Champions League Morning Report: Haaland Scores Twice as Man City Temporarily Go Top, Real Madrid Benefit from Inter's Costly Error

In the early hours of September 9 Beijing time, the first round of the league phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League began. The new Champions League season's opening round is again being played across three matchdays, with 12 teams appearing on the first matchday. Here is today's Champions League morning report.

Mbappe Scores, Martinez Makes Costly Error as Real Madrid Beat Inter Milan 2-1

At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on September 9, in the first round of the Champions League league phase, Real Madrid hosted Inter Milan. In the first half, Mbappe opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 14th minute. In the 23rd minute, Josep Martinez made a major error that allowed Valverde to extend the lead. Real Madrid led Inter 2-0 at halftime. In the second half, Lautaro assisted Augusto to pull one back in the 77th minute, while Courtois made several excellent saves. Real Madrid eventually defeated Inter 2-1. In this match, Mbappe also received last season's Champions League Golden Boot award, presented by Figo.

Haaland Scores Twice, Enzo Provides Assist as Manchester City Beat Porto 2-0

At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on September 9, in the first round of the Champions League league phase, Manchester City visited Porto. In the first half, Haaland had several dangerous shots saved by Diogo Costa, and the two teams went into halftime level at 0-0. In the second half, Haaland opened the scoring for City in the 47th minute with Enzo providing the assist. In stoppage time, Haaland scored again after an assist from Nouri to seal the win, as Manchester City defeated Porto 2-0.

Guirassy Scores an Unusual Hat-Trick in 13 Minutes as Dortmund Beat Villarreal 3-2

At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on September 9, in the first round of the Champions League league phase, Borussia Dortmund hosted Villarreal. Neither side scored in the first half, which ended 0-0. In the second half, Bayern caused Vega's own goal in the 53rd minute to give Dortmund the lead, and Mourino equalized in the 66th minute. In the 80th minute, Guirassy took over the game, scoring twice within five minutes to put Dortmund ahead before accidentally scoring an own goal with his face in stoppage time to complete an unusual hat-trick. Dortmund eventually defeated Villarreal 3-2.

McGinn Opens Scoring, Jackson Scores Debut Goal as Villa Beat Brugge 3-2

At 0:45 a.m. Beijing time on September 9, in the first round of the Champions League league phase, Aston Villa visited Brugge. The first half was a goal-filled affair, with McGinn scoring in the 11th minute and Vetlesen equalizing in the 19th minute. Villa then extended their lead through Buendia and Jackson, taking a 3-1 advantage into halftime. In the second half, Tresoldi converted a penalty to pull one back, and Villa eventually defeated Brugge 3-2.

Marin Scores Winner as AEK Athens Edge LASK Linz 1-0

At 0:45 a.m. Beijing time on September 9, in the first round of the Champions League league phase, AEK Athens hosted LASK Linz. Both teams had nine shots in the match, with AEK Athens leading 4-3 in shots on target, and Marin's 21st-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory.

Comeback! Bartra Scores Twice as Betis Beat 10-Man Lille 3-2

At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on September 9, in the first round of the Champions League league phase, Real Betis visited Lille. In the first half, Ayase Ueda gave Lille the lead in the 12th minute, Bartra equalized in the 33rd minute, and Sandro put Lille ahead again in the 36th minute, sending Betis into halftime trailing 1-2. In the second half, Bartra equalized in the 49th minute before Parrott completed the comeback. Ethan Mbappe was sent off with a red card in the 56th minute for elbowing an opponent, and neither side scored again as Betis won 3-2.

Champions League Dominance! Haaland Has Scored 36 Goals Since the Format Change, Second Only to Salah

In the Champions League league phase opener between Manchester City and Porto, Haaland scored twice to help City temporarily top the standings. Since the Champions League format changed from the group stage to the league phase, he has scored 36 Champions League goals, second only to Salah's 40. Haaland's heading ability has improved this season, and he has scored with headers in three consecutive matches.

In addition, Mbappe's goal against Inter took his Champions League career tally to 71, matching Raul's record and placing him in the top five in Champions League history. The top three scorers, Ronaldo (141 goals), Messi (129 goals), and Lewandowski (109 goals), remain difficult to surpass.

Champions League First-Day Standings: Manchester City Temporarily Top, Six Matches Produce Winners

On the first matchday of the new Champions League season, all six matches produced winners, with each victorious team earning three points. Interestingly, apart from Manchester City's 2-0 win, the other five teams all won by one goal, allowing City to temporarily sit at the top of the table.

(Original report by Sohu Sports: Kola)