Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) commenced their Champions League title defense with a compelling 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Despite missing key players like captain Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, PSG demonstrated resilience to overcome an early deficit.

Barcelona initiated the scoring in the 19th minute when Marcus Rashford delivered a precise pass to Ferran Torres, who beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past PSG's goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier. PSG responded, with 19-year-old Senny Mayulu equalizing in the 38th minute after a dazzling run by Nuno Mendes. Goncalo Ramos, a substitute, sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th minute, assisted by Achraf Hakimi.

Meanwhile, in Naples, Rasmus Hojlund's brace propelled Napoli to a 2-1 victory against Sporting CP, marking their first win in the Champions League campaign. Hojlund, on loan from Manchester United, celebrated his first goal by gesturing towards the Champions League badge on his sleeve.

Napoli dominated the initial stages of the match, but struggled to create clear-cut chances. However, in the 36th minute, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a precise pass to Hojlund, who confidently slotted the ball through the legs of Sporting CP's goalkeeper, Rui Silva. Sporting CP improved after the restart and leveled the score in the 62nd minute through a Luis Suarez penalty after a foul by Matteo Politano. Hojlund secured the win for Napoli with a header in the 79th minute, once again assisted by De Bruyne.

Hojlund's performance marked his first Champions League goals in a victory, after scoring only in defeats for Manchester United in the previous season. His brace against Sporting CP brought his tally to four goals for club and country this season. Hojlund has scored three goals in five appearances for Napoli, matching his total from his last 35 appearances for Manchester United.