Bayern Munich and Liverpool both underlined their European pedigree on Tuesday night, though in dramatically contrasting fashions, as the UEFA Champions League returned with high drama.
At Stamford Bridge, Bayern showed their experience and efficiency in a 3-1 victory over Chelsea, with Harry Kane once again at the heart of the action. Meanwhile, at Anfield, Liverpool needed a stoppage-time header from Virgil van Dijk to edge Atletico Madrid 3-2 after nearly throwing away a commanding lead.
England captain Harry Kane was ruthless against a Chelsea side still learning the demands of Europe’s elite stage. The 32-year-old won and converted a first-half penalty after being brought down by Moises Caicedo, before capitalizing on a dreadful pass from Malo Gusto to curl in his second and Bayern’s third midway through the second half.
Chelsea’s defensive frailties were on full display, with Trevoh Chalobah inadvertently turning into his own net earlier in the game after the visitors failed to defend a drop-ball situation. A bright moment came when Cole Palmer marked his 100th club appearance with a stunning strike into the top corner to briefly give the home crowd hope.
But while the Blues pushed for an equaliser, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez missing presentable chances, and Palmer having a late effort ruled out for offside, Bayern’s composure and nous told in the end.
The win means Bayern have now triumphed in their opening Champions League match for an astonishing 22 consecutive seasons. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, making his 151st appearance in the competition, epitomised their experience compared to a Chelsea squad whose combined tally before kick-off was just 117.
Chelsea now face Benfica in their next group fixture, a clash that could mark the return of José Mourinho to Stamford Bridge, with the Portuguese expected to be confirmed as manager this week.
At Anfield, Liverpool’s Champions League return followed a different script, thrilling, chaotic, and decided in stoppage time.
Mohamed Salah was the spark early on, his deflected free-kick opening the scoring inside four minutes before he combined with Ryan Gravenberch to sweep home a second just two minutes later. The Reds seemed set for a comfortable night, but Atletico Madrid, ever resilient under Diego Simeone, fought back.
Marcos Llorente struck in first-half stoppage time to halve the deficit, then leveled the score nine minutes from the end with a volley that deflected off Alexis Mac Allister, recalling his Anfield heroics from 2020 when he scored twice in Atletico’s famous last-16 win.
Liverpool looked set to be denied, especially after Salah missed a golden chance when he struck the post. But deep into stoppage time, Van Dijk rose highest from a corner to thunder a header past Jan Oblak, sparking bedlam inside Anfield.
In the aftermath, chaos spread to the touchline as Simeone was shown a red card following an altercation with supporters behind the Atletico bench, capping a night of high drama.
For Arne Slot’s Liverpool, it was yet another example of resilience; all four of their Premier League wins this season have also come with decisive late goals. For Atletico, it was a bitter reminder of how fine the margins remain in Europe’s biggest competition.