The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season is underway, and the opening matches have already delivered drama and excitement. Bayer Leverkusen secured a late draw against Copenhagen, while Club Brugge dominated Monaco in a resounding victory.

Bayer Leverkusen's Champions League campaign began with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against FC Copenhagen. The match, played in the Danish capital, saw Leverkusen twice come from behind to earn a point. Jordan Larsson opened the scoring for Copenhagen early in the game. Leverkusen struggled to find a breakthrough, with their attacking efforts limited to long-range attempts. However, Alejandro Grimaldo, who had scored two free-kicks in Leverkusen's previous match, found the net again with a sensational free-kick in the 82nd minute. Just as it seemed Leverkusen had secured a point, Robert Silva headed in to restore Copenhagen's lead. But in the dying moments of the game, a Pantelis Hatzidiakos own goal salvaged a draw for Leverkusen. The late equalizer ensured that Leverkusen left Copenhagen with a point. Leverkusen's manager, Kasper Hjulmand, faced his countrymen in his first Champions League match in charge.

Meanwhile, Club Brugge enjoyed a dominant 4-1 victory over Monaco. The Belgian side showcased their attacking prowess, with goals from Nicolo Tresoldi, Raphael Onyedika, Hans Vanaken, and Mamadou Diakhon. Club Brugge's captain, Hans Vanaken, led by example, scoring a goal and providing an assist. Monaco did get a consolation goal through Ansu Fati, but it was not enough to spark a comeback. Club Brugge's goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, saved a penalty from Maghnes Akliouche early in the match, which proved to be a turning point. Mignolet, however, had to leave the field shortly afterward with a groin injury. Club Brugge's convincing victory demonstrated their potential to make a significant impact in the competition this season. Club Brugge had to earn their spot in the Champions League through the preliminary rounds.

Other notable results from the opening matchday of the Champions League include PSG's 4-0 victory over Atalanta, Liverpool's 3-2 win against Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich's 3-1 victory over Chelsea.