Leverkusen, Benfica, Brest victories wrap up matchday 1 of 2024-25 UEFA Champions League campaign

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League matchday 1 wrapped up with high drama as Bayer Leverkusen dismantled Feyenoord. Meanwhile, newcomers Brest celebrated a fairy-tale debut with a memorable victory.

Benfica also showcased their quality, edging past Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. Thursday’s action delivered plenty of goals and dazzling displays of football.

Here is a review of three of the six games played on the day.

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Feyenoord 0-4 Bayer Leverkusen

Florian Wirtz made history as the first German to net a brace on their Champions League debut, leading Bayer Leverkusen’s blistering start.

The reigning Bundesliga champions scored four times before halftime, overwhelming Feyenoord in Rotterdam with an attacking masterclass.

Wirtz fired in a stunning opener five minutes in before later tapping home a third from Jeremie Frimpong’s cross.

In between, Alejandro Grimaldo finished another Frimpong pass, and a Timon Wellenreuther own goal sealed Feyenoord’s misery.

Crvena Zvevda 1-2 Benfica

Benfica celebrated their first-ever Matchday 1 away win, thanks to Orkun Kökçü’s majestic free-kick. Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s early tap-in had already given them a solid start after nine minutes.

Kökçü doubled Benfica’s lead with a brilliant curling effort just before the half-hour mark. Though Felício Milson pulled one back for the hosts late on, Benfica held firm.

Brest 2-1 Sturm Graz

Brest enjoyed a dream debut in Europe, securing a win in their first Champions League match. Hugo Magnetti’s delightful strike put them ahead before a freak own goal brought Sturm Graz level.

Senegalese forward Abdallah Sima then grabbed the winner, turning and firing Brest back in front before the hour mark.

Sturm’s hopes crumbled when Dimitri Lavalée saw red for a second yellow later in the game.

Tags: Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Brest, Crvena Zvevda, Abdallah Sima, Red Star Belgrade, 2024-25 Champions League matchday 1, Sturm Graz, Feyenoord , Florian Wirtz, #UCL, #ChampionsLeague, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports.