to secure victory despite Madrid being reduced to 10 men.

Marseille briefly threatened an upset when they equalised after the interval, but Mbappé’s finishing proved decisive as Carlo Ancelotti’s side began their campaign with three points.

Juventus and Dortmund share eight-goal thriller

In Turin, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund produced the night’s most breathtaking contest, drawing 4-4 in a match full of momentum swings. Juventus raced into a two-goal lead before Dortmund roared back with three goals in quick succession after half-time.

The hosts struck twice late on to regain the advantage, but Dortmund equalised once again in the closing stages to claim a point. The result leaves both clubs level in what looks set to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.

Union Saint-Gilloise enjoy dream debut

Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise made a statement on their Champions League debut, defeating PSV Eindhoven 2-1. Union struck first, saw PSV respond after the interval, and then found a late winner to secure three points in front of their travelling supporters.

The result capped a memorable European night for a club whose rapid rise continues to capture attention.

Tottenham edge Villarreal at home

Tottenham Hotspur began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Villarreal in London. The decisive moment came early, when a Villarreal defender turned the ball into his own net under pressure.

Spurs controlled possession but were unable to add to their lead, while Villarreal posed danger on the counter. Still, Ange Postecoglou’s side secured a valuable opening win.

A dramatic start to the group stage

Matchday one set the tone for a Champions League season filled with promise. Arsenal’s bench depth, Qarabag’s upset, and Juventus versus Dortmund’s classic underscored the unpredictability of Europe’s premier competition. With more fixtures to come, the battle for knockout-stage places is already shaping into a captivating contest.