There was no walk for Real Madrid, who defeated Union Berlin (1-0). Nor for Inter Milan, outgoing finalist, who snatched the draw on the lawn of Real Sociedad (1-1).

After the victorious PSG of Dortmund on Tuesday (2-0), the second French club involved has also started its campaign well. Lens certainly did not win, but the current last of Ligue 1 played without complex in Andalusia in an unbridled match.

Led quickly after a goal from Lucas Ocampos, the Lensois quickly reacted thanks to a free kick from Angelo Fulgini. Reassuring before welcoming the ogre Arsenal to Bollaert.

French football club Lens player Elye Wahi (L) wrestles for the ball with Spanish Sevilla club player Boubakary Soumare during the Champions League match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on September 20, 2023. © JORGE GUERRERO / AFP

If those of Lens had waited two decades, Arsenal fans had been waiting since 2017. And the Emirates were not disappointed: for the return to the most prestigious of European club competitions, the Gunners played a full game.

At half-time the case was folded: Saka, Trossard and Jesus quickly buried the Dutch hopes. Odegaard sealed the scoring in the second period. Arsenal are the sole leaders of Group B.

Bayern-Manchester spectacular

It is still a little early to stick the label of favorite to the Arsenal coat of arms, but the Gunners' cannon is well loaded and their opponents will have to be wary of their chief dynamiters.

Bayern Munich player Harry Kane after scoring his club's 3rd goal against Manchester United during the Champions League match in Munich on September 20, 2023. © CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP

In the caste of favorites, like the defending champion Manchester City the day before, Bayern and Real responded by taking the three points from the start.

In a remake of the 1999 final, this time there was no miracle for Manchester United. But the English believed, with a double at the end of the match from Casemiro. Sané, Gnabry, Kane and Tel had provided the essentials for the Bavarians.

Galatasaray and Copenhagen back to back (2-2), Bayern is alone at the top of Group A.

Real in extremis

For its part, Real waited until the last minute to win against the surprising Germans of Union Berlin. The most successful club in the competition, in search of a 15th crown, Madrid may be in transition, but they are still capable of winning even in pain.

Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham (centre) after scoring his team's goal against Union Berlin in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 20, 2023. © Thomas COEX / AFP

Orphaned by Benzema, the White House is not to be outdone with its new prodigy, Jude Bellingham, who delivered the Santiago Bernabeu in the 94th minute of a closed game.

Napoli, another club expected this season in the Champions League, also waited until the last moments to take over the Portuguese Braga (2-1) and the top of Group C, ahead of Real with a goal scored in addition.

In Group D, Real Sociedad picked Inter, the outgoing finalist, with a goal in the 4th minute and almost held the surprise of the day. But Inter made Italian realism speak and equalized in the 87th. Salzburg took the lead in the group thanks to their victory at Benfica Lisbon (2-0).

© 2023 AFP