New Delhi: European football delivered a thrilling weekend of action filled with intense battles, unexpected results, and standout performances across the top leagues. Fans were treated to a mix of nail-biting finishes, high-scoring matches, and impressive individual displays that kept the excitement alive throughout the weekend.
From dramatic late goals to dominant team performances, the action spanned across all major competitions. In Italy, one of football’s biggest rivalries took center stage while in Spain top teams continued their impressive form with crucial victories. Germany saw high drama with a stunning comeback from Leverkusen and in France fierce competition kept the title race unpredictable.
Across the board, it was a weekend where teams battled not just for points but for pride, delivering moments that will linger long in the memories of fans. Whether it was title contenders asserting their dominance or underdogs pulling off surprise results the weekend’s action highlighted the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of European football this season.
From Milan’s narrow win over Inter in Serie A to Barcelona’s continued dominance in La Liga, here is a detailed roundup of the major action that took place this weekend.
La Liga
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Lamine Yamal during the LaLiga match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on September 22, 2024 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
In Spain, Atletico Madrid’s promising start to the season hit a slight bump as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano. Conor Gallagher, who has made a strong impression since joining from Chelsea was once again on the scoresheet for Atletico canceling out Isi Palazon’s opener for the hosts.
Rayo’s goal came after a quick breakaway with Andrei Ratiu providing the assist. Although initially disallowed for offside, the goal was awarded following a VAR review. Gallagher equalized shortly after halftime with a composed finish following excellent work by Alexander Sorloth but neither side could find a winner in an intense contest.
Meanwhile, Barcelona continued their perfect start to the season with a commanding 5-1 victory over Villarreal. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both scored braces as Barca overwhelmed their hosts. Despite a brief response from Villarreal’s Ayoze Perez Barcelona proved too strong, with Pablo Torre adding to the scoreline and Raphinha completing the rout.
In another match, Athletic Bilbao climbed to third with a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo as Gorka Guruzeta double. Iago Aspas had equalized for Vigo but Bilbao’s relentless pressure paid off, with Alvaro Djalo sealing the points late on.
Bundesliga
Bayer Leverkusen players celebrating after win over Wolfsburg. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
In Germany this weekend we witnessed two standout matches as Bayer Leverkusen pulled off a remarkable comeback to beat Wolfsburg 4-3, and Stuttgart shocked Borussia Dortmund with a 5-1 thrashing. Leverkusen had to come from behind twice before securing the win in stoppage time thanks to Victor Boniface’s dramatic 93rd-minute strike.
Wolfsburg started strong capitalizing on an early own goal from Nordi Mukiele but Leverkusen responded through Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah. However, Wolfsburg fought back to level twice with Sebastiaan Bornauw and Mattias Svanberg getting on the scoresheet. In a tense second half, Piero Hincapie headed Leverkusen back in front before Boniface’s winner sealed a thrilling contest.
In Stuttgart, Deniz Undav was the star of the show as he scored twice to help his side dismantle Dortmund 5-1. Stuttgart raced into an early lead, with Undav opening the scoring after just five minutes. Ermedin Demirovic doubled their advantage before half-time, and though Serhou Guirassy pulled one back for Dortmund, further goals from Undav, El Bilal Touré, and Millot ensured a humiliating defeat for last season’s Bundesliga runners-up.
Serie A
AC Milan players celebrate at the end of the Italian Serie A football match Inter Milan and AC Milan at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Piero Cruciatti/Anadolu via Getty Images)
AC Milan finally broke their derby curse against Inter in a dramatic fashion as they secured a 2-1 victory thanks to a late header from defender Matteo Gabbia. The result was a huge relief for manager Paulo Fonseca whose job had come under intense scrutiny. Milan started brightly with Alvaro Morata testing Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer early on.
Christian Pulisic gave the Rossoneri the lead in the 10th minute after a solo run through Inter’s defense. However, Inter responded well and equalized midway through the first half when Lautaro Martínez set up Federico Dimarco for a low strike that beat Mike Maignan. Inter had chances to take the lead including a controversial penalty decision overturned by VAR after the ball struck Martínez’s shoulder.
With the game heading for a draw Milan snatched all three points in the dying moments as Gabbia powered home a header from Tijjani Reijnders’ free-kick. Elsewhere in Italy, Fiorentina secured a crucial 2-1 win over Lazio with two penalties from Albert Gudmundsson coming from behind to overturn Mario Gila’s opener.
Ligue 1
Randal Kolo Muani #23 of Paris Saint-Germain controls the ball against Emmanuel Agbadou #5 of Stade de Reims during the Ligue 1 match between Stade de Reims and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade Auguste Delaune on September 21, 2024 in Reims, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
In Ligue 1, Jonathan Rowe was the match-winner for Marseille, netting a dramatic 90th minute goal to secure a 3-2 comeback victory over Lyon. The England Under-21 international, who joined Marseille from Norwich City on a season-long loan in August scored his first goal for the club, sealing three crucial points. Rowe’s late strike completed a thrilling turnaround and kept Marseille’s unbeaten start to the season intact.
With the win, Marseille moved level on 13 points with Paris Saint-Germain, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Reims. Despite dominating much of the game PSG couldn’t find the decisive goal and were forced to settle for a share of the points, maintaining their unbeaten run but losing ground in the title race.
Monaco also stayed in the fight for the top spot securing a 3-1 victory over Le Havre. Like Marseille and PSG, they remain unbeaten after five matches. Fourth-placed Lens are also yet to suffer defeat keeping the top four tightly contested.
In France’s lower leagues, former England and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll made a memorable debut for Bordeaux scoring twice in a 2-2 draw with Voltigeurs de Chateaubriant. The 35-year-old recently dropped two divisions moving from Ligue 2 side Amiens to fourth-tier Bordeaux, and immediately made his presence felt with a brace.
Check out last week’s tremendous performances in European football, from Raphinha and Lewandowski’s double to Leverkusen’s comeback twice and other standout moments. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
