Welcome to the latest edition of The Euro Debrief, a Sky Sports feature where columnist Adam Bate pulls together the most compelling narratives emerging from this week’s matches across Europe. This roundup touches on the Bundesliga, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Eredivisie, highlighting standout performances, surprising results and the storylines that could shape the rest of the season.
In Germany, Harry Kane finally broke Bayern Munich’s unbeaten run against the minnows of Elversberg with a classic strike that echoed his World Cup winner against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The England captain, now wearing the Bayern colours, notched his 150th goal for the club in the 72nd minute, a moment that will be remembered for its timing and poise. The goal proved decisive as the Bavarians suffered their first defeat of the campaign, a reminder that even giants can stumble.
Bayern’s slip did not immediately hand them the league summit; that honour currently belongs to Freiburg, who thrashed a struggling Borussia Mönchengladbach 5‑0. The loss prompted Gladbach to dismiss manager Eugen Polanski, who lamented the club’s performance, saying, “We made so many mistakes – it’s beyond me.” Polanski’s frustration was understandable after a humiliating loss to Elversberg the previous weekend, and the situation at Gladbach looks increasingly precarious. The team, which narrowly escaped relegation last season, now appears to be flirting with the drop zone once more.
Further up the table, Borussia Dortmund maintained their perfect start to the season. Felix Nmecha delivered a brace of spectacular goals in a 3‑0 victory over Paderborn, while Portuguese forward Fabio Silva, making his first Bundesliga start of the campaign, set the tone with a goal that marked his fourth of the season – already surpassing his total from the entire previous campaign. Silva’s emergence is especially welcome as Dortmund cope with injuries to their high‑profile Greek signings, and his early impact suggests he could become a key figure in the club’s attacking plans.
Schalke, back in the top flight, celebrated their first win of the season with a 1‑0 triumph over Union Berlin, a match in which they possessed just 34 % of the ball but still managed to secure the three points. Meanwhile, Niclas Füllkrug continued his scoring run for Werder Bremen, adding another goal to his tally. A highlight of the weekend was Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, who extended his remarkable record by saving a sixth consecutive penalty in a 3‑1 win at Mainz. While Nadiem Amiri had already hit ten goals for the season, Atubolu’s penalty‑saving streak underlines his unique skill set and the vital role he plays for Frankfurt.
The full set of Bundesliga results was as follows: Union Berlin 1‑3 Schalke, Augsburg 2‑2 Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund 3‑0 Paderborn, Freiburg 5‑0 Borussia Mönchengladbach, Hoffenheim 2‑1 Stuttgart, Mainz 1‑3 Eintracht Frankfurt, Cologne 1‑1 Werder Bremen, RB Leipzig 5‑0 Hamburg, Elversberg 1‑2 Bayern Munich. Turning to LaLiga, Barcelona’s recent form has been under scrutiny.
After scoring five goals in their previous two away fixtures, the Catalans were held to a 4‑2 victory over Levante, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal netting a brace, one of them from the spot. Raphinha appeared to step aside, perhaps to aid his own Ballon d’Or ambitions, while Karim Adeyemi’s goal was voted the best of the match.
Coach Hansi Flick will be pleased with the attacking output – 19 goals in four games – but defensive frailties remain a concern that could be exploited by stronger opponents. Real Madrid rebounded from a loss to Real Betis with a convincing 4‑1 win over Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé started and finished the scoring, while Jude Bellingham also found the net.
New signing Yan Diomande earned his first start, prompting manager José Mourinho to praise his potential while acknowledging a need for tactical growth. Mourinho was even more effusive about Arda Güler, who entered the game in the 72nd minute, supplied the assist for Mbappé’s second goal and created five chances – the most of any player on the pitch. The £120 million investment in Diomande raises questions, as his role remains unclear amidst a midfield already brimming with talent.
Valencia’s woes continued, culminating in the dismissal of Carlos Corberán after a defeat to Sevilla. The club’s poor start has alarmed supporters and owners alike, especially with the looming inauguration of the new 70,000‑seat Nou Mestalla stadium. Meanwhile, in Galicia, Deportivo A Coruña are enjoying a resurgence thanks to veteran forward Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, who has scored in each of his first five games this season, inching toward the all‑time LaLiga record of seven consecutive scoring appearances.
Serie A delivered drama as AC Milan clawed back from a 0‑2 deficit to draw 2‑2 with Lazio, thanks to a bold triple substitution by manager Rubén Amorim at halftime. The changes brought in Luka Modrić, Ruben Loftus‑Cheek and Pervis Estupiñán, each contributing to the turnaround.
Diego Moreira, a summer acquisition, scored both Milan goals, underscoring his immediate impact. The match was played in a stadium where more than half the spectators were supporting Milan, a testament to the ongoing fan protest against Lazio president Claudio Lotito. Despite the unrest, Lazio remain unbeaten this season.
Juventus saw their unbeaten streak snapped when 20‑year‑old Vasilije Adžić, on loan at Sassuolo, netted a 94th‑minute winner against them after Juve had equalised in stoppage time. In Italy’s lower‑profile story, 17‑year‑old Franco Mastantuono scored a hat‑trick for Fiorentina in a 4‑2 victory over Venezia, providing a bright spot after the sacking of Fiorentina’s coach Fabio Grosso. In France, Paris Saint‑Germain finally recorded their first Ligue 1 win of the season, with Ferran Torres scoring the solitary goal at Brest. The match also featured manager Luis Enrique wearing a “King Eric” shirt in tribute to former Brest coach Eric Roy, who passed away in June.
Lille surged to the top of the French table after Ethan Mbappé, Kylian’s younger brother, found the net. New manager Davide Ancelotti has steered the club well despite losing several star players in the summer.
Lille are now one of five unbeaten sides, alongside Rennes, who handed Marseille a third straight defeat. Monaco secured a point at Strasbourg thanks to a spectacular strike from Paris Brunner, while Cameron Archer, on loan from Southampton at Auxerre, scored the winner against Nice, earning his former boss Will Still his first points in charge.
The Dutch Eredivisie saw Davy Klaassen make history for Ajax, becoming only the second player after Johan Cruyff to score at 24 different stadiums. Ajax beat Fortuna Sittard 5‑1, while Feyenoord’s seven‑goal demolition of PEC Zwolle and PSV’s 4‑1 win over Sparta Rotterdam kept the title race tight. PSV reclaimed the league lead after AZ Alkmaar slipped up against Willem II.
In Portugal, Sporting suffered a late equaliser at Famalicão despite the visitors being reduced to ten men, while both Porto and Benfica rallied from behind to win, setting up an exciting O Clássico next weekend. That concludes this week’s Euro Debrief, a snapshot of the stories shaping European football right now.