Osimhen Sinks Liverpool as Chelsea, Bayern, and Inter Shine in Champions League Night of Drama

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was the hero on Tuesday night as his first-half penalty secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League. The Nigerian forward kept his composure from the spot to hand the Turkish giants their first three points of the campaign, leaving the Premier League champions stunned.

Elsewhere, José Mourinho endured a frustrating return to Stamford Bridge, with his Benfica side losing 1-0 to Chelsea. The Portuguese tactician, who has enjoyed some of his greatest triumphs in West London, was given a harsh reminder that nostalgia counts for little under the floodlights of Europe.

In Germany, Bayern Munich flexed their muscles, cruising past debutants Pafos with a 5-1 away win, while last season’s runners-up Inter Milan proved they are still serious contenders, easing to a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague to maintain their perfect record.

Atlético Madrid roared back to life, dismantling Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1, and French giants Marseille sent a strong message with a commanding 4-0 triumph over Ajax — both clubs erasing the disappointment of opening-day defeats.

Opinion:
European nights like this remind us why the Champions League is more than just football — it’s theatre. Osimhen’s winner wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement. The Nigerian has battled injuries and criticism in recent months, but in Istanbul, he showed the poise of a striker destined for the big stage. For Liverpool, it was a sobering reality check: even champions can be humbled when belief and grit meet talent.

Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge, though romantic on paper, showed another truth — football doesn’t wait for past legends. Chelsea’s resilience underlined that they are building their own narrative, free from the shadows of their iconic former manager.

And then there’s Bayern and Inter, both marching forward with a ruthlessness that screams intent. If their early dominance is anything to go by, Europe may once again be heading toward a clash of the heavyweights.

From Paris to Istanbul, London to Munich, the night gave fans everything: goals, drama, nostalgia, and the thrill of uncertainty. And if Osimhen’s strike is the spark that lights up this campaign, the Champions League might just have found its new hero.