Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich beat Chelsea 3-1 at home in their Champions League opene...

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich beat Chelsea 3-1 at home in their Champions League opener on Wednesday. Michael Olise pressured Trevoh Chalobah into an own goal with 20 minutes gone, before Kane won and converted a penalty seven minutes later.Cole Palmer finished off a superb team counter-attack just two minutes later to bring Chelsea back into the game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But Kane stepped up again midway through the second half to wrestle control back Bayern's way.England captain Kane says facing Premier League sides gives him extra motivation to "play better", and Chelsea were on the receiving end as he climbed up to 10 goals in just six games this season. Bayern captain Manuel Neuer, the last survivor from the 2012 Champions League final between the sides, won by Chelsea at the same venue, brought up his 100th win in the competition. He now trails just Cristiano Ronaldo, Thomas Mueller and Iker Casillas. Bayern have now won their past 22 Champions League openers dating back to a 2002 loss to Spain's Deportivo La Coruna.Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca restored Palmer and three others to the starting line-up, having copped criticism for resting players in Saturday's limp 2-2 draw at Brentford. Bayern had won five from five to start the season but were caught off guard early by the visitors' intensity, with Chelsea pinning the hosts back. Bayern caught their breath and created some pressure of their own before breaking through when Chalobah failed to deal with an Olise cross, turning it into his own goal. The hosts were soon two up as Kane struck from the spot. Moises Caicedo gave away the penalty with an awkward tackle in the box but helped Chelsea hit back immediately, playing a clever one-two on the break, allowing Palmer to slam home. Bayern came to life 10 minutes into the second half, with Konrad Laimer, Kane and Olise all having efforts saved in quick succession. Kane broke through shortly after, pouncing on a poor Malo Gusto back-pass before sliding the ball into the far corner.The 32-year-old was taken off to a standing ovation in stoppage time, with Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson coming off the bench to make his Champions League debut against his parent club.

MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 17: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between FC Bayern München and Chelsea FC at Football Arena Munich on September 17, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

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Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner sparked a confrontation between Atletico Madrid coach Dieg...

Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner sparked a confrontation between Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Liverpool fans at Anfield as the Reds opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory on Wednesday.Simeone was shown a red card in the aftermath of Van Dijk's 92nd-minute header after his side had come from 2-0 down to level thanks to a double from Marcos Llorente.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"We found a way... again" 🫡 Captain Virgil van Dijk highlights Liverpool's resilience on another memorable European night at Anfield. 🎙️ <a href="https://twitter.com/julesbreach?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@julesbreach</a> 📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/tntsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tntsports</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/discoveryplusUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@discoveryplusUK</a> <a href="https://t.co/VmP1qRvdLa">pic.twitter.com/VmP1qRvdLa</a>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1968421267276550171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Liverpool looked on course to wipe the floor with the struggling Spanish giants after scoring twice in the opening six minutes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mohamed Salah outshone Alexander Isak on his first Liverpool start as his free-kick deflected in off Andy Robertson before the Egyptian fired home himself.Llorente was the scourge of Liverpool five years ago as Atletico came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Anfield in a contentious last-16 tie.History was set to repeat itself until this time Liverpool grabbed the late winner that lit the fuse between the home support and the visiting manager.Simeone appeared to be demanding the removal of one fan in particular even after he was shown a red card by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani.Liverpool have now won all five of their opening Premier League and Champions League games with winning goals after the 80th minute.Isak made his debut after becoming the most expensive player in English football history following his £125 million ($170 million) move from Newcastle.<h3>Salah on song</h3>Liverpool's triumvirate of big money forward signings, also including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, has at times left Salah on the fringes of the action in the opening weeks of the season.But Salah was back to his best on Wednesday.Robertson knew little about his goal as Salah's free-kick hit the Scotland captain to completely wrong-foot Jan Oblak.Moments later Salah showed his speed, strength and quick feet to see off three Atletico challenges and slot in from Ryan Gravenberch's pass.Salah was close to a stunning third after being sent clear by Wirtz's through ball as Liverpool looked set to run riot.Isak's lack of match fitness showed as he lasted less than an hour after sitting out pre-season at Newcastle to force through his switch to Anfield.The Swede's best moment played in Wirtz, who rounded Oblak but then left the finish to Jeremie Frimpong, who failed to make a true connection.Atletico have endured a torrid start to the campaign, winning just one of their opening four La Liga matches.Against the run of play the visitors suddenly had a lifeline in first-half stoppage time when Llorente prodded a shot into the far corner.Liverpool were nearly made to rue a series of chances to put the result beyond doubt before Llorente struck again.Salah came closest when he hit the inside of the post at the end of a brilliant counter-attack involving Wirtz, Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai.Despite not dropping a point in the Premier League so far, chinks in Liverpool's armour have been exposed after a huge summer overhaul of the squad that cruised to the title last season.Including the Community Shield defeat by Crystal Palace, Slot's men have now conceded two or more goals in four of their opening six matches of the campaign.There was some fortune to Atletico's leveller as Llorente's volley deflected off Alexis Mac Allister to leave Alisson Becker helpless on 81 minutes.But the rock solid defensive organisation of Simeone's best Atletico sides is lacking in his current crop and they failed to resist the Liverpool onslaught.Van Dijk was left completely unmarked to power in Szoboszlai's corner, causing the Argentine's anger to boil over.

Virgil van Dijk centre-back of Liverpool and Netherlands celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England.

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Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored a superb goal as Paris Saint-Germain began the defence of their Cham...

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored a superb goal as Paris Saint-Germain began the defence of their Champions League crown with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.Marquinhos opened the scoring inside three minutes as PSG made a fast start in front of their own fans, with Kvaratskhelia bursting through to blast home a second before the interval.Nuno Mendes added another early in the second half and substitute Goncalo Ramos then wrapped up the victory at the death.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bradley Barcola also had a penalty saved in the first half as Luis Enrique's team proved far too strong for their Italian opponents, who had no answer to the threat posed by the European champions.PSG will now hope to build on this and avoid the troubles that befell them last season, when they won just one and lost three of their first five games in the league phase.They overcame that poor start to qualify for the knockout rounds and go on to win the title, but their prospects of retaining the trophy have been called into question with early-season injuries exposing the limits of an overworked squad.Here it was all-action midfielder Joao Neves who had to come off in the second half after going down seemingly complaining of a painful left hamstring.The French club hardly had any off-season break after a last campaign which stretched over 65 games and 11 months, and they recently lost star forwards Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue for several weeks to injuries picked up on international duty.Playing at centre-forward here, therefore, was the 19-year-old Senny Mayulu, who came off the bench to score the last goal in the 5-0 rout of Inter Milan in last season's final.<h3>Atalanta outclassed</h3>Atalanta came here fresh from an unbeaten start to the campaign in Serie A but having lost the chief architects of their recent success -- coach Gian Piero Gasperini departed for Roma after nine years at the helm, while last season's top scorer Mateo Retegui was sold to Saudi Arabia and African footballer of the year Ademola Lookman has been frozen out following a failed to attempt to secure a transfer.PSG were in front in the third minute when Fabian Ruiz delivered the ball towards the far post for Marquinhos to score his first Champions League goal in four years.An array of chances followed, with Nuno Mendes being denied by goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi when clean through, and Barcola having a shot saved after meeting Achraf Hakimi's cutback.Hakimi saw his effort turned onto the outside of the post after being set up by a Ruiz back-heel, with Atalanta struggling to escape their own half and taking almost 20 minutes to muster a shot of their own.Kvaratskhelia then sprung to life to make it 2-0 in the 39th minute, the Georgian controlling the ball on the right with his back to goal, turning to come inside and bursting to the edge of the box where he let fly with a shot that fizzed past Carnesecchi.PSG were awarded a penalty just before the interval after a VAR review spotted a foul on Marquinhos, but Barcola's kick was poor and was easily saved.It mattered not, with the third arriving anyway six minutes into the second half, Mendes running onto Barcola's pass, turning inside one defender and holding off another before beating the goalkeeper at his near post.Then came the bad news of the evening for PSG, with Neves coming off injured before the hour mark, a sight which does not augur well with a trip to Barcelona looming in a fortnight.PSG nevertheless went on to add a fourth in stoppage time, Ramos pouncing on a short back-pass by Raoul Bellanova to score.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 17: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint Germain celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta BC at Parc des Princes on September 17, 2025 in Paris, France.

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PSG open Champions League title defense by crushing Atalanta

Manchester United on Wednesday reported an annual net loss for the sixth consecutive year despite...

Manchester United on Wednesday reported an annual net loss for the sixth consecutive year despite record revenues of £666.5 million ($910 million).The Red Devils were without Champions League football in 2024-25 and stumbled home 15th in the Premier League -- their lowest top-flight finish in 51 years.Ruben Amorim's men reached the final of the Europa League but lost to Tottenham in Bilbao.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Revenue marginally increased by 0.7 per cent to £666.5 million in the year ending June 30, 2025 while the operating loss fell significantly from £69.3 million to £18.4 million compared with the previous 12 months.Overall losses dropped significantly from £113.2 million to £33 million after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe oversaw wide-ranging, and often unpopular, cost-cutting measures, including widespread job cuts.Chief executive Omar Berrada said in a statement on Wednesday United were beginning to feel the benefits of their cost-saving measures, adding the club were building for the "long term"."On the field, we are pleased with the additions we have made to our men's and women's first-team squads over the summer, as we build for the long-term," he said."Off the field, we are emerging from a period of structural and leadership change with a refreshed, streamlined organisation equipped to deliver on our sporting and commercial objectives."To have generated record revenues during such a challenging year for the club demonstrates the resilience which is a hallmark of Manchester United."The start of a five-year shirt sponsorship deal with Snapdragon fulled record commercial revenues of £333.3 million while the club achieved record matchday revenues of £160.3 million.United are expecting the next financial year to bring in revenue of £640 million to £660 million despite being without European football for the first time since 2014/15.In January, Deloitte ranked United fourth in its annual Football Money League, behind Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, showing the robustness of the club's finances despite years of under-achievement.The team have started the new season poorly, taking just four points from their first four matches in the Premier League, their worst to a league campaign since 1992/93.Manager Amorim, whose team also crashed out of the League Cup at the hands of fourth-tier Grimsby, is under huge pressure ahead of Saturday's home match against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe looks from the directors box before kick off of the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on September 14, 2025.

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Man United post 6th straight annual loss despite record revenues

Ghana and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to raping two women...

Ghana and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to raping two women and sexually assaulting a third woman.The 32-year-old former Arsenal player is accused of five counts of rape as well as one charge of sexual assault.Partey was granted bail and will stand trial at Southwark Crown Court in November 2026.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player.Partey was charged four days after leaving the Premier League club following the expiry of his contract at the end of June.The midfielder on Wednesday spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth before pleading not guilty to each of the charges against him during a short hearing at the court.At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Christopher Hehir told Partey: "Your trial will take place at this court on November 2 of next year, 2026."I appreciate that is quite a long way in advance. As you may appreciate, the crown courts have a huge backlog of work, which means that trials do take a long time to come on."Because you have bail, effectively you are sitting behind a queue of people in prison who are waiting to be tried."Partey was granted bail on the same conditions that he was given at a previous hearing: he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.His court appearance came a day after he played in Spanish side Villarreal's 1-0 Champions League defeat to Tottenham in London.The midfielder joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a deal worth around £45 million ($61 million).He appeared 52 times for the Gunners last season, scoring four goals. Overall, he played 167 games for the club, scoring nine times, and has also made more than 50 appearances for Ghana.Partey joined Villarreal last month.An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case."

Former Arsenal Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London on September 17, 2025. The 32-year-old Ghana international has been charged with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player.

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Thomas Partey pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault

England international full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a hamstring injury in Real Madrid...

England international full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a hamstring injury in Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Marseille, the club said on Wednesday.The former Liverpool star lasted just four minutes of Tuesday night's 2-1 victory over the French side as the record 15-time champions opened their continental campaign with a hard-fought victory.That was despite being reduced to 10 men when Dani Carvajal, who had replaced Alexander-Arnold, was dismissed with 18 minutes left.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"After the tests conducted today on our player Trent Alexander-Arnold by Real Madrid's medical service, he has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury in his left leg," the club said in a statement.Local press reported that Alexander-Arnold would be out for about three weeks.He was signed in the close season to provide competition for Carvajal, who suffered a long-term injury last season.Both right-backs will now miss Real's second Champions League encounter away to Kazakhs Kairat Almaty on September 30.

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Paris Saint-Germain women have made an offer for Barcelona's Alexia Putellas and are "in discussi...

Paris Saint-Germain women have made an offer for Barcelona's Alexia Putellas and are "in discussion" with the two-time Ballon d'Or winner, AFP learned on Wednesday from a source close to the negotiations. Talks have been ongoing "for several days" but they are "fairly limited", the source said, confirming reports in several Spanish media outlets.It is "not certain" the move will take place before the transfer window closes late on Friday with midfielder Putellas under contract with Barcelona until 2026 with an optional extra year. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A source close to Putellas acknowledges that she had received "other offers" but told AFP they were "surprised that a club has been so open with a proposition".However, the source insisted that Putellas wanted to see out her Barca deal as she was "a Barcelona fan and loves the club" where she has spent her whole career.However, Putellas could be interested in playing in another league, the source added.PSG, who have lost star striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto and midfielder Grace Geyoro this summer, have already signed Real Madrid defender and captain Olga Carmona. If the talks with 31-year-old Putellas and Barcelona are successful, the transfer would be the biggest deal of the summer window.According to the Spanish press, the 2023 World Cup winner and European Championship runner-up this summer has already turned down a four-year contract offer from the Parisians with a higher salary than she would earn at Barcelona.AFP's source, however, said "discussions are not closed". Putellas' entourage have not responded to AFP's request for confirmation. Barca's precarious financial situation, not helped by the ongoing renovation of the Camp Nou, is affecting all sections of the club, including the women's team. This situation has prompted the club to part ways with several players this summer, including Jana Fernandez, Fridolina Rolfo and Ingrid Engen.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 12: Alexia Putellas of FC Barcelona Femeni looks on during the Liga F Moeve match between FC Barcelona Femení and DUX Logroño at Estadi Johan Cruyff on September 12, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Report: PSG launch audacious bid to sign Barcelona's Putellas

Juventus staged an incredible comeback on Tuesday as the Italians recovered from two goals down i...

Juventus staged an incredible comeback on Tuesday as the Italians recovered from two goals down in stoppage time to draw 4-4 in a thrilling Champions League match with Borussia Dortmund.Lloyd Kelly saved a point for Juve in the final seconds of a wild game by heading home a pinpoint cross from Dusan Vlahovic to spark bedlam in the stands in Turin.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
⏱️ Juventus 0-1 Dortmund (52') ⏱️ Juventus 1-1 Dortmund (63') ⏱️ Juventus 1-2 Dortmund (65') ⏱️ Juventus 2-2 Dortmund (68') ⏱️ Juventus 2-3 Dortmund (74') ⏱️ Juventus 2-4 Dortmund (86') ⏱️ Juventus 3-4 Dortmund (90'+4) ⏱️ Juventus 4-4 Dortmund (90'+6) An EIGHT-goal second-half.— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1968057006025277535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>While Kelly was the hero of the hour it was substitute Vlahovic who was the key man as the Serbia striker once again proved his doubters wrong with a brace, including the goal in the fourth minute of added time which got Juve back into the gane.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It was the third time so far this season that Vlahovic -- who looked set to leave in the summer -- has been decisive from the bench, with his goal tally in all competitions now up to four."It's not been a very easy time for me, there were a lot of things said and a lot of articles written that 99 percent of the time weren't even close to the truth and that's always going to get to you," Vlahovic told Sky."But I found strength from it, every day is the day in which you have to show something, have that hunger. That's how I am, I'm never really satisfied."Igor Tudor's team seemed down and out when Ramy Bensebaini rolled home from the penalty spot in the 86th minute to put Dortmund 4-2 ahead.But just as at the weekend, when Juve struck late to beat fierce rivals Inter Milan, Kelly stepped up to earn Juve an unlikely draw."If we continue to concede goals like we did tonight we'll never see the end," said Tudor."After the last few days I think I need a little rest."<h3>Kelly strikes</h3>Englishman Kelly's equaliser was the final act of a match which exploded into life in the second half after a soporific opening period.Little had happened by the time Karim Adeyemi lashed in Dortmund's opening goal from Serhou Guirassy's quick pass, with Maximilian Beier grazing the outside of the post from an improbable angle seconds before the first major bit of action.But Adeyemi's goal completely changed the game, with Guirassy somehow failing to score from six yards out moments later after bundling his way to in front of Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.That woke Juve up, with Teun Koopmeiners blasting over following a neat exchange of passes with Lois Openda, and in the 63rd minute Kenan Yildiz levelled the scores with a brilliant curling strike reminiscent of Italian icon Alessandro Del Piero.The cheers from that goal had barely died down when seconds later Felix Nmecha was allowed too much space to smash Dortmund back into the lead from just outside the penalty area.Vlahovic put Juve level for the second time in the 68th minute, confidently stroking home from Yildiz's pass, before Yan Couto's powerful low drive squirmed through the slippery fingers of Di Gregorio in the 75th minute.And when Guirassy's shot smashed into Kelly's arm as the defender slid to block, Bensebaini struck what looked likely to be the killer blow.But Juve kept pushing and, inspired by Vlahovic, the Serie A team somehow scrambled a result out of nowhere.

TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 16: Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic (L) celebrates after scores his team's fourth goal during the League phase UEFA Champions League football match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, Italy, on September 16, 2025.

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Juve's last-gasp comeback stuns Dortmund in chaotic 8-goal draw

Kylian Mbappe slammed home two penalties for Real Madrid as the record 15-time winners opened the...

Kylian Mbappe slammed home two penalties for Real Madrid as the record 15-time winners opened their Champions League campaign with a controversial 2-1 comeback win over Olympique Marseille on Tuesday.Timothy Weah opened the scoring for the French visitors before Mbappe levelled from the spot and Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was sent off for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.Roberto De Zerbi's enterprising Marseille were well placed to push for a famouse win at the Santiago Bernabeu until Facundo Medina was harshly penalised for a handball and Mbappe converted his second penalty.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"For me it's a penalty, but I understand there are people who don't (think so), we're all lost with this rule," Mbappe, who reached 50 goals for the club, told Movistar."They say it's a penalty, I shoot it and put it in, that's all."Madrid coach Xabi Alonso was dealt an early blow on his first European game at the helm of the Spanish giants when Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off with a thigh injury, and had to scrap with 10 men after Carvajal's dismissal."The two goals came from penalties and our performance deserved more than that... we should have won by more goals and (not doing that) made the game tougher for us," Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Movistar."It was a good win to start with but it got tricky."Alonso benched Vinicius Junior among several changes to the side which beat Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday to continue Madrid's 100 percent start in La Liga.They had a short pre-season following the Club World Cup, giving Alonso more incentive to shuffle his pack, while the coach has also insisted he will keep as many players involved as possible.Jude Bellingham was named on the bench for the first time after undergoing shoulder surgery in July, but neither he nor the returning Eduardo Camavinga made it on to the pitch.Mbappe, who watched former side Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League last season after he left for Madrid, almost opened the scoring with a spectacular overhead effort which dropped just wide.Alexander-Arnold limped off after just three minutes, to be replaced by veteran Carvajal.Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid's youngest Champions League starter at 18 years and 33 days, hit the inside of the near post as both teams sought to break the deadlock.Rulli made a fine save from a fierce Mbappe strike before Weah opened the scoring. Mason Greenwood picked Arda Guler's pocket and fed the US international, who slammed past Courtois at the near post for his first Marseille goal.The Belgian goalkeeper denied Weah from distance as the Juventus winger, on loan in France, impressed. Real Madrid equalised when Geoffrey Kondogbia clumsily bundled over Rodrygo Goes in the box.Mbappe, in fine form at the start of the season, dispatched the penalty past Rulli's outstretched arm.<h3>Mbappe milestone</h3>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drilled just wide and then tested Courtois in the second half as Marseille continued to give as good as they got.Madrid finished the second game running with 10 men after Carvajal squared off with Rulli and then pushed his head into the goalkeeper's.However, just as they did against Real Sociedad after Dean Huijsen's red card, they finished with three points.Medina slid in to challenge Vinicius and the ball hit his arm, with the referee awarding a penalty, which Mbappe gratefully dispatched to claim a fifth victory for Los Blancos in five games across all competitions.It brought up Mbappe's milestone of 50 goals in 64 appearances, the quickest a Madrid player has hit that tally since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2010."He's in a good moment both personally and in a footballing sense, and I'm happy to be working with him," said Alonso.

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Tottenham were gifted the perfect start to their Champions League campaign as a farcical own goal...

Tottenham were gifted the perfect start to their Champions League campaign as a farcical own goal from Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior sealed a 1-0 win on Tuesday.Luiz Junior contrived to let Lucas Bergvall's cross trickle into his own net early in the first half in north London.That was enough for Tottenham to take the points on their return to Europe's elite club competition after a two-year absence.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The victory maintained Tottenham's impressive form under new boss Thomas Frank.He was hired from Brentford to replace Ange Postecoglou in June, giving the Dane a chance to manage in the Champions League for the first time.Postecoglou was sacked just 16 days after leading Tottenham to the Europa League final victory against Manchester United that secured their place in the Champions League.Frank's appointment was masterminded by Daniel Levy, but the Tottenham chairman has since stepped down in a move reportedly forced on him by the club's owners.Tottenham's summer of change hasn't proved damaging so far, with three wins from Frank's first four Premier League games and a successful start to the Champions League adventure."Of course I'm very happy with that. I definitely learned you have to be happy with your wins and appreciate them," Frank said."I think there was many good things. We defended really well and gave little away throughout the game against a really good Villarreal side."Offensively we didn't hit the highest level. There was a spell where we decided let's give it to the Villarreal guys and then we'll sprint back! It was a very even game that we just edged."Villarreal sent on former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey to loud jeers in the closing stages as the Ghanaian prepared for a court date on Wednesday.Partey has been charged with five counts of rape as well as a charge of sexual assault, allegations which he denies.Frank had admitted it was a "big thing" to take part in the Champions League, but said he would only give himself "two minutes" to soak in the Champions League anthem before concentrating on the task of beating Villarreal.The 51-year-old former PE teacher's only previous experience of managing in European competition before this season came in qualifying for the Europa League with Brondby.But Tottenham ensured he took to the bigger stage like a duck to water.<h3>Spurs hold firm</h3>Xavi Simons set the tone with a fierce volley that flashed just over from the edge of the area.And Tottenham took the lead after just four minutes when Bergvall's cross towards Richarlison was spilled into his own net by Luiz Junior.It was a horrific mistake from the Villarreal keeper, who was under no pressure as he allowed the ball to squirm under his body.Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe was back on familiar territory in north London and the Villarreal star went close to equalising with a rocket that deflected just wide.Tottenham were in Champions League action for the first time since losing to AC Milan in the last 16 in 2023, with Cristian Romero the only surviving member of that team still at the north London club.Romero's panicked clearance almost presented Villarreal with an equaliser as Pepe set up Tajon Buchanan for a low strike that just cleared the far post.Pape Sarr had scored in Saturday's win at West Ham and the Tottenham midfielder threatened with a powerful strike that Luiz Junior saved at full stretch.Villarreal's former Tottenham defender Juan Foyth should have levelled with a glancing header that fizzed wide in the second half.Tottenham were suddenly misplacing passes at an alarming rate and Pepe was inches wide with a low shot as Frank paced anxiously on the touchline.Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven could count himself lucky not to be sent off after a VAR review for his last-ditch tackle.Pepe curled wide for the visitors but Tottenham held on in a tense finale.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Luis Junior of Villarreal scores an own goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal CF at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2025 in London, England.

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Spurs accept Villarreal gift to make winning start in Champions League

Arsenal substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard pounced in the final stages to secure...

Arsenal substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard pounced in the final stages to secure a 2-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.Last season's beaten semi-finalists got off to a winning start in the Basque country as they shaded a tight game at the San Mames stadium in the first of eight group matches.Mikel Arteta's side, chasing a first major trophy since 2020 and their first ever Champions League win, ground out their victory with a typically sturdy defensive display and their late goals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Martinelli scored in the 72nd minute, 36 seconds after coming off the bench, before Trossard added a second after 87 minutes, each setting the other up."We started to grow throughout the game. In the second half we were more fluent, dominant, and the finishers made the impact for us to win the game," Arteta told reporters."(The substitutes) are at least equally important, if not more important."We have discussed that -- the finishers are going to be more important this season sometimes than the starters, and we can change the game then, when teams start to drop off."Athletic, back in the competition for the first time in 11 years, were on top in the early stages, buoyed by boisterous home support.Their coach Ernesto Valverde lined up with an entire team of players making their Champions League debut, including talisman striker Inaki Williams but not his injured brother Nico Williams.Arsenal started with four Spaniards, including two Basque midfielders in Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, who used to play for Athletic's rivals Real Sociedad.The Gunners, missing several regulars including Bukayo Saka, began to turn the tide through the movement of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke's persistence on the right wing.Swedish striker Gyokeres had an effort saved by Unai Simon and then headed narrowly wide of the post after reaching a dangerous cross by Jurrien Timber.Alejandro Berenguer pulled a shot wide of the far post with Athletic's first real chance shortly before the break.Gyokeres, sporting a bandage after a clash of heads left him bleeding, nodded Declan Rice's free-kick wide when well placed.Williams was denied by David Raya and Merino headed straight at Simon at the other end as the match stepped up a gear.<h3>'Fully deserves it'</h3>Arteta, who hails from the Basque country, was praised as one of the best coaches in the world by his counterpart Valverde and proved it with substitutions which changed the game decisively to ensure a happy return to home soil.The Spaniard brought on Martinelli for the ineffective Eberechi Eze and immediately found the goal Arsenal craved as the Gunners countered at pace.Martinelli ran on to Trossard's pass, took a fine touch to leave Andoni Gorosabel trailing in his wake and then fired under Simon.The Brazilian was involved again in the second, cutting the ball back for Trossard, who beat Simon with the help of a deflection."(Martinelli) fully deserves it," said Arteta. "I adore Gabi, his attitude, his commitment, his positivity and what he's willing to do for the team."We value all the qualities he has and what he brings to the team and I'm so happy that today he decided the game for us in two actions."These are the moments that are hopefully going to give him the confidence (he needs)."Arsenal reinforced heavily in the summer to increase their squad depth, particularly in attack, and it paid dividends here.Arteta brought on two more new arrivals in Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie for their debuts late on with the points safe."The result doesn't reflect what the match was like, because I thought we had a good game," said Williams. "We gave every drop of sweat and there are seven games left -- Athletic didn't come here to enjoy the competition but to compete in it."

BILBAO, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Leandro Trossard of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal with Gabriel Martinelli during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Athletic Club and Arsenal FC at Estadio de San Mames on September 16, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.

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Arsenal subs Martinelli, Trossard snatch win in Bilbao

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed Alexander Isak could make his highly anticipated debut i...

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed Alexander Isak could make his highly anticipated debut in Wednesday's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.Isak joined the Premier League champions in a British-record £125 million ($169 million) move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.The 25-year-old did not feature in Sunday's 1-0 win at Burnley -- Liverpool's first match since his blockbuster transfer -- because he is still short of full fitness after missing much of the pre-season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Isak had trained alone in a bid to force through his switch, leaving him in need of extra work to get up to speed."Definitely a chance because he's in the squad, so then there's a chance to play. I would usually say 99.9 percent sure, but I can say 100 percent sure he will not play 90 minutes," Slot told reporters on Tuesday.Asked if there was a chance of Isak starting at Anfield, Slot said: "The only thing we're sure of is he will not play 90. "He's part of the squad, so it's already a Champions League game to look forward to, but if people look forward to his playing time, that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well."Isak's goals helped Newcastle end their 56-year trophy drought when they defeated Liverpool in the League Cup final last season, while the Magpies also qualified for the Champions League thanks in large part to the Swede's prolific form.But his only appearance this season came for Sweden in an 18-minute substitute cameo in a 2-0 defeat against Kosovo on September 8.Slot said getting fit was the striker's biggest challenge."He doesn't have to prove to anyone that he's good enough to play in the Premier League, because that's what he's proven already at Newcastle," said the Dutchman."So the main challenge he has is to become so fit that he's first of all ready to do what he did last season."<h3>'Above expectations'</h3>The spotlight will be firmly fixed on Isak, which could be a blessing for Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz.Prior to Isak's arrival, the German was briefly Liverpool's club-record signing after his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100 million.Wirtz has struggled to make an impact, leading to suggestions the hefty price tag is weighing on him.Slot was quick to defend the 22-year-old, saying: "There's so much focus on our new signings. He's been part of a team that is on top of the league, that won four games."Yes, he hasn't scored four goals or 12 assists in the first four games, but for me that's down to the quality we've faced, and he's part of a team that's number one in the league at the moment."Liverpool's off-season was dominated by the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car crash in July, which Slot acknowledged had had a profound impact on the club. Yet despite that trauma and a significant rebuild at the cost of nearly £450 million ($614 million), they are top of the Premier League with four wins in four games."It's only a compliment that people tell everyone that we've spent so much because that tells you the players we've brought in are seen as very good players," Slot said.He added that the team were performing "far above" his expectations."For us to be on 12 points now is so much more than I expected, especially after we've had so many changes in the group as well," he said.

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Alexander Isak of Liverpool during a UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase training session at AXA Training Centre on September 16, 2025 in Kirkby, England.

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Slot '99.9%' sure Isak will make Liverpool debut vs. Atletico

Barcelona will host Getafe in La Liga at their tiny Johan Cruyff training ground stadium on Sunda...

Barcelona will host Getafe in La Liga at their tiny Johan Cruyff training ground stadium on Sunday as they work to obtain permits to reopen their revamped Camp Nou home.The Spanish champions thrashed Valencia 6-0 at the Johan Cruyff on Sunday in their first home match of the season after playing away for three consecutive games."The club continues to work intensely to obtain the administrative permits required for the opening of the Spotify Camp Nou in the coming weeks," said Barca in a statement Tuesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Catalan giants intend to partially reopen Camp Nou with a reduced capacity as rebuilding work continues at the stadium, which is due to be completed in 2026.The Johan Cruyff stadium, where Barca's women's team regularly plays, holds around 6,000 spectators.Barcelona closed the Camp Nou for building work at the end of the 2022/23 season, saying they would partially reopen the stadium in November 2024.They played their home matches at the Olympic stadium on the city's Montjuic hill until the end of last season, as the return date was repeatedly pushed back because of delays in construction and problems obtaining licenses.Barcelona are estimated to be paying 1.5 billion euros ($1.75 billion) for the Camp Nou rebuild.

SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 14: General view inside the stadium ahead during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Johan Cruyff stadium on September 14, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Barcelona to stay at Johan Cruyff stadium for Getafe clash

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insisted he will not change his formation or tactics but s...

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insisted he will not change his formation or tactics but said he is suffering more than the club's supporters after a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.The Red Devils have taken just four points from their opening four Premier League games and been dumped out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby.Since Amorim took charge in November last year, United have won just eight of 31 Premier League games, finishing 15th in the table last season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, the Portuguese bristled when asked whether he has to rethink his preferred 3-4-3 system."I understand that and I accept it. It's not a record that you should have in Manchester United," said Amorim."I'm not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the men (players).... I play my way and I'm going to play my way until I want to change."The former Sporting Lisbon boss has so far received steadfast support from the United hierarchy.But after being backed with a £200-million ($271 million) investment in a new forward line, time is running out for the 40-year-old to show results.United have scored just four goals in the Premier League so far this season, two of which were own-goals by the opposition and one from the penalty spot.Of the new signings, Matheus Cunha was sidelined by injury against City, but £74 million striker Benjamin Sesko was ineffectual on his first start."My message is that I'm going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club," Amorim added on his future."Until I'm here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I'm suffering more than them (the fans)."United went into the derby above City in the table for the first time in five years.Pep Guardiola's men had shown their frailties in back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Brighton before the international break.City remain six points behind leaders Liverpool, but Guardiola is hoping the good feeling created by a derby win can be a launching pad for their season."I would love it to (be the start of a good run) but I would say we started last season winning four games in a row and look how we struggled in October, November, December."We have to improve, but that's true that winning games, especially in the derby, you see the faces of our fans, the joy, the happiness after the game, always it helps."

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim appears dejected following the Premier League match at Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday September 14, 2025.

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Defiant Amorim won't change tactics despite 'suffering' at Man United

Victor Boniface came off the bench late to set up a Justin Njinmah goal on debut as Werder Bremen...

Victor Boniface came off the bench late to set up a Justin Njinmah goal on debut as Werder Bremen cantered to a 4-0 victory at Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga on Sunday. Bremen were dominant against the hapless hosts, taking a two-goal lead at half-time thanks to goals from Samuel Mbangula and Jens Stage. Romano Schmid added a second-half penalty and Boniface, signed on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen, came off the bench with 75 minutes played. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Nigerian threaded a brilliant pass through a crowded penalty box, allowing Njinmah to score as Bremen won their first match of the campaign. Gladbach are still yet to score this season in three matches. Earlier on Sunday, St Pauli came from a goal down to beat Augsburg 2-1, with Burnley loanee Andreas Hountondji scoring for the third straight match.

MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 14: Justin Njinmah of SV Werder Bremen and Victor Boniface of SV Werder Bremen celebrate their team's fourth goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Monchengladbach and SV Werder Bremen at Borussia-Park on September 14, 2025 in Moenchengladbach, Germany.

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Boniface gets assist on debut as Werder Bremen smash Gladbach

A Bradley Barcola brace earned Paris Saint-Germain a 2-0 win over Lens in Ligue 1 on Sunday.  The...

A Bradley Barcola brace earned Paris Saint-Germain a 2-0 win over Lens in Ligue 1 on Sunday.The result sent PSG back to the top of the table as the reigning champions secured their fourth win from four outings this term.However, the match threw up further injury headaches for coach Luis Enrique ahead of the start of PSG's Champions League defence next week, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lee Kang-in and Lucas Beraldo all limping off.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The trio joined star attackers Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue on the treatment table, after the pair picked up knocks while on France duty last week."Unfortunately, Kvara was tackled in the first half and couldn't continue. For Kang-in it doesn't look too serious, but Beraldo seems to be worse off," Luis Enrique told Bein Sports.However, the Spaniard insisted that the club's lengthening sick list did not constitute a crisis."It happens to everyone. It's a bit of a difficult time for us because we have injured players. We have to wait for the (test) results," he said, before adding that his charges have "the ability to adapt and respond as a team".Barcola sent PSG ahead on the quarter-hour with an elegant curling finish from 20 yards.The first casualty for the hosts came in the form of star winger Kvaratskhelia, who was forced off 30 minutes in with a calf issue, casting a doubt over his presence for Wednesday's European clash with Atalanta.Barcola doubled PSG's lead six minutes after half-time when he drove in from the left before arrowing a right-footed finish from distance past the dive of goalkeeper Robin Risser.PSG's injury woes accumulated in the second period when first midfielder Lee, then defender Beraldo had to be replaced.

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #29 Bradley Barcola celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and RC Lens at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, on September 14, 2025.

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PSG still perfect after Barcola downs Lens

Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City inflicted another damaging defeat on Manchester Un...

Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City inflicted another damaging defeat on Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim with a comprehensive 3-0 win on Sunday.Phil Foden opened the scoring before Haaland took centre stage with a second-half double, either side of an incredible miss from the Norwegian, as City bounced back from two consecutive Premier League defeats.United went into a derby ahead of City in the Premier League table for the first time in five years.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But that owed more to City's early season struggles than signs of progress for Amorim's men, who have taken just four points from their opening four games and been dumped out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby."In these kind of games we need to be perfect and in this game we were not perfect," said Amorim."The frustration is always the same because with the amount of chances (we create), we need to score goals."To cap a fine City display, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma marked his debut with a stunning save from Bryan Mbeumo to deny United a foothold in the game at 2-0.City remain six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, but victory is a huge confidence boost for Pep Guardiola's side ahead of facing Serie A champions Napoli and Premier League title rivals Arsenal next week."We needed this," said Haaland. "You always want to win the derby but you could feel it extra today."I'm so relieved, so happy we managed to do it altogether. We have to keep going."Before kick-off, both sets of fans put rivalry aside to pay tribute to boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who died on Sunday at the age of 46.A massive City fan, Hatton's face was displayed on big screens during a minute's applause.Foden, a fellow boyhood City supporter, said before kick-off that the news gave the home side extra motivation to win in Hatton's honour.And the England international was central to a much-needed victory after a difficult start to the campaign for him personally and City as a whole.Foden was the Premier League player of the season in the 2023-24 campaign, but his form dipped drastically last season.Fitness issues meant he had not started a game this season until Sunday, but he took just 18 minutes to make his mark.United's defence allowed Jeremy Doku to bundle his way to the by-line and the Belgian's cross picked out Foden, completely unmarked, to head in the opening goal.<h3>Donnarumma decisive</h3>Doku was the creator once more when City doubled their lead on 53 minutes.Haaland showed his power, pace and incredible precision to dink the ball over the onrushing Altay Bayindir.City's number nine went from the sublime to the ridiculous moments later when he missed an open goal with the chance to double his tally.United were architects of their own danger as Matthijs de Ligt's poor pass set up a City counter-attack.Tijjani Reijnders's dummy set Haaland clear on goal, but after rounding Bayindir, he could only hit the post on the stretch.Moments later, Donnarumma produced his moment of magic to prevent what could have been a turning point.Mbeumo's sweetly-struck volley was arrowing into the bottom corner until the Italian reached out a giant right hand to turn it behind.What could have been 2-1 was soon 3-0 thanks to another United gift.Harry Maguire this time gave away possession to Bernardo Silva, who set Haaland racing away into the vacant United half and he kept his cool to score for the eighth time in nine appearances against United.City fans goaded Amorim with chants of "sacked in the morning" in the closing stages.The Portuguese is not in danger of an immediate dismissal, but his Premier League record now reads a dismal eight wins in 31 games.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates after scoring the second goal for his team during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Haaland-inspired City inflict Manchester derby pain on United

Ethan Mbappe, brother of France and Real Madrid superstar Kylian, scored deep into second-half ad...

Ethan Mbappe, brother of France and Real Madrid superstar Kylian, scored deep into second-half added time as Lille fought from a goal down after regulation time to beat Toulouse 2-1 in Ligue 1 on Sunday.A 90th-minute penalty converted by former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb had brought the hosts level before 18-year-old Mbappe volleyed home eight minutes into injury time to seal the win.Both goals came courtesy of late substitutes introduced by coach Bruno Genesio, with Toulouse down to 10 men after 80 minutes after midfielder Alexis Vossah's sending off.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in the wake of his elder brother's acrimonious free transfer to Madrid, Mbappe joined Lille in July last year.The midfielder's first strike for the 2020-21 Ligue 1 winners came on his 11th league appearance as he ghosted in at the far post to thrash Osame Sahraoui's stood-up cross past the helpless visiting goalkeeper.Frank Magri opened the scoring for Toulouse early in the second period before Lille's late show.The last-gasp win took Lille to the top of the Ligue 1 table, with 10 points from four outings.

Lille's French midfielder #08 Ethan Mbappe celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the French L1 football match between Lille LOSC and Toulouse FC at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on September 14, 2025.

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Ethan Mbappe strikes late to give Lille win over Toulouse

Mohamed Salah scored a stoppage-time penalty against Burnley on Sunday as Liverpool maintained th...

Mohamed Salah scored a stoppage-time penalty against Burnley on Sunday as Liverpool maintained their perfect record to return to the top of the Premier League.Scott Parker's men had doggedly kept the champions at bay but a Hannibal Mejbri handball in the dying seconds gave Salah a chance to win the match and he made no mistake.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Salah from the spot to secure all three points on the road 🇪🇬👑 <a href="https://t.co/sblw51Tacr">pic.twitter.com/sblw51Tacr</a>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1967332528395886781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Liverpool are the first side in Premier League history to win four consecutive games with winning goals scored in the final 10 minutes or later -- with Sunday's coming in the 95th minute.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>They are three points clear of Arsenal, who went top of the table on Saturday with a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.Arne Slot's Liverpool, chasing a record 21st English league title, have not been at their best this season but have found a way to win all four of their matches.The Dutchman said his team had struggled to create clear-cut chances against a side who defended deep.They had 27 shots at Turf Moor but just four of those were on target."We kept playing, we kept moving the ball around," Slot told Sky Sports. "They got more and more tired which is normal when you have to defend for 80 percent of time and then we got as many attackers on as possible."Difficult game but all of them are in the Premier League. A clean sheet and from open play we hardly concede a chance. That's a good thing."It is normal and a lot of new players, we will get better and better but in the meantime we have 12 points."<h3>Isak absent</h3>Slot left new signing Alexander Isak out of his squad after warning he would ease the forward into action gradually.But he could still field an impressive attacking line-up including Salah, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.Liverpool dominated from the start while Burnley sought to break quickly on the rare occasions when they won possession.Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate headed over from close range and Ekitike flicked a shot wide of the far post from a narrow angle.But their one shot on target in the first half came from Andy Robertson soon after he had replaced Milos Kerkez in the 38th minute.The Hungary international had been booked for diving for a penalty, and Slot removed him from the fray after another foul to avoid a potential sending-off.Ryan Gravenberch flashed a volley wide early in the second half and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka kept out a long-range effort from Dominik Szoboszlai.Slot made his first attacking change in the 72nd minute, bringing on Federico Chiesa for Ekitike.The move almost paid immediate dividends but the Italian international failed to direct his header from Robertson's cross on target.Burnley were reduced to ten men as Lesley Ugochukwu was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Wirtz on the edge of the box in the 84th minute.Slot threw on Jeremie Frimpong and Rio Ngumoha for Wirtz and Konate in a last-ditch bid for all three points.Their relentless pressure finally paid off when Mejbri handled Frimpong's cross in the penalty area and referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot.Salah stepped up and blasted the ball into the net, ensuring a fourth win from four matches.Burnley, promoted back to the Premier League in April, have one win and three defeats from their first four matches of the season.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after scoring their side's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Burnley and Liverpool at Turf Moor on September 14, 2025 in Burnley, England.

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Liverpool stay perfect as Salah's last-gasp penalty sinks Burnley

Alexander Isak is not in Liverpool's squad for their Premier League match at Burnley on Sunday.  ...

Alexander Isak is not in Liverpool's squad for their Premier League match at Burnley on Sunday.Liverpool boss Arne Slot said on Friday that the forward, signed for a British-record fee of £125 million ($169 million) from Newcastle this month, would be eased in after a disrupted pre-season.Isak's arrival at Anfield after a protracted chase was part of an eye-catching Liverpool splurge of more than £400 million in the summer transfer window.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Slot, speaking at his pre-match press conference, described Isak as "maybe the best striker in the world" but he urged fans to be patient."He missed a proper pre-season, I think he missed three or four months of team sessions, so now we have to build him up gradually, with us playing so many games, hardly any training time."Speaking before kick-off on Sunday, he reiterated that the 25-year-old forward needs more time."We've decided it is the best for him to have a proper week of training instead of every time going for five or 10 minutes of playing," he told Sky Sports."I can assure the fans that he will be involved on Wednesday (against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League), but this game came a bit too early."Liverpool named the same starting XI that began the victory over Arsenal before the international break.The champions have won all three of their Premier League matches so far this season.Newly promoted Burnley have won one of their three games matches so far.

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Alexander Isak of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on September 12, 2025 in Kirkby, England.

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Isak in contention for Liverpool's UCL opener after missing Burnley game

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