The 2025-26 Champions League season has just started and we can already come to some early overreactions on the players and teams that are playing the current edition of the European tournament. After some surprising results, exciting matches and incredible goals scored in the first three days of action of the new Champions League edition, it’s now time to sit down and reflect on the biggest takeaways of the first matchday. Yes, it’s time for some overreactions:
Rashford will be the MVP of the season
The Barcelona and English striker has been the hero of the night at St. James’ Park where he scored his first two goals as Barcelona player, showing he can still be one of the best players in Europe. The Englishman moved from Manchester United in the summer to Spain, and under Hansi Flick, he can improve and be back at his best levels. His second goal against Newcastle was a clear reminder that he can still become the champion many hoped for, and if everything goes to plan, he could even become the MVP of the season.
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Vinicius Jr. needs to leave Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso decided to bench Vinicius Jr. in the opening Champions League match of the season against Olympique Marseille but it turned out to be a poor decision from the former Bayer Leverkusen head coach, as the Brazilian star showed when he came in later in the match that he’s still a key player for the Blancos. The Spanish giants have a deep roster and talented young strikers, such as Rodrygo and Argentinian winger Franco Mastantuono, and of course, French superstar Kylian Mbappe. However, Vinicius is still the player who can make the difference in such matches, and if the coach decides to bench him, even if this was the opening game of the cup, he should find a club that will make him the face of the team.
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Juventus don’t need another striker
The Bianconeri played an incredible match on Tuesday against Borussia Dortmund that ended 4-4 in Turin and managed to score two goals in stoppage time to avoid defeat in their Champions League opener. Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic scored a brace and provided the key assist to Lloyd Kelly, who scored the equalizer in the last minute of the match, showing he’s the player Juventus need right now. Despite a contract running out in 2026, the Bianconeri should focus on agreeing on a new deal with his agents before it’s too late, because he’s the player Igor Tudor’s side need the most right now and there aren’t many strikers around the world who can fill the gaps in case he leaves next summer as a free agent.
Simeone’s spell at Atletico is coming to an end
It was a disappointing night at Anfield for Atletico Madrid and Argentinian coach Diego Simeone as the Colchoneros lost 3-2 against Liverpool and conceded a late goal to Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk. Simeone showed all his frustration in the post game press conference and even after the goal scored by Liverpool, as he received a red card after a dispute with a Reds fan close to the Atletico Madrid bench. The 2025-26 season started off slowly for Simeone, with only one win in all competitions so far, and it’s probably time for both parties to start something new after almost 15 years, as he was appointed in 2011 and since then created one of the most exciting legacies in the modern era.
Bayern Munich will win the Champions League
While most of us mentioned PSG, Manchester City or Barcelona as the leading candidates for the final win of the tournament, Bayern Munich shouldn’t be underestimated. The team coached by Vincent Kompany had a strong summer transfer window and started off the new season with three wins in three games and won also 3-1 their opening Champions League match against Chelsea at the Allianz Arena. Bayern are a genuine contender for the title, and after missing the chance to reach the Champions League final in their own stadium last season, they will be even more determined to make it this year.
Kvaratskhelia to win next Ballon d’Or
While the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards will take place on Monday, September 22, and Ousmane Dembele is the most likely candidate for the win, his PSG teammate, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia should win the next edition of the individual prize. After moving from Napoli to PSG for around $70 million in January 2025, his performances were crucial for the team coached by Luis Enrique to win the treble, which also included the first historical Champions League win in the 5-0 final against Inter in Munich. In his European debut this season, Kvaratskhelia immediately made an impact with a stunning goal against Atalanta, proving he has the quality to one day lift that trophy. It might not happen this year, but next year could be his moment.
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