Jenkins Strikes as Chelsea Edge Dortmund in Champions League Opener
UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 — Borussia Dortmund 0–1 Chelsea
The UEFA Champions League returned with its new Swiss-format league phase in full swing, and Chelsea made an assured start to their European campaign with a 1–0 victory away to Borussia Dortmund. Johnny Jenkins’ precise second-half strike separated the sides, but Chelsea will be mindful of their missed chances in what could have been a more emphatic result.
Dortmund fielded a side packed with pace and technical flair, but on a warm summer’s evening at BVB Stadion Dortmund, they couldn’t find a way through a disciplined Chelsea defensive line. Chelsea looked the more cohesive outfit throughout, dictating the tempo and crafting the better chances, albeit without converting them until the 69th minute.
It was the ever-reliable Johnny Jenkins who stepped up. Receiving the ball just outside the box, he took a deft touch before curling a well-struck effort past the goalkeeper to seal the win. Jenkins’ industry and creativity stood out all game, with his goal a fitting reward for a commanding midfield display. The 30-year-old earned the Player of the Match accolade with an 8.4 rating, covering 13.2km and completing 27 passes at a 79% success rate.
Kieran O’Sullivan had a golden chance to break the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, but his effort was saved by Javi. Chelsea’s overall xG of 2.36 to Dortmund’s 0.13 tells the story — a game the Blues controlled but didn’t kill off. That said, in this new competition format, three points away from home are priceless.
Champions League Matchday 1 — Round-up & Analysis
Elsewhere in Europe, the new league-phase system produced some dramatic results and a clear indication of which teams are ready to compete in this grueling new format.
- Arsenal 5–2 Atlético Madrid: Ryan Coughlan bagged a brace, with J. Coppinger, B. Olatunde, and F. Peón all adding to the tally in a statement win at home. Atlético’s defensive frailty was exposed repeatedly — worrying signs for the Spanish side.
- Club Brugge 0–3 FCSM: Club Brugge were reduced to 10 men early after H. Bounou was sent off. FCSM capitalized clinically, with goals from J. Harti, M. Walsh, and M. Vincent sealing the win.
- FC København 1–3 FC Bayern: Despite a solid strike from T. Olsen for the Danish hosts, Bayern were ruthless. N. Brun opened the scoring, with N. De Giglio netting a first-half brace to kill the contest early.
- Liverpool 1–1 Barcelona: G. Cávara gave Liverpool an early lead, but a stoppage-time equalizer from none other than Ronaldinho salvaged a point for the visitors in a thrilling finale.
- Napoli 3–2 Beşiktaş: Antonio Jesús starred with a double and B. Pirson chipped in, but Beşiktaş fought bravely with goals from Cemâl Ali Kepoğlu and Ömerhan Yardım. Napoli’s firepower proved just enough.
- OM 0–3 AC Milan: Milan showed their European pedigree with a commanding away performance. F. Sulley, Francisco, and F. Agyemang all scored in a game where OM never truly settled.
- RB Leipzig 0–1 Aston Villa: A. Uzelac struck late to earn Villa an impressive win in Germany. Leipzig had control for large spells, but Villa’s resilience and organization earned them a valuable three points.
- Valencia 6–1 Inter: The Spanish side were utterly dominant. L. Granger and V. Demidov both scored braces, while E. Chafer and G. Kristiansen added more gloss. Inter pulled one back through Carlos Roberto, but the damage was long done.
The standout performers of the round included Ryan Coughlan (Arsenal), L. Granger (Valencia), and Ronaldinho (Barcelona), while Milan’s Sulley and Napoli’s Antonio Jesús reminded everyone that Italian teams still carry serious European firepower.
With the new format placing heavy emphasis on each individual result, teams like Valencia and Arsenal have laid down early markers. Meanwhile, Inter and Atlético will need swift turnarounds to avoid early pressure. Chelsea’s hard-fought away win doesn’t just earn them three points — it sends a message that Calin Dimario’s men are prepared for the marathon ahead.