Match News
Match previews and recaps
In-depth match previews and recaps for football matches from leagues around the world. Each preview includes team form analysis, key player insights, head-to-head records, and score predictions to help you stay ahead of the game.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Arsenal arrive at Villa Park aiming to stay perfect this season and continue their title defence, while Aston Villa are desperate for a reaction after one of the worst starts of the Unai Emery era. Arsenal thrashed Coventry 3-0 in their opener after beating Manchester City in the Community Shield, with Martin Ødegaard rediscovering top form alongside Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz. Villa were humiliated 4-0 at Brighton and finished with ten men after João Gomes was sent off - he now serves a three-match ban. Arsenal remain without William Saliba and Jurrien Timber through injury, while Villa are missing Amadou Onana. Still, Villa Park has been a graveyard for reigning champions recently - Villa beat Manchester City in the last two seasons and Liverpool last term - though that history counts for little given the current gap in form. Our prediction: 1-2
Monaco vs Marseille (2 - 0)
Monaco made it two wins from two to start the season, brushing aside rivals Marseille 2-0 at the Stade Louis II in a derby that was more one-sided than the scoreline even suggests. The standout moment came from Paris Brunner, who tormented the visitors' defense all evening. Brunner opened the scoring in the 13th minute with an unmarked header from a second-phase set piece, then doubled the lead in the 53rd by nutmegging Geoffrey Kondogbia at the halfway line before cutting inside and slotting past Jeffrey De Lange. There were no red cards or penalties, but Kondogbia was jeered by his own fans after a torrid night and later left with an injury. Lamine Camara ran midfield in what could be his Monaco farewell. The win sends Monaco top of Ligue 1 under Filipe Luís, while Marseille, who threw on Neal Maupay and Faris Moumbagna late, drop off the summit after a flat display up front.
Cambuur vs Twente (1 - 4)
FC Twente made light work of SC Cambuur at Kooi Stadion, racing into a two-goal cushion inside half an hour and never looking back on their way to a comfortable 4-1 away win. The visitors were sharper in every department and barely had to get out of second gear to leave Leeuwarden with the points. Ruud Nijstad broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a fine finish, and Wout Weghorst doubled the lead just four minutes later. Marko Pjaca struck almost immediately after the restart to make it 3-0, before Younes Taha added a fourth in the 82nd minute. Substitute Ilyes Hamache grabbed a late consolation for the hosts in the 87th minute. There were no red cards or penalties, though the away end sat empty after security restrictions following crowd trouble at a previous fixture. For Cambuur, it's now four straight defeats since returning to the Eredivisie and they remain without a win, a worrying start that will pile pressure on the squad. Twente, fresh off midweek Conference League qualification, look sharp on all fronts and continue to assert themselves as one of the league's form sides.
Hungary U17 vs Italy U17 (0 - 0)
Hungary U17 and Italy U17 shared a goalless draw on Sunday in Telki, closing out this year's edition of the Telki Cup with a tense, chance-starved stalemate rather than fireworks. Neither side could find a breakthrough over the full ninety minutes, and the closing match of the tournament ended honors even. With no goals on the board, the drama came instead from two well-organized defenses standing firm against a backdrop of high stakes — coach Dávid Horváth had built the whole week around this fixture, calling a meeting with the Italians a matter of "serious prestige" for his young side. No cards or major flashpoints disrupted the game; both goalkeepers were rarely seriously tested but did enough to keep their sheets clean. For Hungary U17, the point rounds out their three-match slate at the 45th Telki Cup, a deliberately tough test featuring Italy U17, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, all designed as a final tune-up before November's European Championship qualifiers. Holding a fancied Italian side scoreless offers a solid defensive marker to build on, even if it came without the attacking spark Horváth's players will need once qualifying begins in earnest.
Westerlo vs Zulte Waregem (2 - 2)
Westerlo and Waregem shared the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Het Kuipje, decided by a VAR call that overturned an offside flag to hand the visitors a late equalizer. Shunsuke Saito opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a direct free kick, before Tobias Hedl equalized for Waregem in the 25th, assisted by Anosike Ementa. Westerlo retook the lead in the 48th when Norman Bassette converted a penalty for handball, but Hedl struck again in the 63rd, again set up by Ementa, after VAR canceled an offside call. Lasse Flö picked up a late yellow card as Westerlo chased a winner. The point was Westerlo's first of the season, lifting them off the bottom of the table despite 14 goals conceded in four games. Waregem stay unbeaten and share fourth place, but missed a chance to close in on the top two.
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Anderlecht (3 - 0)
Royale Union SG delivered another statement at the Dudenpark, brushing aside Anderlecht 3-0 in a Brussels derby settled well before half-time. Union pressed high from the first whistle and extended their remarkable unbeaten home run against Anderlecht that stretches back to 1972. Besfort Zeneli opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a close-range finish, before Mateo Biondic doubled the lead right on the stroke of half-time with an effort that deflected in off a defender. Anderlecht pushed for a way back after the restart but couldn't break through, and Raul Florucz sealed the win in the 81st minute after cutting inside. Yellow cards went to Sylla and Mac Allister for Union, and Biancone and Kana for Anderlecht. The result lifts Union to fifth with 7 points from three games, exactly the response needed after a goalless draw previously. Anderlecht slip to 11th after a second defeat in three matches, still unable to shake their curse at Union's ground.
Augsburg vs Schalke 04 (3 - 0)
Augsburg gave Schalke's long-awaited Bundesliga return a rude welcome, cruising to a 3-0 win on opening weekend. The standout moment came when Anton Kade curled in an unstoppable effort that kissed the inside of the post, a goal good enough to catch the eye of a watching Jürgen Klopp. Michael Gregoritsch broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, turning home a Kade cross from close range against his former club. Schalke's night unraveled further when Ron Schallenberg was shown a straight red card in the 62nd minute for a reckless challenge, leaving the visitors a man light. Augsburg made the extra space count as Kade doubled the lead in the 79th minute, and Rodrigo Ribeiro added a third deep into stoppage time. For Augsburg, it was an ideal start built on clinical finishing and control after the red card. For Schalke, the promotion euphoria faded fast, with Miro Muslic's side undone by discipline lapses and a lack of cutting edge despite plenty of possession.
Rennes vs Le Mans (3 - 2)
Rennes needed a stoppage-time penalty to beat a stubborn Le Mans side 3-2 in a wild, back-and-forth afternoon at Roazhon Park. Esteban Lepaul settled it deep into added time, converting from the spot after Le Mans had clawed back from two goals down to level the contest. Lepaul had opened the scoring after five minutes before Valentin Rongier made it 2-0 on 26 minutes. Louis Mafouta hauled Le Mans back into it, scoring at the half-hour and then equalising from the penalty spot early in the second half. Substitute Djibril Sidibé was then sent off barely a minute after coming on, leaving Le Mans a man light before Lepaul's late penalty won it. The result was Rennes' first win of the season under Franck Haise, a welcome if scrappy result even with defensive questions still lingering. Le Mans can take heart from their fight, but the Sidibé suspension is an unwelcome complication heading into their next fixtures.
Manchester United vs Ipswich Town (5 - 2)
Manchester Utd finally found their form, thrashing Ipswich 5-2 at Old Trafford after a nervy start. The standout moment was Bruno Fernandes turning a tense afternoon into a one-man show, bagging a hat-trick to drag his side from behind and put the game to bed. Ipswich stunned the hosts when Leif Davis fired them ahead in the 29th minute, but Fernandes leveled just before the break in the 40th. The floodgates opened after halftime: a deflected effort looped in off Jacob Greaves for an own goal in the 56th, Fernandes converted a VAR-awarded penalty in the 61st after Cunha was bundled over, then completed his treble in the 68th. Bryan Mbeumo added a fifth with a lovely dinked finish in the 82nd, before Chuba Akpom grabbed a late consolation deep into stoppage time. The win was a huge relief for Manchester Utd, snapping a difficult start to the season, while Ipswich's bright opening only papered over a defense that fell apart after the break.
Telstar vs Ajax (0 - 4)
Ajax made light work of Telstar at Velsen-Zuid, cruising to a comfortable 4-0 away win that never really felt in doubt once they settled into the game. The standout moment came late on, when substitute Marcos Leonardo netted his first Eredivisie goal since arriving from Al-Hilal, capping off a thoroughly one-sided afternoon. Davy Klaassen broke the deadlock in the 37th minute from a corner, and although Julian Brandt had a goal chalked off for offside before the break, Ajax pulled away after the interval. Steven Berghuis doubled the lead in the 56th minute before setting up Tolu Arokodare to make it three just four minutes later, then Leonardo rounded things off in the 78th. Telstar's best moments came through Rui Mendes, but the hosts couldn't find a way past a solid Ajax backline. The win moves Ajax up to fourth place with seven points from three matches, a tidy response even without defender Youri Baas, who's attracting interest from FC Porto. For Telstar, it's a sobering reminder of the gap in quality at the top of the Eredivisie, with little to take from an afternoon they were second-best throughout.
Antwerp vs Sint-Truiden (1 - 4)
St. Truiden ran riot at the Bosuil, putting four past Antwerp in a result that will sting far more than the scoreline for the hosts. The visitors settled quickest and never really let go, even after Antwerp briefly found a way back into it midway through the second half. Ryotaro Araki got things moving early, pouncing on a defensive mistake to open the scoring inside ten minutes. Snayder Porozo gave the home crowd something to shout about with a headed goal from a corner just after the hour mark, but any hope of a comeback was snuffed out almost immediately. Samed Bazdar restored the lead with a lobbed finish confirmed by VAR, and moments later substitute Kaito Matsuzawa made it 1-3 within minutes of coming on. Bazdar added his second late on to put a firm seal on things. Both Luca Schelfhout and Leo Kokubo picked up bookings along the way. For St. Truiden, it's a first win of the season after opening with two draws, and a timely response following a tough midweek European trip. Antwerp, meanwhile, will need to shore things up defensively after another afternoon where their attacking spark wasn't enough to paper over the cracks at the back.
Willem II vs Heerenveen (2 - 2)
Willem II picked up their first point of the season after a lively 2-2 draw with SC Heerenveen at Koning Willem II Stadion. Despite being outplayed for large spells of possession, the hosts matched their visitors goal for goal in an entertaining back-and-forth affair that swung four times in the second half. Uriel van Aalst put Willem II ahead in the 61st minute, finishing off a Nathan Tjoe-A-On assist, only for Jacob Trenskow to level things up three minutes later off a Dylan Vente pass. Heerenveen then edged in front through Oliver Braude in the 77th minute, before Devin Haen restored parity for the home side five minutes later, teeing off a Calvin Twigt assist. Twigt was named player of the match for his role in both home goals. For Willem II, the draw snaps a winless start and offers something to build on under John Stegeman despite finishing with less than 40% of the ball. For Robin Veldman's Heerenveen, who dominated possession and shots but couldn't hold their late lead, it's two points spilled on the road that will sting more than it helps in the early table picture.
Feyenoord vs ADO Den Haag (2 - 2)
Feyenoord needed a second-half rally to salvage a point at home, twice falling behind before clawing back to a 2-2 draw against ADO Den Haag. The visitors arrived with nothing to lose and made the Rotterdam side work for every inch, ending the afternoon with the better story of resilience against the run of play. Nigel Thomas opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a well-struck effort from outside the box, and Sékou Sylla doubled the lead early in the second half with a similar strike from distance. Feyenoord responded through Ayase Ueda in the 61st minute, finishing from a tight angle, before Anis Hadj Moussa leveled things in the 71st on a swift counter-attack, having earlier struck the post. Several yellow cards were shown to Den Haag players late on, but no one saw red. The draw keeps Feyenoord unbeaten and moving up the table, though dropping points at home against a side still searching for its first win will sting. For ADO Den Haag, the performance offers genuine encouragement even as the winless run continues.
Paris FC vs Nice (3 - 0)
Paris FC made home advantage count at Stade Jean Bouin, brushing aside Nice 3-0 in a Ligue 1 clash that never really felt close once the hosts got their noses in front early on. A converted penalty set the tone, and the Parisians never let their visitors back into it. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Lassine Sinayoko slotted home a penalty after Youssouf Ndayishimiye was booked for fouling inside the box. Samir Chergui doubled the lead in the 51st minute, finishing off a pass from Ilan Kebbal, before Vincent Marchetti put the gloss on the scoreline in the 89th minute, converting a Patrick Zabi assist to complete the rout. For Paris FC, it's an ideal start, moving them to the top of the table with 4 points. Nice, by contrast, sit second-from-bottom with just a single point and plenty to fix before their next outing.
Sunderland vs Fulham (1 - 0)
Wilson Isidor turned out to be the difference-maker as Sunderland edged past Fulham 1-0 at the Stadium of Light, snapping a scoreless deadlock that lingered deep into the second half. It was a tense, cagey affair with both sides wasteful in front of goal before the home crowd finally had something to celebrate. The breakthrough came in the 75th minute, just ten minutes after Isidor came on for Brian Brobbey. A slick two-pass move ended with the Frenchman finishing smartly, set up by fellow substitute Habib Diarra. Bookings went to Joachim Andersen (35') and Cesar Palacios (59'), while Bernd Leno made three saves in defeat. The win hands Sunderland their first league victory of the season after an opening-day loss to Ipswich, a welcome lift for Regis Le Bris's side. Fulham, who dominated possession but managed no shots on target, slide to back-to-back defeats following their opener against Chelsea, leaving fresh questions over their cutting edge up front.
Leeds United vs Brentford (1 - 1)
Leeds United and Brentford shared the spoils at Elland Road, playing out a 1-1 draw that swung on a spirited second-half fightback from the hosts after the visitors had controlled long stretches of the contest.Kevin Schade put Brentford ahead in the 41st minute, finishing a right-footed volley off a Keane Lewis-Potter cross to cap a dominant opening period. Leeds responded after the break, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin leveled matters in the 79th minute, turning home a Lukas Nmecha assist from close range. There were no red cards, though four yellow cards were shown as the game grew feisty late on.The result leaves both sides unbeaten after two rounds. Brentford will feel they let a winnable game slip after outshooting Leeds and dominating possession, while Leeds can draw confidence from their resilience, fighting back from behind at home to keep their promising start intact.
Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion (4 - 3)
Chelsea survived a late fright to beat Brighton 4-3 in a thrilling Stamford Bridge shootout, with Cole Palmer's stunning solo strike in the 74th minute proving the difference after the Seagulls threatened a stoppage-time miracle. Roméo Lavia opened the scoring inside four minutes, and Pedro Neto doubled the lead before João Pedro made it 3-0 by the half-hour mark. Brighton hit back through Malick Yalcouyé's strike, then closed to 3-2 when João Pedro turned the ball into his own net just after the hour. Cole Palmer restored a two-goal cushion before Pascal Groß headed home deep into stoppage time to set up a grandstand finish. The win lifts Chelsea into the Premier League's early pace-setters, with Palmer, João Pedro, and Neto all sharp in attack despite some defensive jitters at the back. For Brighton, it's a second straight away defeat, though Yalcouyé's energetic display and the late fightback offer plenty to build on.
Gent vs Club Brugge (2 - 1)
Gent edged an ill-tempered clash with Club Brugge 2-1 at the Ghelamco Arena, with two red cards and a nervy finish in the closing stages. The hosts dominated for long stretches, controlling 62% of possession and outshooting their visitors 13-8. Josué Vergara broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, finishing off a Tiago Araújo assist, only for Hans Vanaken to level two minutes later, teed up by Carlos Forbs. Forbs then saw red just past the hour mark, leaving Brugge to play out the remainder a man down. Gent made the advantage count when Ibrahima Cisse struck in the 85th minute, though he was later sent off in stoppage time, capping a chaotic finish. The win lifts Gent out of their recent slump after an inconsistent start to the campaign, while Club Brugge see their five-match unbeaten run come to an end, a result that could dent their position near the top of the table.
Aberdeen vs Rangers (0 - 1)
Rangers edged out Aberdeen 0-1 at Pittodrie in a tense Premiership clash, with the visitors riding their luck late on as a VAR review denied the hosts a dramatic equalizer. The result stretched Rangers' unbeaten run against Aberdeen to seven meetings, though it was far from a comfortable afternoon for the Ibrox side. The only goal came in the 69th minute when Lawrence Shankland stepped up and converted from the spot after Rangers won a penalty two minutes earlier. Aberdeen thought they had levelled things up in the closing stages, but a VAR check at the 84th minute overturned what looked like a goal, ruling it out moments later. Cards flew throughout, with Aberdeen picking up six yellows and Rangers three as both sides scrapped for control. For Aberdeen, it's another frustrating home result that leaves them still searching for their first league win of the campaign. For Rangers, three battling points on the road, built on a clinical penalty and some fortune at the death, will be a welcome confidence boost after a difficult European exit in midweek.
Utrecht vs PSV (1 - 6)
Utrecht stunned their own fans by taking an early lead, but PSV turned the game into a rout, running out 1-6 winners at Stadion Galgenwaard. Artem Stepanov opened the scoring in the 6th minute, assisted by Niklas Vesterlund, but Ruben van Bommel leveled things five minutes later. Guus Til struck right before halftime, set up by Sergiño Dest, and Mauro Junior added a third after the break. Sven Mijnans missed a penalty in the 85th minute but scored moments later, and Til completed his brace in the 88th before Dest wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time. Utrecht picked up five yellow cards to PSV's one. The rout confirms PSV as early title favorites, while Utrecht will need to regroup quickly after such a heavy defeat at home.
PEC Zwolle vs NEC (1 - 3)
PEC Zwolle and NEC served up a wild afternoon of Eredivisie football, four penalties, and a stoppage-time-worthy plot twist. NEC left MAC3Park Stadion with a 3-1 win, but Perr Schuurs's late header stole the show. Tjaronn Chery gave NEC a 2-0 cushion from the spot, converting penalties in the 5th and 23rd minutes. Koen Kostons pulled one back for Zwolle with a penalty just before halftime, and a fourth penalty followed after the break, only for Kostons to crash it off the crossbar. Zwolle also had two goals chalked off for offside. The killer blow came in the 83rd minute, when Schuurs, on as a substitute minutes earlier after nearly three years out injured, headed home NEC's third. For NEC, it is a statement away win with an emotional subplot as Schuurs marked his long-awaited comeback with a goal. For PEC Zwolle, the missed penalty and two disallowed goals will sting after a spirited fightback fell short.
Lyon vs Le Havre (1 - 1)
Lyon and Le Havre shared the points at the Groupama Stadium after a tight 1-1 draw that stayed goalless for over an hour. Lyon dominated possession and chances for long spells, but the game swung in a dramatic final quarter-hour, denying the hosts a first win of the campaign. Le Havre struck first when M. Samatta converted a F. Doucouré assist in the 74th minute to stun the home crowd. Lyon hit back quickly, with L. Openda restoring parity in the 87th minute after being teed up by Z. Athekame. The match passed without cards or major flashpoints, with Lyon edging the shot count 15-10 and holding 57% possession. The draw keeps Lyon unbeaten early on but highlights their struggle to convert control into goals. For Le Havre, coming away from a Ligue 1 heavyweight with a point is an encouraging sign, even if they will rue not holding on for a bigger result after leading late on.
Lorient vs Troyes (1 - 2)
Troyes spoiled the party at Stade Yves Allainmat-Le Moustoir, edging out Lorient 1-2 despite conceding a huge share of possession on the day. It was a classic smash-and-grab from the visitors, who struck twice in quick succession before the home side could find any rhythm. Renaud Ripart opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 29th minute, and Troyes doubled their advantage just nine minutes later when Lucas Maronnier converted an assist from Antoine Mille. Lorient hit back through Jean-Victor Makengo in the 51st minute, but couldn't find an equalizer despite dominating the ball for long stretches. No red cards were shown across the ninety minutes. The result sends Troyes into third place with four points from two matchdays, an encouraging start to their Ligue 1 campaign. For Lorient, it's back-to-back defensive concerns and just a single point so far, leaving them down in 16th and searching for answers at the back.
Brest vs Toulouse (2 - 2)
Brest needed a stoppage-time goal to rescue a 2-2 draw with Toulouse at Stade Francis-Le Blé, Ludovic Ajorque popping up in the 90+5th minute to deny the visitors a first win of the season. Toulouse struck first through Jacen Russell-Rowe in the 9th minute, but Kamory Doumbia hauled Brest level just nine minutes later. Christ Tapé put the visitors back in front in the 62nd minute and Toulouse looked set to hold on until Ajorque's late leveler snatched a point back for the hosts. Brest were miles the better side on the numbers, out-shooting Toulouse 26-6 and racking up an expected-goals tally of 2.73 to 1.12, yet couldn't turn dominance into three points. It's a frustrating share of the spoils for Brest, who remain winless through two matches, while Toulouse will take the draw as a small consolation after opening the season with a loss to Lyon.
Auxerre vs Angers (1 - 3)
Angers picked up their first points of the campaign with a 3-1 turnaround win away at Auxerre, coming from behind and pulling clear in the closing stages of a scrappy Round 2 clash at Stade de l'Abbé Deschamps. Branco van den Boomen struck early for the visitors in the 5th minute, but Rémy Labeau-Lascary leveled things up for the hosts in the 35th on his full debut. Auxerre thought they had a second before halftime, only for VAR to chalk it off at the 43-minute mark. The game swung after the break as Angers' bench made the difference: Harouna Djibirin restored the lead in the 70th minute, assisted by Amine El Ouazzani, who then turned scorer himself in the 78th, teeing off Ousmane Camara's work to seal it. The win is a big early boost for Angers under new boss Stéphane Gilli, lifting them well up the table after an opening-day defeat to Lille. For Auxerre and Will Still, it's a second straight loss to start the season, leaving them still searching for their first points.
OH Leuven vs Standard Liège (1 - 2)
Standard Liège edged a spirited OH Leuven 1-2 in their Pro League clash at Den Dreef, riding an early penalty before a quickfire response settled it. The standout moment came just two minutes after Leuven had leveled the score, when the visitors immediately struck back to snuff out the home side's momentum. Casper Nielsen opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 8th minute. OH Leuven got back level through Wouter George, assisted by Ikwuemesi, in the 65th, but Dennis Eckert restored Standard's lead just two minutes later. George's display earned him Player of the Match despite the defeat, while four yellow cards were shown and no red cards. For OH Leuven, the numbers will sting — 22 shots and majority possession produced just a single goal, and they remain winless in six matches. Standard Liège, meanwhile, showed clinical edge to claim a third straight win in the fixture and open the season with momentum.
Cercle Brugge vs Lommel (0 - 1)
Cercle Brugge dominated for long stretches at home but once again came away with nothing, falling 0-1 to Lommel SK and remaining winless four games into the season. The hosts created wave after wave early on, with Magnée cracking the woodwork and Ngoura forcing a save, but couldn't find the breakthrough. The decisive moment came in the 61st minute, when Tom Reyners finished off a rapid counterattack down the left after Juho Talvitie squared the ball across from the byline. Several players picked up bookings along the way, including Timothy Eyoma, Dries Wouters and Geoffrey Kondo for Cercle Brugge. Lommel almost doubled their lead late on when Talvitie rattled the crossbar and Jason van Duiven spurned a good chance. The result sends Lommel SK to back-to-back wins, lifting them to seventh with six points from four matches. Cercle Brugge, despite dominating possession and chances, remain stuck on two points in 13th, their wasteful finishing proving costly yet again.
Conquense vs Guadalajara (4 - 1)
UB Conquense closed out preseason in style, beating CD Guadalajara 4-1 in their regional derby at La Fuensanta. Around 1,000 fans saw the hosts control the game from start to finish, delivering their most complete performance of the summer. Álex García opened the scoring in the 9th minute and Pescador doubled the lead on 24. Guadalajara pulled one back right before the break through Cesitar, who had just been booked. Conquense finished the job late on, with substitute Darío scoring in the 74th minute and Álvaro adding a fourth in the 81st. There were no red cards. It's the perfect way for Conquense to head into the new Segunda Federación season, with fresh faces off the bench making an instant impact. For Guadalajara, still bedding in after relegation from Primera Federación, there's clearly more work to do before facing their old rivals again in the league.
AZ vs Go Ahead Eagles (5 - 2)
AZ Alkmaar put on a real show at AFAS Stadion, blowing past Go Ahead Eagles 5-2 in an entertaining Eredivisie clash. The standout moment belonged to Ro-Zangelo Daal, who scored twice and terrorized the visiting defense all afternoon, walking away as the game's best player. Dave Kwakman got the hosts going early with a 7th-minute finish, before Victor Edvardsen pulled one back for the visitors in the 22nd minute. Daal restored the cushion just before the half-hour mark, and AZ never looked back. Lewis Schouten added a third right after the break, teeing up Mateo Chávez to make it four in the 68th minute, before Daal completed his brace late on. Mathis Suray grabbed a stoppage-time consolation for Go Ahead Eagles, but by then the damage was done. No cards or penalties disrupted the flow of what was an open, attacking contest. For AZ, it's a statement performance to open the campaign, showing plenty of firepower going forward and enough control to keep the visitors at arm's length. Go Ahead Eagles will need to tighten up defensively after shipping five, though the late goal offers a small sign they never stopped fighting.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United (0 - 2)
Newcastle left north London with a comfortable 2-0 win, handing Tottenham a second straight Premier League defeat without scoring in either game. It was a flat afternoon for the home crowd, who turned on their side by full time as the promise of a busy summer transfer window failed to translate onto the pitch. The visitors broke the deadlock through Anthony Elanga in the 62nd minute with a well-taken finish, before Yoane Wissa doubled the lead just ten minutes later in the 72nd. Tottenham were further hampered by the absence of winger Savio, who missed out with muscle fatigue, leaving Roberto De Zerbi short of attacking options as his side toiled for answers. For Tottenham, the result raises fresh questions despite roughly £320 million spent on eight new signings over the summer, with pundits suggesting the rebuilt squad simply needs time to click. For Newcastle, it was a landmark first win under new manager Matthias Jaissle, with both goalscorers looking revitalised under his approach and fans leaving optimistic about a push for European qualification.
Kortrijk vs Sporting Charleroi (1 - 3)
Charleroi made it four wins in four to start the season, beating Kortrijk 3-1 at the Guldensporenstadion after the hosts briefly threatened to spoil the party. Aurélien Scheidler opened the scoring in the 34th minute, but Shandre Campbell hauled Kortrijk level just seven minutes later to send the home crowd into a frenzy. That optimism didn't last: Cheick Keita restored Charleroi's lead in the 66th minute, and Antoine Colassin put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time. Yellow cards were shown to Antoine Bernier and Rudy Kohon, though the game stayed free of red cards and penalties, with Charleroi outshooting their hosts 18 to 13. The result keeps Charleroi perfect through four rounds, while Kortrijk remain winless and now sink deeper into an early-season slump they'll need to arrest quickly.
Strasbourg vs Lens (2 - 1)
Strasbourg came from behind to beat Lens 2-1 at the Stade de la Meinau, with Gessime Yassine stealing the show by scoring both goals with his right foot despite being a natural lefty. It capped a thrilling second-half turnaround after Lens had led at the break. Florian Thauvin put Lens ahead from the penalty spot in the 38th minute, the milestone strike also marking his 100th Ligue 1 goal. Strasbourg responded almost immediately after the restart as Yassine leveled in the 48th minute, assisted by Sebastian Nanasi. A VAR review then chalked off an Ortega effort in the 56th minute before Yassine struck again in the 85th, once more teed up by Nanasi, to complete his brace. Lens pushed for a late equalizer, with Sotoca's header well saved by goalkeeper Filip Sörensen, while Strasbourg's Bulatović also rattled the woodwork. The win gives Strasbourg a much-needed home breakthrough to open their season on a high, while Lens will be frustrated to leave empty-handed after controlling large stretches of the match.
Excelsior vs Sparta Rotterdam (2 - 1)
Excelsior edged a thrilling Rotterdam derby against Sparta Rotterdam, needing a stoppage-time winner to close it out 2-1 at Stadion Woudestein in front of a sold-out crowd. The Kralingers were the busier side all afternoon, but had to survive a Sparta fightback before finally putting the game to bed deep into added time. Aymen Sliti opened the scoring in the 24th minute, but Milan Zonneveld hauled Sparta level three minutes after the restart. The derby looked set to end honours-even until Nesto Groen, introduced as a substitute, struck in the 92nd minute to snatch it for Excelsior. Both teams picked up bookings throughout, though nobody was sent off. The win hands Excelsior bragging rights and an early-season lift after they outshot their rivals 15 to 10 on the day. For Sparta Rotterdam, it's a sore way to lose after clawing back to parity, and they'll look to bounce back quickly in their next fixture.
Celtic vs Falkirk (2 - 1)
Celtic made home advantage count at Celtic Park, seeing off a battling Falkirk side 2-1 to keep their unbeaten start to the season intact. The story of the afternoon was Camilo Durán, who took just five minutes to open his account and never let go from there. Durán pounced on a costly goalkeeping error to slot home the opener in the 5th minute, then doubled his tally in the 29th with a composed finish after getting on the end of a well-placed cross. Falkirk found a way back into the contest in the 72nd minute, pulling one back when a deflection off Celtic defender Donovan looped in as an own goal, but the visitors couldn't find a leveler despite a spirited late push. The win keeps Celtic top of the table with a perfect record through their opening fixtures, while Falkirk remain without a win this season and stay stuck in the bottom half of the table, still searching for their first three points.
RB Leipzig vs Borussia M'gladbach (3 - 0)
RB Leipzig made the perfect start to the new season, brushing aside Borussia Monchengladbach 3-0 at home in a lopsided Matchday 1 opener. The standout moment belonged to Rocco Reitz, who struck against his former club just weeks after leaving Gladbach for Leipzig in a summer transfer. Ridle Baku broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, set up by Tidiam Gomis, before Antonio Nusa doubled the lead in the 49th, again assisted by Gomis. Reitz wrapped things up in the 66th minute, finishing off a Christopher Nkunku pass. Nusa picked up a yellow card soon after for a foul on Daiki Hashioka, who was forced off injured. Gladbach also saw a stoppage-time goal chalked off for offside following a VAR check. It was an ideal opening statement for Leipzig under new head coach Martin Demichelis. For Gladbach and manager Eugen Polanski, it extended an unwanted trend, as they remain winless away at Leipzig.
Elversberg vs Bayer Leverkusen (3 - 2)
SV Elversberg pulled off one of the great Bundesliga opening-day shocks, beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 in their first-ever top-flight home match, racing into a 3-0 lead before holding off a late fightback. Petkov opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a deflected shot, and Campbell doubled it a minute later after a Tapsoba error. Mokwa struck just 25 seconds into the second half to make it 3-0. Leverkusen responded through Schick, who diverted Maza's shot in with his heel in the 77th minute, and Kofane pulled it back to 3-2 in stoppage time after a Boniface header, but the comeback fell short. It's a historic first Bundesliga win for newly-promoted Elversberg, who start the season among the league's early pacesetters. For Leverkusen, despite dominating possession and shots, it's a troubling opening-day defeat that raises questions before a busy autumn.
Coventry City vs Hull City (0 - 1)
Coventry came up just short at home as Hull snatched a 1-0 win in the first-ever top-flight meeting between the two clubs. The decisive moment arrived deep into the second half, and it was Liam Millar who made it count after wasting an earlier golden chance. Millar had actually squandered a clear one-on-one in the 73rd minute, dragging his effort wide, but he made no mistake nine minutes later, bursting through on the counter and slotting past the goalkeeper in the 82nd minute for the only goal. Coventry thought they had snatched a leveller deep into stoppage time when Thomas Asante found the net, but the effort was chalked off for offside, leaving the hosts empty-handed. For Coventry, missing several first-team regulars through injury, it's a second straight defeat to start life back in the top flight. Hull, by contrast, look increasingly comfortable after promotion, picking up a gritty away win built on a clinical late strike and a resolute defensive display.
AFC Bournemouth vs Everton (1 - 1)
Bournemouth looked set to claim all three points at the Vitality Stadium, but a dramatic stoppage-time leveler let Everton escape with a share of the spoils. The hosts dominated for long stretches, yet couldn't find a way to see out the win, leaving them to rue missed chances late on. Alex Scott put Bournemouth ahead in the 41st minute, finishing off a slick move started by Evanilson. The lead held all the way until the 91st minute, when James Tarkowski rose to head home from a corner and rescue a point for the visitors. There were no red cards or penalties, though referees dished out yellows to Scott, Adam Smith, Marcus Tavernier, James Garner and Charly Alcaraz. For Bournemouth, it's a frustrating missed opportunity after controlling possession and creating the better chances at home. Everton, meanwhile, will take real encouragement from their late resilience, salvaging a point on the road despite being second-best for much of the contest.
La Louvière vs Mechelen (2 - 2)
RAAL La Louvière and KV Mechelen traded blows in a frantic Pro League clash, with the lead swinging three times before honours were shared 2-2 at the Easi Arena. Mechelen looked the sharper side early on, but it was the hosts who found a way to strike twice. Myron van Brederode opened the scoring inside six minutes, only for Elias Filet to level things up by the 13th minute. Mustapha Isah then struck deep into first-half stoppage time to hand RAAL a 2-1 edge at the break, but Adeshina Ayodele pulled Mechelen level again just two minutes into the second half. Yellow cards were shown to Marius Courcoul, Wagane Faye, Fredrik Hammar for the hosts and Ayodele for Mechelen, with no red cards on the day. The point breaks a rough run for both sides: RAAL snapped a three-game losing streak to collect their first point of the campaign, while Mechelen remain winless after nine points were up for grabs, still searching for their breakthrough result.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest (2 - 2)
Liverpool needed a deflected strike deep into the second half to salvage a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield, in a game the visitors arguably deserved more from. It was another shaky afternoon for the hosts, who were fortunate to only trail by one at the break. Dan Ndoye put Forest ahead in the 24th minute with a well-taken finish. Alexander Isak leveled things in the 60th minute, tapping home after a fine cross from Gakpo. Forest responded quickly, winning a contentious penalty when Neco Williams went down under contact from goalkeeper Alisson; Morgan Gibbs-White converted from the spot in the 70th minute to restore the lead. Late drama followed as substitute Victor Munoz smashed in his first goal for the club in the 81st minute, the shot deflecting in off the crossbar. The result leaves Liverpool still searching for a first league win, having now drawn 2-2 in consecutive matches. For Nottingham Forest, it's a first point of the campaign and a fifth straight league game unbeaten against Liverpool, a promising sign of resilience under new management.
ADO Den Haag vs Fortuna Sittard
ADO Den Haag's return to the Eredivisie after five years away has been rocky, and this early clash with Fortuna Sittard already carries weight. The newly promoted side sit pointless after two rounds, while Sittard have opened the season in the top half of the table, giving the visitors a real chance to extend Den Haag's difficult start to life back among the elite. Den Haag have conceded six goals in their first two matches, with midfielder Juho Kilo their main creative spark under coach Robin Peter. Sittard have been inconsistent but dangerous, drawing PSV Eindhoven and beating Cambuur before losing to AZ, relying on playmaker Mohammed Ihattaren and centre-back Justin Hubner. Historically Sittard hold the edge, winning four of the last six meetings, though Den Haag claimed the most recent encounter 3-1. Our prediction: 1-2
Telstar vs Cambuur
Neither side has enjoyed the start to the Eredivisie season they hoped for, which gives this early-September meeting at BUKO Stadion some extra edge. Telstar sit in the lower half of the table after an up-and-down opening month, while Cambuur, back in the top flight after promotion, are still chasing their first points of the campaign. Telstar opened with a surprise 2-1 win away at NEC Nijmegen, Patrick Brouwer and Rui Mendes scoring either side of an Abdelnour Soualhia assist, before a 1-3 home defeat to Sparta Rotterdam undid the good work, Soualhia again on target late on. Cambuur's comeback to the top flight has been rough: a 0-4 loss to Excelsior followed by a fireworks-disrupted 2-5 defeat to Feyenoord, though Rafik El Arguioui's late brace offered a glimpse of quality. Recent head-to-head meetings have favoured Cambuur, including a 2-1 and a 3-1 win. Our prediction: 2-1
Heerenveen vs AZ
With just three rounds played, this Eredivisie meeting already carries weight. AZ Alkmaar sit top of the table with a perfect record, while Heerenveen occupy mid-table with four points from three games. A result against the division's form side would be a real marker for the hosts early in the season. AZ have won five straight across all competitions, including a 4-1 rout at Utrecht, scoring 15 and conceding just three in that stretch. Peer Koopmeiners has rated as their top performer, with Kees Smit and Calvin Stengs also influential going forward. Heerenveen have been more inconsistent, beating FC Twente and Club Brugge but losing to PEC Zwolle. Jacob Trenskow, Marcus Linday and Luca Oyen have carried their attacking threat. Historically AZ lead the head-to-head with 20 wins to 12, although Heerenveen won the last meeting 3-1 back in March 2025. Our prediction: 1-2
Groningen vs Twente
Groningen host Twente in an early-season Eredivisie test. Groningen sit sixth with six points from four games, while Twente are twelfth on three points from two matches, their league schedule squeezed by a busy European qualifying run. An early statement in the table is up for grabs. Groningen's form has swung wildly: wins over Utrecht and ADO Den Haag sandwiched around heavy losses to PSV and Fortuna Sittard. Twente have been just as uneven domestically, beaten by Heerenveen before thrashing PEC Zwolle, though their headline moment came in Europe, overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Qarabağ and reach the Conference League league phase. Brynjólfur Willumsson leads Groningen's attack with three goals, with Thom van Bergen also chipping in goals and assists. For Twente, Daan Rots and Ramiz Zerrouki have impressed early on. History favors Twente heavily — 22 wins in 43 Eredivisie meetings to Groningen's seven, and unbeaten in the last six clashes. Our prediction: 1-2
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Augsburg
Just a couple of matchdays into the new season, Eintracht Frankfurt host Augsburg in an early fixture that already carries some weight for both sides' momentum. Frankfurt are looking to build on last season's eighth-place finish under returning boss Adi Hütter, while Augsburg, guided by Manuel Baum, are chasing the calm mid-table consistency that has defined recent years. Neither side carries European pressure, but a solid start would ease nerves heading into autumn. Frankfurt's preseason showed real attacking upside alongside familiar defensive worries, capped by a heavy 7-0 friendly loss to Brentford despite Jonathan Burkardt scoring six goals and Can Uzun supplying creativity. Augsburg's preparation was similarly uneven, with goalkeeper Finn Dahmen enduring concentration lapses and heavy losses to Leeds and Bournemouth, though Han-Noah Massengo, Fabian Rieder and veteran forward Marius Wolf offered steadier moments. Head-to-head, Frankfurt lead 9 wins to 8 from 27 meetings, with 10 draws, and their last meeting ended 1-1. Our prediction: 2-1.
Hamburg vs Mainz
Hamburger SV welcome Mainz 05 to the Volksparkstadion for just their second Bundesliga fixture of the season. HSV are building on a solid return to the top flight after finishing 13th following promotion, while Mainz want to bounce back from a mid-table slide after a sixth-place finish two seasons ago. Preseason form favors Mainz, who were unbeaten across most of their friendlies, including wins over Bournemouth and Holstein Kiel, while Hamburger SV were up and down, beating Toulouse and Heidenheim but losing to Everton and Rapid Wien. Watch Nadiem Amiri, Mainz's top scorer and creator last season, against HSV's Luka Vušković and Fábio Vieira, joint top scorers in the club's comeback campaign. The sides' head-to-head record is remarkably even. Both teams are still shaking off preseason rust, so expect a cautious, tightly contested opener at the Volksparkstadion. Our prediction: 1-1
Marseille vs Paris FC
Marseille host Paris FC in an early Ligue 1 clash with early bragging rights at stake. Marseille sit top of the table on goal difference after a perfect start, while Paris FC are unbeaten too, having picked up a point away from home. Marseille opened the season in style under new boss Bruno Genesio, thrashing Strasbourg 4-0 as Amine Gouiri scored twice either side of an opposition red card, with Keyliane Abdallah and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg adding late goals. Paris FC were more cautious in a goalless draw at Troyes, dominating possession but missing chances. The sides have met only once before, with Marseille winning, a reminder of how fresh this fixture is at the top level. With Gouiri in red-hot form and Paris FC still hunting their first league goal, the Vélodrome looks a stern early test for the visitors. Our prediction: 2-0.
Angers vs Rennes
Angers host Rennes at Stade Jean-Bouin on Sunday, September 6, with both sides still finding their form just one round into the new Ligue 1 season. For Angers, it's a chance to open their points tally in front of home fans; for Rennes, it's a chance to build on a promising start against the champions. Angers were beaten 0-2 by Lille on the opening weekend, creating plenty of chances but failing to convert any of them — a finishing problem their manager will want fixed quickly. Rennes, under new boss Franck Haise, raced into a 2-0 lead over Paris Saint-Germain through Sebastian Szymanski and Esteban Lepaul before Ferran Torres's late brace rescued a 2-2 draw for the champions. Lepaul, last season's Ligue 1 top scorer with 21 goals and now under contract until 2030, is the man Angers must contain. History favors Rennes: they're unbeaten in seven meetings with Angers, a run stretching back to 2021. Our prediction: 1-2
Troyes vs Strasbourg
Troyes' first Ligue 1 home fixture in three years already feels significant. After a battling 0-0 draw with Paris FC on opening weekend, Troyes sit 13th, while Strasbourg are bottom of the table following a chastening 4-0 defeat to Marseille and are already under pressure to respond. Troyes arrive with real momentum, having stormed to the Ligue 2 title behind the division's best attack, built around top scorer Tawfik Bentayeb and creative spark Martin Adeline. Strasbourg, now led by new coach Hugo Oliveira after Gary O'Neil's abrupt summer exit, are still adapting, with the long-term injury to talisman Joaquin Panichelli forcing a rebuilt attack around fresh faces like Omari Kellyman. The two clubs haven't met since 2022-23, the last time Troyes played in the top flight, and three of their last five encounters ended level, including a 1-1 draw. Our prediction: 1-1
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates in an early-season clash that already carries plenty of weight. The reigning champions sit top of the Premier League after a perfect start, while Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, are eager to prove they can challenge at the summit again. A derby win this early would be a real statement for either side. Both teams arrived in fine form. Arsenal thrashed Coventry City 3-0, with goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and captain Martin Ødegaard. Chelsea, meanwhile, needed just 40 seconds to open the scoring at Fulham through Joao Pedro, before further goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer secured a 3-2 win. Historically, Arsenal hold the edge, unbeaten in their last nine Premier League meetings with Chelsea — the most recent a 2-1 win in March, when William Saliba and Jurriën Timber scored either side of a Chelsea red card. Our prediction: 2-1