Arsenal and Real Madrid made strong starts to their UEFA Champions League campaigns, while Juventus were forced to settle for a dramatic late draw on opening night.

At the Emirates, Arsenal marked their return to Europe’s elite competition with a convincing display, brushing aside their opponents with clinical finishing and relentless attacking play. The victory gave Mikel Arteta’s side an ideal platform as they look to re-establish themselves on the continental stage.

In Madrid, the 14-time champions Real lived up to their reputation, edging a tense contest with a late goal that secured all three points. Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience, noting that opening matches are rarely straightforward but that the result reflected their pedigree.

Elsewhere, Juventus were denied a perfect start after conceding in stoppage time to share the spoils in a pulsating encounter. The draw left manager Massimiliano Allegri visibly frustrated, though he maintained that his squad showed character and would regroup quickly for the next fixture.

The results set the tone for what promises to be another unpredictable Champions League season, with Europe’s giants already under pressure to assert themselves in the group stages.