A dramatic 90th-minute header from José María Giménez secured a thrilling victory for Atlético Madrid in a captivating clash against RB Leipzig.
The German side made an electrifying start, breaking the deadlock just four minutes in when Jan Oblak could only parry Loïs Openda’s fierce drive, allowing Benjamin Šeško to slot home the rebound.
Atlético responded with determination, leveling the score midway through the first half.
Antoine Griezmann expertly latched onto a pinpoint cross from Marcos Llorente, beating the Leipzig keeper with a clinical first-time strike.
The match remained finely poised as both sides created numerous chances in an open second half. But it was Griezmann’s vision that proved decisive once again in the dying moments.
The Frenchman delivered a perfectly weighted cross to the far post, where Giménez rose highest to nod the ball into the net, sending the home fans into raptures and sealing the hard-fought 2-1 win.
In another thrilling encounter, Benfica edged past Crvena Zvezda 2-1, thanks to Orkun Kökçü’s sublime free-kick that made history by delivering the first-ever Matchday 1 away victory for the Portuguese side.
Benfica, on the front foot from the outset, almost scored twice within the opening minutes before Kerem Aktürkoğlu tapped in Alexander Bah’s deflected cross at the far post in the ninth minute.
The visitors continued to dominate, and their efforts paid off when Kökçü curled a spectacular free-kick into the top corner, doubling their lead before the half-hour mark.
Crvena Zvezda, spurred on by their passionate home crowd, mounted a spirited fightback.
Substitute Felício Milson gave them hope in the 70th minute, breaking free of his marker to deftly guide a low shot past the onrushing Anatoliy Trubin.
Despite relentless pressure from the Serbian side, Benfica’s defense held firm, clinching an impressive victory on hostile ground.
Meanwhile, Brest celebrated their European debut with a 2-1 triumph over Sturm Graz, marking a historic night in Guingamp.
Hugo Magnetti ignited the contest with a stunning strike from the edge of the area, giving Brest the lead in the first half. However, the Austrian side, returning to the Champions League after a 23-year absence, responded quickly. An own goal from Edimilson Fernandes after a corner swung into the box brought Sturm Graz level, dampening the home side’s early celebrations.
Brest regained their composure and took control after the break. Abdallah Sima became the hero of the night, swiveling inside the box and unleashing a powerful shot past the helpless Graz keeper just before the hour mark.
The visitors’ comeback hopes were dashed late on when Dimitri Lavalée received a second yellow card, reducing Sturm Graz to ten men and ensuring Brest held on for a memorable victory in their first-ever Champions League appearance.
