Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign with a win at Porto, where Erling Haaland scored twice in a tense, bad-tempered contest. The match spilled over at halftime with an altercation in the tunnel, and Haaland later accused a Porto opponent of grabbing him. UEFA could yet fine City over their role in the incident, but the result gave Pep Guardiola’s side a winning start.

Arsenal also began the league phase with an important away victory, beating Napoli 1-0 after Martin Odegaard converted a spell of sustained pressure. Mikel Arteta said the scoreline did not fully reflect Arsenal’s control, while Napoli’s problems deepened with a third straight defeat in all competitions. Goalkeeper Alex Meret went off injured at halftime, captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo said the team had defended too deep, and director Giovanni Manna confirmed Noa Lang had been left out for disciplinary reasons.

Real Madrid made their own statement in the opening round, beating Inter 2-1 at the Bernabeu. Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez apologized to supporters after his costly error, while midfielder Andy Diouf insisted his side had enough quality to beat Madrid and described Kylian Mbappe as the best player in the world.

Liverpool’s home meeting with Atletico Madrid brought fresh concern over injuries. Bradley Barcola started but was forced off, while Cody Gakpo was replaced by Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool’s options were tested. Tottenham loanee Mykhailo Mudryk also suffered an early setback, ruled out for up to two months with an ankle injury after just one game of his spell, leaving Roberto De Zerbi short on the left flank.