UCL Match Week 1

Real Madrid versus Union Berlin

Union Berlin may have had one of the best Champions League losses in recent history. Coming into the match as heavy underdogs, Union Berlin never looked the better side. It did, however, frustrate Real Madrid for 85 minutes with its stout defensive work.

The star of Union Berlin’s team was goalkeeper Frederick Rønnow, who made six saves throughout this match and was expected to give up an estimated 2.76 goals on the shots he faced.

Unfortunately, In the 94th minute, Berlin caved as a blocked shot from Real Madrid’s Valverde fell at the feet of Jude Bellingham, who passed the ball into an open net, winning the game for Madrid at the depth. Real Madrid has a habit of starting its Champions League campaigns poorly, but that doesn’t take away just how strong Union Berlin is today.

Manchester United versus Bayern Munich

This game was confusing from start to finish. Bayern Munich opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Leroy Sane scored to make it 1-0 thanks to an error from United goalkeeper Onana.

Three minutes later, a Musiala cutback led to a Gnabry goal, making it 2-0 Bayern.

For a moment, United looked back in the game early in the second half. In the 49th minute, United’s £72 million forward Hoijlund notched his first goal for the club after his shot was deflected past Ulrich.

However, four minutes later, former Tottenham striker Harry Kane converted a penalty kick, giving Bayern a 3-1 lead. An 88th-minute goal from Casemiro gave United a lifeline late, but Tel’s 92-minute goal sealed the game, earning Bayern their first win this Champions League season.

PSG vs Dortmund

After an end-to-end first half, fans wondered whether this PSG team could compete in the UCL without Messi and Neymar. In the second half, PSG reminded us just how good Killian Mbappe is.

PSG’s first goal was a Mbappe penalty, but the passage of play that led to the penalty was the beauty that fans expected from PSG. Its second goal was an excellent three-pass combination between Hakimi and Vitinha, which beat four Dortmund defenders and led to a Hakimi finish.

One thing’s for sure, PSG has a talented roster and can match up with anyone in the Champions League.

The Other Fixtures

Galatasaray versus Copenhagen

Copenhagen looked to have pulled off an upset against Galatasaray, but an unfortunate red card led to 86th and 88th-minute Galatasaray goals that tied the game 2-2. Galatasaray substitute Tete was vital in Galatasaray's comeback, scoring one of the goals and assisting the other.

Lazio versus Atletico Madrid

For 94 minutes, it looked as though Atletico had done just enough to win away from home. On the last kick of the game, the most unlikely goalscorer scored his first-ever goal to equalize for Lazio. Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel came forward for Lazio’s 95th-minute corner, scored a header and celebrated in true goalkeeper fashion by doing nothing.

Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven

Arsenal was always going to be favored against Dutch opponent PSV, and it certainly played like it, winning the match 4-0. Even though Arsenal hasn’t played in the Champions League since 2017, it looked as poised as any team in the Champions League this year.

Milan versus Newcastle

The Magpies traveled to Milan and played to a 0-0 draw. Neither team looked at their best, but Newcastle deserves credit for coming away with a point in their first Champions League match since 2003.

Braga versus Napoli

Braga looked to have drawn Napoli at home, but a tragic own goal gave the visiting Italian club an 88th-minute lead. Braga nearly equalized in added time but was denied by the post as Napoli won the match 2-1.

Owen Cameros is a first-year student majoring in Broadcast-Journalism. To contact him, please email ohc5024@psu.edu.