Champions League Round-Up: Bayern, Atletico, Real, Inter Dominate, While Galatasaray Stun Liverpool

Bayern Munich Run Riot in Cyprus

Bayern Munich stamped their authority in Cyprus with a 5-1 demolition of Pafos, proving once again why they are one of the favourites to win this year’s Champions League.

Harry Kane was at the heart of the action, scoring twice and nearly producing a wonder-goal with an overhead kick that rattled the post. Raphael Guerreiro, Nicolas Jackson and Michael Olise also found the net in a match that could easily have ended with more goals, as Serge Gnabry and Jackson hit the woodwork late on.

Pafos’ brief joy came from Mislav Orsic, who punished a defensive slip from Kim Min-jae. But Bayern’s response was merciless, with Kane restoring control before Olise ended the contest.

Fans online hailed Vincent Kompany’s team as the most balanced Bayern side in years, while Cypriot supporters admitted it was a humbling experience facing Europe’s elite.

Atletico Madrid Crush Frankfurt

Atletico Madrid made their intentions clear with a commanding 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at the Metropolitano.

The goals came from everywhere: Giacomo Raspadori opened the scoring, Robin Le Normand added a header, and Antoine Griezmann struck just before the break after brilliant work from Julian Alvarez. Frankfurt briefly fought back through Jonathan Burkardt, but Giuliano Simeone and Alvarez sealed the win with a header and a penalty respectively.

What stood out was Atletico’s intensity, even with Diego Simeone suspended and watching from the stands. Spanish pundits praised Griezmann’s leadership, while fans on X described the match as “Atleti at their purest ruthless, relentless and unforgiving.”

The result marked Atleti’s tenth win in their last eleven home Champions League games, cementing their fortress reputation.

Mbappe Hat-Trick Inspires Real Madrid

In Kazakhstan, Real Madrid reminded the football world of their pedigree with a 5-0 thrashing of Kairat Almaty.

Kylian Mbappe stole the headlines with a hat-trick, bringing his Champions League tally to 60 goals at just 26 years old. His goals included a penalty, a delicate lob over the keeper and a thunderous finish from the edge of the box. Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz rounded off the scoring as Madrid cruised to victory.

For Madridistas, the win was more than just three points it was a statement after their 5-2 derby humiliation to Atletico in La Liga just days earlier. Spanish media dubbed it “Mbappe’s redemption,” while fans praised the Frenchman for “making history in every game he plays.”

Inter Milan Stay Perfect

Inter Milan continued their strong start with a 3-0 home victory over Slavia Prague.

Captain Lautaro Martinez scored twice, pouncing on a goalkeeper error for the opener before tapping in his second after a clever Marcus Thuram backheel. Denzel Dumfries added another in between, finishing off a sweeping move.

Slavia’s players admitted the gulf in class was clear, with forward Vasil Kusej comparing it to “a university lecture from Inter.” For Cristian Chivu’s side, it was another sign they are rediscovering the form that carried them to last season’s final.

Spurs Salvage a Point in Norway

Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Norway proved tricky, as they were forced to come from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt.

Jens Petter Hauge scored twice for the home side, stunning Spurs with sharp finishes in the second half. Captain Micky van de Ven pulled one back, and just as defeat loomed, a cruel own goal in the 89th minute gifted the Londoners a lifeline.

Spurs fans online had mixed reactions some praised the team’s resilience, while others worried about whether the squad has the depth to compete on both European and domestic fronts.

Chelsea Edge Mourinho’s Benfica

Stamford Bridge played host to an emotional reunion as Jose Mourinho returned with Benfica, but it was Chelsea who claimed the points with a scrappy 1-0 victory.

An own goal from Richard Rios settled the match, while the second half descended into chaos with yellow cards flying and Chelsea ending with ten men after Joao Pedro’s late red.

Blues fans were relieved to get points on the board after their opening loss to Bayern, but many admitted the performance was far from inspiring. Still, Mourinho’s return stole the spotlight, with fans chanting his name in warm contrast to his previous visits as manager of United and Spurs.

Marseille Thrash Ajax

Olympique de Marseille delighted the Velodrome faithful with a stunning 4-0 victory over Ajax.

Brazilian winger Igor Paixao lit up the night with two early goals, before Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rounded off the scoring. The atmosphere in Marseille was electric, with fans celebrating their first Champions League win in nearly three years.

Paixao, who had yet to score for the club, described it as “a dream night.” For Ajax, however, it was another sobering defeat in what is fast becoming a nightmare campaign.

A Night to Remember

From Bayern’s dominance in Cyprus to Mbappe’s magic in Kazakhstan, it was a Champions League night that will be remembered for its sheer ruthlessness. The big guns fired warning shots, smaller clubs took painful lessons, and fans across the world including in South Africa stayed glued to their screens until the final whistle.

Supporters on Instagram, X and Tik Tok said: “This is why we stay up on work nights. Champions League nights like these are priceless.”

{Source: SABC Sport and SuperSport News }

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