The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign burst into life on September 9 as two Premier League giants secured crucial opening victories on foreign soil. Liverpool overturned a deficit to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1, while Arsenal ground out a narrow 1-0 win against Napoli at the Stadio go Armando Maradona.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were the heroes for Liverpool. Mac Allister’s winner capped a spirited comeback that put the Reds in perfect position early in the competition. The victory demonstrated Liverpool’s resilience when trailing against quality opposition.
Arsenal’s triumph came through captain Martin Odegaard, whose 75th-minute strike proved decisive. The Norwegian midfielder has been in sensational form, netting four goals in five games this season after managing just one goal in 36 appearances last campaign. Manager Mikel Arteta attributed the turnaround to improved fitness, noting that injuries hampered Odegaard’s availability last year. Arsenal’s dominance was reflected in their 26 shots, a club record for an away Champions League fixture.
What’s driving Odegaard’s remarkable transformation? Arteta pointed to better availability and evolving relationships on the pitch. Both clubs now turn their attention to maintaining momentum as the competition intensifies.
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