What a night it was in the Champions League, with drama unfolding from Prague to Paris! The group stage action on September 17, 2025, served up a feast for football fans, as Bodo/Glimt stunned Slavia Prague to claim their first-ever Champions League point, while Paris Saint-Germain’s captain Marquinhos etched his name deeper into the record books. With dazzling comebacks, record-chasing defenders, and emotional post-match reactions, this round had it all.
Let’s start in the Czech capital, where Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt pulled off a remarkable comeback against Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena. For much of the match, it looked like Slavia Prague would cruise to victory, especially after defender Youssoupha Mbodji—on his first competitive start—netted a brace. Mbodji’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he found the net twice and put his team in a commanding 2-0 lead. Slavia, managed by Jindrich Trpisovsky, seemed in control, peppering Bodo/Glimt’s goal with a staggering 26 shots throughout the contest.
Bodo/Glimt, making their Champions League group stage debut, appeared to be in deep trouble as the clock ticked down. But football’s magic is never far away, and the Norwegian side refused to roll over. Daniel Bassi gave the visitors a glimmer of hope, pulling one back and setting the stage for a frenetic finish. The drama reached its peak in stoppage time, when Sondre Brunstad Fet produced a moment that will live long in Bodo/Glimt folklore.
As Bodo/Glimt launched a desperate counterattack, Andreas Helmersen—who had just re-entered the pitch at precisely the right moment—caught Slavia’s defensive line off guard. Helmersen’s run was clever and perfectly timed, and although his shot was saved by Slavia’s goalkeeper Nikita Kaikin, the ball fell kindly to Brunstad Fet. What happened next was pure magic: Brunstad Fet unleashed a thunderous first-time volley that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar to level the match. The away fans erupted, and Bodo/Glimt’s players celebrated wildly, knowing they’d snatched a precious point on the road.
After the match, an emotional Brunstad Fet couldn’t hide his joy. “It’s a boyhood dream come true, and to get a goal is absolutely crazy,” he told reporters. “It was a great strike, and it’s certainly the goal I’ve been happiest and most emotional about scoring.” His words captured the spirit of the night—a night when dreams became reality and underdogs showed their bite.
Bodo/Glimt’s manager Kjetil Knutsen was quick to praise his team’s fighting spirit but also acknowledged their good fortune. “When we’re two goals down and waste a penalty kick, we’re living dangerously,” he admitted. “I think we show incredible morale, and that’s something you need to have at this level. Towards the end of the match, we were incredibly lucky because we lost it (control of the game) completely.” Knutsen’s honesty resonated with fans and pundits alike; his team had flirted with disaster but emerged with a historic result.
Fans on social media were quick to highlight Helmersen’s tactical awareness. One supporter commented, “Hey that’s pretty smart,” while another added, “Great run from the lad. Fair play.” It’s not every day that a substitute’s off-the-ball movement makes headlines, but Helmersen’s contribution was undeniable—even if he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself.
For Slavia Prague, the draw will feel like a missed opportunity. With so many chances created and a two-goal cushion squandered, questions will be asked about their ability to close out matches at this level. Yet, for Bodo/Glimt, the result is a testament to resilience and belief—a reminder that anything can happen on Champions League nights.
Meanwhile, in Paris, another story was quietly unfolding—one of consistency, leadership, and a bit of history. Paris Saint-Germain began their Champions League trophy defense with a strong performance against Atalanta, and their captain Marquinhos led by example. The Brazilian centre-back opened the scoring, setting the tone for PSG’s campaign and, in the process, climbing the ranks of Champions League history.
With his goal against Atalanta, Marquinhos moved into joint fourth place for the most goals scored by a defender in the Champions League since the competition’s modern era began in 1992/93. He now boasts 10 goals in 108 Champions League appearances, surpassing Chelsea legend John Terry, who scored 10 in 109 matches. Marquinhos stands just behind some of the game’s greatest defensive goal threats: Sergio Ramos (17 goals), Roberto Carlos (16), and Gerard Piqué (16).
It’s a remarkable achievement for a player whose primary job is to keep the opposition at bay. Yet, Marquinhos has shown time and again that he’s a threat at the other end, whether it’s from set pieces or open play. His knack for scoring big goals in big moments has become a hallmark of his PSG career. The leaderboard of Champions League goalscoring defenders is a who’s who of football’s elite: after Marquinhos and Terry, there’s Dani Alves (10 goals in 111 games), Christian Panucci (9 in fewer games), Marcelo (9), Alex (8), and Ronald Koeman (7 in just 23 games).
Marquinhos’ rise is a testament not just to his individual talent but also to the evolving role of defenders in the modern game. Gone are the days when defenders were judged solely on their ability to tackle and block shots. Today’s top defenders are expected to contribute at both ends, and Marquinhos exemplifies that dual threat. His leadership on the pitch is matched by his ability to deliver when it matters most.
For PSG, having a captain who can step up in crucial moments is invaluable—especially in Europe’s most prestigious competition. The Parisian club will hope Marquinhos’ latest goal is just the start of another deep Champions League run, as they look to defend their crown against the continent’s best.
Looking ahead, both Bodo/Glimt and PSG have set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling Champions League campaign. Bodo/Glimt’s never-say-die attitude and Marquinhos’ record-chasing exploits are just two of the many storylines to watch. With so much at stake and so many heroes emerging from unexpected places, fans can expect plenty more drama as the group stage unfolds.
As the dust settles on a memorable night, one thing is clear: the Champions League continues to deliver unforgettable moments, whether it’s a last-gasp equaliser in Prague or a record-breaking defender in Paris. The journey is just beginning, and football fans everywhere will be watching closely as new legends are written under the European lights.