Last week’s football action saw thrilling finishes, unexpected results, and standout performances across major leagues. From Manchester United’s last-gasp penalty to Bayern’s nervy win and Messi’s magic, the week delivered drama and excitement.
This past week in football delivered a thrilling mix of dramatic moments, surprise results, and individual heroics across the world’s top leagues.
Premier League
Manchester United finally breathed a sigh of relief as Bruno Fernandes stepped up in stoppage time to score a last-gasp penalty, securing a thrilling 3-2 win over Burnley at Old Trafford. The victory will ease the mounting pressure on manager Ruben Amorim following back-to-back disappointing results, including a humiliating League Cup exit to Grimsby. Despite Burnley twice drawing level, Fernandes’ calm finish at the death salvaged three vital points for a United side still searching for consistency this season.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s unbeaten start under new boss Thomas Frank came to a sudden halt with a 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth. Evanilson’s early deflected strike proved decisive in a match that tested Spurs’ defensive resolve. Frank’s reign began with promise, but this loss is an early reminder of the Premier League’s relentless competitiveness.
Over at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea climbed to the top of the table thanks to some VAR-influenced moments. Joao Pedro’s injury-time goal and a penalty converted by Enzo Fernandez helped them edge past Fulham 2-0 in a tightly contested West London derby. Fulham will be left questioning a series of decisions that went against them, while Chelsea continue their strong early-season form.
Everton delighted their fans at Molineux with a 3-2 victory over Wolves, powered by Jack Grealish’s creativity. Goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, the latter benefiting from Grealish’s skill, combined with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s finish, proved enough to outgun a determined Wolves side despite late pressure.
Newcastle’s striker woes continue to plague them as they played out a goalless draw against Leeds. Fans hope recent signing Nick Woltemade will soon provide the attacking spark the Magpies desperately need after another pointless outing. Sunderland earned valuable three points with a late comeback, Wilson Isidor heading them to a 2-1 victory over Brentford at the Stadium of Light.
Bundesliga: Bayern and Leverkusen Face Challenges
Bayern Munich held firm during a nervy 3-2 win away at Augsburg, with Harry Kane marking his 100th Bundesliga appearance by setting up the opener. Despite a late Augsburg rally and intense stoppage time, Bayern managed to secure the win and maintain their winning momentum. Kane’s partnership with Serge Gnabry was once again pivotal to Bayern’s attacking prowess.
However, Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of a positive start were dented after they squandered a two-goal lead in a dramatic 3-3 draw with 10-man Werder Bremen. New coach Erik ten Hag is feeling the pressure as defensive errors and a late goal denied his team a win. Bremen’s teenager Karim Coulibaly made history as their youngest ever Bundesliga scorer, snatching a point with a last-gasp volley.
Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt enjoyed a 3-1 away victory over Hoffenheim, highlighted by standout performances from new winger Ritsu Doan, who scored twice and assisted once. Stuttgart secured a narrow 1-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach thanks to a late header from Chema Andres. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig bounced back from recent defeat with a 2-0 home win over Heidenheim, with goals from Christoph Baumgartner and recent signing Romulo Cardoso.
Serie A: Late Goals Decide Tight Matches
Serie A title hopefuls Napoli clinched a dramatic 1-0 win over Cagliari, thanks to Andre-Frank Anguissa’s stoppage-time strike. The late winner capped a hard-fought match where chances were rare and tension high. Napoli’s resilience in tight games has been notable as they seek to defend their Scudetto.
Roma matched Napoli’s winning start by edging promoted side Pisa 1-0, with Matias Soule providing the key goal. Soule expressed his growing confidence under coach Gian Piero Gasperini, emphasizing his connection with teammates and desire to contribute more.
Bologna grabbed their first win of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Como thanks to Riccardo Orsolini’s timely header. Atalanta were held to a 1-1 draw by Parma, unable to secure a win under new coach Ivan Juric. RB Leipzig and Heidenheim rounded out their fixtures with a 2-0 win for Leipzig.
La Liga: Real Madrid Maintain Perfect Start
Real Madrid continued their march toward a strong season with a 2-1 comeback win against Mallorca. Goals from Arda Guler and Vinicius Junior overturned an early deficit, keeping Madrid unbeaten and perfect in the league so far. Coach Xabi Alonso praised his team’s spirit and adaptation following a hectic summer and limited pre-season.
Atletico Madrid, in contrast, remain winless after a 1-1 draw at Alaves. Despite taking an early lead through coach Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano, Atletico conceded a penalty equalizer and are still searching for rhythm and results with a revamped squad.
MLS: Messi’s Magic Powers Inter Miami
In the United States, Inter Miami are on the cusp of another trophy run, thanks largely to Lionel Messi. The Argentine legend scored twice in the second half—including a crucial penalty—to secure a 3-1 semifinal win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup. His leadership and clutch performances demonstrate why he remains indispensable to the team.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union secured a playoff berth with a stubborn 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati, despite playing much of the second half with 10 men. Goals from Bruno Damiani and solid defensive resilience ensured the Union maintain their grip atop the Eastern Conference.