The Bundesliga made its return this weekend, joining other top European leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, and Ligue 1, all of which kicked off last week. The German league resumed action with some thrilling matches.
Bayer Leverkusen, the surprise champions of last season, continued their strong form with a dramatic win. Meanwhile, Manchester City in England showcased their formidable strength, while Barcelona in Spain managed a victory despite missing key players. In Italy, Christian Pulisic achieved a significant milestone for U.S. players in Europe.
Here’s a recap of the Saturday fixtures across Europe.
Barcelona Shines Despite Missing Key Players
Barcelona’s 2-1 victory against Athletic Club highlighted how effectively they coped without some of their key signings. New recruit Dani Olmo was not eligible to play as his registration was not completed, while Ilkay Gündogan had returned to Manchester City. Despite these absences, Barcelona featured standout performers like Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, with Yamal scoring the opener and Lewandowski netting the winner. Under new coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona appeared organized and energetic, hinting at a promising season ahead.
Pulisic Marks Milestone Despite AC Milan Defeat
Christian Pulisic scored for AC Milan in their season opener, marking a milestone as the first U.S. men’s national team player to score in ten seasons across Europe’s top five leagues. However, Milan suffered a setback, losing to newly promoted Parma after Pulisic’s equalizer was followed by a late goal from the opposition, leaving Milan at 16th in the Serie A standings.
Man City Continue to Impress
Manchester City demonstrated their continued dominance with a 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town. With key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland back in action, City looked more dangerous than ever. Haaland scored twice, completing his 10th hat-trick during his time at the club. Manager Pep Guardiola expressed confidence that this season could be even more successful than last, especially with their strong squad.
Leverkusen Begins Bundesliga Campaign with a Bang
Bayer Leverkusen opened their Bundesliga campaign with a thrilling match against Borussia Monchengladbach. After controlling much of the game and leading 2-0, Leverkusen faced a late equalizer from Gladbach. However, a controversial VAR decision late in stoppage time awarded them a penalty, which they converted after a rebound, securing a dramatic win. The team’s resilience has raised questions about their ability to maintain this level of performance throughout the season.
Additional News
Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, expressed his satisfaction with new manager Arne Slot’s early impact. Vinícius Júnior is set to remain with Real Madrid for the current season, considering potential offers from Saudi Arabian clubs afterwards. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed disappointment over their loss to Brighton, noting that the blame was shared by the entire team. This result continued a trend for United, who have now conceded 12 goals in added time under his management.
Overall, the opening weekend of European football has set an exciting tone for the seasons ahead.