Champions League September 17 matches Recap
| Match | Score (FT) |
|---|---|
| Slavia Prague vs Bodø/Glimt | 2–2 (Group A) |
| Ajax vs Inter Milan | 0–2 (Group B) |
| Bayern Munich vs Chelsea | 3–1 (Group C) |
| Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid | 3–2 (Group C) |
| PSG vs Atalanta | 4–0 (Group H) |
Slavia Prague 2–2 Bodø/Glimt: In Prague, Slavia took a 2–0 lead through Youssoupha Mbodji (23′, 74′), tapping in from set-play and volleying home. However, Bodø/Glimt’s never-say-die style paid off: substitute Daniel Bassi pulled one back in the 78th, and Sondre Brunstad Fet blasted a 90th-minute equaliser off the crossbar. Bodo’s goalkeeper Nikita Haikin made several crucial saves late on, preserving the draw. Key stats: Slavia out-shot Bodø (26 total attempts to 11) but only had one extra on-target (11 vs 10). Bodø edged possession (~54% vs 46%). The late strike made Fet the de facto man-of-the-match, showcasing Bodo’s resilient, high-pressing approach in their Champions League debut.
Ajax 0–2 Inter Milan: Inter, last season’s runners-up, began in style at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Marcus Thuram headed in from HakanÇalhanoğlu’su corners just before half-time (42′) and right after (47′), giving Inter a 2–0 win. Win. Ajax’s best chance came in the 40th minute when Mika Godts broke free one-on-one, but veteran keeper Yann Sommer saved brilliantly. Tactics: Manager Cristian Chivu set up a 3-5-2 with Thuram as the focal point (Martínez rested), exploiting aerial strength on set-pieces. Stats: Ajax had 56% possession but made just 7 shot attempts (2 on goal) versus Inter’s 14 (4 on goal). Thuram’s brace earned him man-of-the-match honors, highlighting Inter’s plan to capitalize on crosses and dead-ball situations.
Bayern Munich 3–1 Chelsea: Bayern extended their unbeaten start with a comfortable home win. Trevoh Chalobah’s own-goal (20′) and a Harry Kane penalty (27′) put Bayern 2–0 up. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer pulled one back in the 29th minute, but Kane calmly curled in a third in the 63rd minute. Key moments: Bayern took advantage of Chelsea’s defensive lapse for the opener, then won a foul on Enzo Fernández for Kane’s spot-kick. Despite Palmer’s reply, Bayern’s experience showed after half-time. Stats: Bayern dominated possession (56% vs 44%), and out-shot Chelsea (16 attempts, 5 on target, vs. 9 attempts, 3 on target). Chelsea’s youthful high-press impressed early, but Bayern’s quality (especially in corners and penalties) earned Kane man-of-the-match with two goals.
Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid: At Anfield, Liverpool stormed to a 2–0 lead inside six minutes: Andy Robertson nodded in from a Salah free-kick deflection (4′), and Salah himself weaved through defenders to score (6′). Atlético clawed back with two Marcos Llorente goals (45+3′ and 81′), echoing his Champions League heroics of 2020. In stoppage time, Virgil van Dijk met a corner to head home the winner (90+2′). Tactics: Liverpool’s aggressive press and width (new signings Isak and Wirtz debuted) overwhelmed Atletico early, but Simeone’s side grew stronger mid-game. Stats: Liverpool held 56% possession and fired 20 total shots (6 on target) to Atlético’s 10 (4 on target). Salah (goal + assist) and van Dijk (late header) were standout performers. Atlético’s coach, Diego Simeone, was sent off after frustration boiled over post-match. The game continued Liverpool’s pattern of late winners (their fifth straight match this season with a decisive goal after the 83rd minute).
