Bayern Munich became the first team to score nine goals in a modern Champions League game, marking a thrilling start to Europe’s elite club competition’s new format on Tuesday.
Led by Harry Kane, who netted four goals—including three penalties—Bayern crushed Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 at the Allianz Arena.
Michael Olise, Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka, and Raphael Guerreiro also contributed to the onslaught, while Dinamo Zagreb managed two quick goals after halftime through Bruno Petkovic and Takuya Ogiwara.
However, Bayern responded with six more goals, securing a dominant victory.
“It was an amazing, crazy game. Scoring three penalties in one match is something you don’t really see,” Kane said post-match.
Elsewhere, reigning champions Real Madrid had a hard-fought 3-1 victory against VfB Stuttgart. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Real, while Antonio Rudiger and youngster Endrick sealed the win after Stuttgart equalized.
Liverpool also made a strong return to the Champions League, overcoming AC Milan 3-1, with Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai on the scoresheet.
Aston Villa, playing their first modern Champions League match in 41 years, defeated Swiss champions Young Boys 3-0 in Bern. Other highlights include Juventus’ 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven and Sporting’s 2-0 triumph over Lille.
The revamped Champions League, now featuring 36 teams in a single league instead of groups, is aimed at refreshing the competition while fending off the threat of a breakaway Super League.
