Szoboszlai Rescues Liverpool as Mourinho Wins Real Madrid Debut 2-1

Dominik Szoboszlai converted an injury-time penalty to secure a draw for Liverpool against Newcastle as the 2026-27 European season officially began.

The 2026-27 European season opened with Real Madrid securing a 2-1 victory over Espanyol and Liverpool salvaging a late draw at Newcastle. Jose Mourinho’s return to the Madrid dugout was decided 11 minutes from time when 6-foot-4 substitute Carlos Espi, a €25M signing, bundled home the winner. This followed an opening goal by Espanyol's Alex Calatrava. Real Madrid’s lineup featured summer arrivals Denzel Dumfries, Dean Huijsen, and Ibrahima Konate, while Jude Bellingham played despite having only 10 days of training. The club recently sold Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham for €40M.

At St James' Park, Liverpool avoided defeat after Lewis Hall conceded a penalty deep in injury time, which Dominik Szoboszlai converted. Despite Andoni Iraola’s side recording 36 touches in the Newcastle box and doubling the opposition's xG, the match ended level. Newcastle competed without Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and former coach Eddie Howe. Matthias Jaissle led the Magpies following three seasons in the Saudi Pro League. Liverpool played without Hugo Ekitike, who is sidelined until the new year, while Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak struggled to impact the game.

Premier League and LaLiga Results

Manchester City defeated Bournemouth 2-1 at home, scoring two goals in the final five minutes to overcome a wobbly defensive performance. Erling Haaland started for City, while Rayan Cherki was instrumental in both goals despite not starting. Bournemouth, now managed by Iraola's successor, saw Yoane Wissa miss two clear chances. In Manchester United news, Michael Carrick’s permanent tenure began with a 2-0 loss away to Hull City. Carrick utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in midfield, though Kobbie Mainoo appeared as a substitute. Matheus Cunha started upfront while Benjamin Sesko recovers from injury.

Barcelona opened their LaLiga campaign with a 5-0 thumping of Elche. New signing Anthony Gordon impressed on the left wing, while Hansi Flick utilized Raphinha in a central role ahead of Fermin Lopez. Lamine Yamal and Karim Adeyemi started on the flanks. The victory was achieved without Pedri, Rodri, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, or Dani Olmo in the starting eleven. 19-year-old Marc Bernal and Gavi occupied the defensive midfield roles.

German Super Cup and Serie A Action

Bayern Munich claimed the German Super Cup with a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. Nathaniel Brown, playing as a No. 10 in place of the injured Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl, and Serge Gnabry, opened the scoring. Michael Olise drove the Bayern attack before Fabio Silva scored a late goal for Dortmund. Maximilian Beier missed a significant chance to equalize for the BVB side.

In Italy, Inter Milan defeated Monza 4-1. 21-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito scored with a back-heel flick and provided an assist. Hakan Calhanoglou scored the opener following Esposito’s hold-up play. Inter’s defense featured Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni, and goalkeeper Josep Martinez. AC Milan secured a 2-1 win at Torino under Ruben Amorim. 19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse scored on his debut, starting over Alexis Saelemakers and Diego Moreira, while Rafael Leao remained out of the squad.

Transfer Impact and Late Drama

Paris Saint-Germain drew 2-2 with Rennes after trailing by two goals at halftime. Luis Enrique substituted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele for Mika Godts and €55M signing Ferran Torres. Torres scored a header and a second goal assisted by Fabian Ruiz to level the match. Juventus beat Frosinone 1-0 via a Gleison Bremer header. New signing Randal Kolo Muani, joined on a €4M loan with a €34M obligation, failed to score. Douglas Luiz also started for the Turin side.

Napoli won 2-0 against Genoa with goals from substitutes Kevin De Bruyne and Antonio Vergara. Max Allegri’s side had an xG of just 0.09 after 62 minutes, with starters Rasmus Hojlund and Lorenzo Lucca failing to register a shot. Atletico Madrid drew 2-2 with Villarreal as Julian Alvarez faced boos from the crowd. Villarreal’s Alex Baena assisted Giuliano Simeone for the equalizer after Robin Le Normand was sent off for Atleti. Finally, Tottenham suffered a 3-0 defeat against Roberto de Zerbi’s side, with Igor Thiago missing a penalty that could have made it four.