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Champions League Group Stage Kicks Off with Upsets and Dominance

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 2:11 GMT by Daily Mail
      Locales: GERMANY, FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY, TURKEY, AZERBAIJAN, KAZAKHSTAN, SAUDI ARABIA

Thursday, January 29th, 2026 - The 2025-26 Champions League group stage has begun, delivering a mix of expected results and surprising upsets on a night of compelling European football. From Arsenal's confident start to Tottenham's stumble, the opening matches have already begun to shape the narratives for the coming months.

Premier League Powerhouses Showcase Strength

The English Premier League sides largely delivered on their pre-tournament billing, although not without a few nervous moments. Arsenal started their campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Kairat. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard all found the net, demonstrating Arsenal's attacking firepower and tactical fluidity under their manager. While Kairat managed a late consolation, the Gunners' dominance was clear, signalling their intent to go deep in the competition.

Chelsea also enjoyed a positive start, securing a 3-1 away win against Napoli. Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, and a late Conor Gallagher goal ensured a comfortable victory for the Blues. The result will be a welcome boost for Chelsea fans, who have seen their team rebuild after a period of transition.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Premier League contingent. Tottenham Hotspur suffered a shock 2-1 defeat away to Eintracht Frankfurt. A late goal from Randal Muani sealed the victory for the German side, leaving Spurs with an uphill battle in their group. The loss raises questions about Tottenham's consistency and ability to perform against strong opposition on the road.

Newcastle United played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain. While a draw away to PSG isn't a terrible result, it highlights vulnerabilities in Newcastle's defense and suggests a tough road ahead in the group stage. The Magpies showed resilience to come back from behind, but ultimately couldn't secure the win.

Liverpool, as expected, made a statement with a dominant 5-0 victory over Qarabag at Anfield. Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota were among the goalscorers, underlining Liverpool's continued attacking threat. The Reds looked sharp and clinical, offering a warning to their rivals.

Manchester City Assert Their Dominance

Manchester City emphatically asserted their status as one of the favorites with a 4-0 thrashing of Galatasaray. Erling Haaland bagged a brace, adding to goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. City's attacking prowess was on full display, leaving Galatasaray with little hope of mounting a comeback. The performance showcased City's well-drilled system and the individual brilliance of their star players.

Emerging Threats and Potential Dark Horses

While the established giants largely delivered, Eintracht Frankfurt's victory over Tottenham serves as a reminder that the Champions League is always full of surprises. Frankfurt, a team on the rise, could prove to be a dark horse in the competition. Their victory demonstrates that tactical discipline and a strong work ethic can overcome individual brilliance.

The early results suggest that this year's Champions League will be fiercely competitive. The Premier League sides, while strong, aren't guaranteed success. The likes of Napoli, PSG and even Frankfurt will be looking to challenge for the trophy.

The group stage is still in its early days, but these opening matches have set the stage for a captivating tournament. Fans can expect more drama, excitement, and upsets as the competition progresses. The battle for qualification from each group will be intense, with every point crucial. Keep an eye on how the teams adapt and evolve as the group stage unfolds. The next round of fixtures promises to be equally compelling.