Liverpool bounce back with 5–1 demolition of Frankfurt as Chelsea and Bayern record big Champions League wins

Liverpool emphatically returned to winning ways on Wednesday night with a commanding 5–1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. There were also convincing wins for Chelsea and Bayern Munich, while record 15-time champions Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the competition with a narrow 1–0 triumph over Juventus.

Liverpool rediscover rhythm in emphatic fashion

After a run of four consecutive defeats, including Sunday’s home loss to Manchester United, Liverpool produced a statement performance in Germany to revive their European campaign.

Rasmus Kristensen gave the hosts an early advantage in the 26th minute, but Liverpool hit back just nine minutes later through former Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, who raced past three defenders before finishing calmly beneath goalkeeper Michael Zetterer. Out of respect for his former club, Ekitike declined to celebrate, instead raising his hands apologetically.

Captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté both powered home headers from corners in quick succession before half-time to hand Liverpool full control of the match.

In the second half, Florian Wirtz turned provider twice in quick succession — first setting up Cody Gakpo for a simple tap-in on 66 minutes, then assisting Dominik Szoboszlai, who rifled in a stunning low drive from 30 yards to seal a dominant display.

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk told TNT Sports:

“I don’t know if it’s a statement, but it’s a win and something to build on. We’ve had some tough results, but the only way forward is to stay focused and keep working together.”

Real Madrid edge Juventus to maintain perfect record

At the Santiago Bernabéu, Jude Bellingham netted his first Champions League goal of the season to give Real Madrid a hard-fought 1–0 win over Juventus.

The England midfielder reacted quickest to tap in after Vinícius Júnior’s angled shot struck the inside of the post in the 57th minute. The victory kept Madrid joint-top of the league phase on maximum points alongside Bayern Munich and three other clubs.

Juventus, meanwhile, remain winless in Europe this season, having drawn their previous two fixtures. Their last victory in any competition dates back to 13 September.

Chelsea’s youngsters sparkle in 5–1 rout of 10-man Ajax

A youthful Chelsea side overwhelmed Ajax at Stamford Bridge, cruising to a 5–1 win after a chaotic first half that included five goals, a red card, and three converted penalties.

Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor was sent off in the 15th minute for a reckless challenge on Facundo Buonanotte, paving the way for Chelsea to take full advantage. Teenager Marc Guiu and Moises Caicedo put the hosts two up before Wout Weghorst pulled one back from the penalty spot.

Chelsea restored their dominance as Enzo Fernández and 18-year-old Estêvão converted penalties of their own to establish a commanding 4–1 lead at half-time. Estêvão became Chelsea’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League — a record briefly held by Guiu earlier in the match.

Substitute Tyrique George, aged just 19, added a fifth shortly after the restart, capping a memorable night for Chelsea’s emerging generation.

Bayern and Athletic Bilbao also impress

In Munich, 17-year-old Lennart Karl became Bayern’s youngest Champions League scorer as he opened the floodgates in a comfortable 4–0 victory over Club Brugge. Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, and Nicolas Jackson also found the net for the German champions, who remain unbeaten this season across all competitions.

Elsewhere, Roberto Navarro made an immediate impact from the bench to inspire Athletic Bilbao to a 3–1 comeback win over Qarabag. The visitors had stunned the Spanish side by taking the lead inside 49 seconds through Leandro Andrade, but Gorka Guruzeta equalised before half-time and later sealed the points with his second of the night.

Other results

Elsewhere, Victor Osimhen scored twice as Galatasaray defeated Bodø/Glimt 3–1, while Sporting Lisbon came from behind to edge 10-man Marseille 2–1.

Tottenham Hotspur were held to a goalless draw away at Monaco, and Atalanta shared the spoils with Slavia Prague in another 0–0 stalemate.