The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League kicked off with a bang, highlighted by Juventus's dramatic draw against Borussia Dortmund and a Real Madrid victory inspired by Kylian Mbappé.

In Turin, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund played out an eight-goal thriller, equalling the record for the highest-scoring Champions League draw. The first half was quiet, but the second half exploded with action. Karim Adeyemi opened the scoring for Dortmund in the 52nd minute. Juventus responded quickly, with Kenan Yıldız curling in an equalizer. Felix Nmecha then put Dortmund ahead again. In a four-minute flurry, Yıldız, Nmecha and Dusan Vlahović all scored. Yan Couto's powerful finish made it 3-2 to Dortmund. Ramy Bensebaini's 85th-minute penalty looked to have sealed the victory for the visitors. However, Juventus rescued a draw in added time with a finish from Vlahović and a header from Lloyd Kelly. The game ended 4-4.

Meanwhile, at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid overcame Olympique de Marseille 2-1, with Kylian Mbappé scoring both goals from the penalty spot. Real Madrid dominated the early stages, but Marseille took the lead against the run of play through Timothy Weah. Real Madrid responded swiftly when Rodrygo was fouled in the box, and Mbappé converted the penalty. The French international nearly gave his side the lead early in the second half, but his shot was deflected onto the crossbar. Dani Carvajal received a red card in the 70th minute after a clash with Marseille's goalkeeper. Vinícius Júnior then forced a handball in the box, and Mbappé stepped up to score his second penalty, securing the win for the 10-man Real Madrid side. With his brace, Mbappé reached 50 goals for Real Madrid since joining in July 2024.