Welcome to The Euro Recap, a fresh Sky Sports column where Adam Bate distils the most compelling narratives from this week’s continental fixtures. This edition covers a whirlwind of action, from German super‑cup drama to LaLiga fireworks, and even a surprise showing from the Turkish league. In Dortmund, the atmosphere was electric as the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup kicked off. All eyes were on Harry Kane, fresh off a prolific season in which he notched 73 goals for Bayern Munich.
Yet the opening goal of the 2‑1 victory over Borussia Dortmund came not from the English striker but from the young German forward Nathaniel Brown, who slotted home in the first half. Brown, only 23, broke free down the left flank in the 43rd minute, cutting in and firing a shot that brushed the far post. His effort set the tone for a match that saw Kane eventually get involved, but the initial spark belonged to the newcomer.
Bate went behind the scenes at Bayern to explore why the club has made Kane’s potential Ballon d’Or triumph a strategic priority. The German giants see the English forward not just as a goal‑machine but as a global brand that can elevate their commercial reach.
Meanwhile, the club’s recent summer acquisition from Eintracht Frankfurt, traditionally a left‑back, was deployed in a No 10 role ahead of fellow newcomer Ismael Saibari. In the first half he delivered a low‑driven ball into the corner, demonstrating the tactical flexibility Bayern hopes to exploit. Brown’s impact did not end with his opening strike.
After a brief lull, he surged forward again just after the hour mark, executing a clever turn that created space for Kane, who then fired a shot just over the bar. Post‑match, Kane praised his new teammate, calling him "very versatile" and noting his pre‑season goal-scoring record. He also admitted that Brown will need to adjust, as the forward was barely involved in the build‑up before his 28th‑minute goal, often being left out of passing sequences. Across the continent, the Spanish giants launched their LaLiga campaigns with contrasting styles.
Barcelona demolished Elche 5‑0, with Anthony Gordon providing two assists on his debut, showcasing the English winger’s creative flair. In contrast, Real Madrid eked out a 2‑1 win at Espanyol thanks to a dramatic 90th‑minute strike from Carlos Espi, who pounced on a loose ball in the box.
The goal earned him a heartfelt hug from manager José Mourinho, who was delighted to see his "neighbour" celebrate the decisive finish. Mourinho’s side also featured a towering 6‑foot‑4 striker signed from Levante, who now lives and breakfasts with the coaching staff at the training ground, highlighting the close‑knit environment Mourinho cultivates.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has likened Espi to "Joselu Junior," referencing the former Real Madrid talisman who scored crucial goals, including two late winners against Bayern Munich in the 2024 Champions League final. Barcelona’s tactical shift was equally intriguing. The club has turned its attention to the young German forward Karim Adeyemi, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund. Adeyemi’s pace and directness offer a different dimension compared to the more mobile Raphinha, who currently occupies a key attacking role.
Bate examined why Barcelona pursued Adeyemi, noting that his skill set could complement the team’s evolving style. In Italy, Serie A kicked off with Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan securing a 2‑1 away win over Torino, while Juventus and Napoli also claimed valuable away victories. Kevin De Bruyne’s late goal rescued Napoli, and Maurizio Sarri’s Atalanta started positively with a win over Sassuolo. However, the real headline came from defending champions Inter Milan, who thrashed Monza 4‑1.
Hakan Calhanoglu opened the scoring with a spectacular strike, and Pio Esposito added a back‑heeled finish, both assisted by Andy Diouf. Inter’s summer search for a right wing‑back to replace Denzel Dumfries continues, with England’s Djed Spence earmarked as a long‑term solution, though Diouf admirably filled the role in the meantime, underscoring the squad’s depth. Over in France, Paris Saint‑Germain’s start remained uneven as they drew 2‑2 with Rennes after Ferran Torres rescued a point with two goals.
The match was relocated from Paris due to a sub‑par Parc des Princes pitch. Meanwhile, Olympique Marseille delivered a dominant 4‑0 performance against Strasbourg. Midfielder Pierre‑Emile Hojbjerg, recently stripped of the captaincy, responded by scoring the final goal, a gesture that highlighted his popularity among teammates. Coach Bruno Genesio publicly criticized the club’s decision to remove Hojbjerg’s armband, a rare display of dissent that may signal underlying tensions.
Further north, AZ Alkmaar remain the sole unbeaten side in the Eredivisie, while newly promoted Marítimo briefly topped Portugal’s table, a milestone celebrated by their president who emphasized the significance of returning to top‑flight football for the island of Madeira. Perhaps the most surprising story came from the Turkish Süper Lig, where Mohamed Salah made a sensational debut for Trabzonspor, netting twice in a 2‑1 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir. The first goal was a scrappy finish, but the second showcased Salah’s classic poise: a swift one‑two before slotting the ball low into the far corner. He also had two goals ruled out for offside and received a booking for a dive, making his debut a roller‑coaster of emotions.
Salah’s arrival has already generated buzz, with many dubbing him the biggest star ever to move to Turkey, and his early performances suggest the hype is justified. Overall, this week’s European football action delivered a blend of expected triumphs and unexpected twists, setting the stage for an enthralling season across the continent.