Day one of the Otten Innovation Cup 2025 is in the books, with all eight teams playing their opening match and the new rules making their debut.
At 3:00 PM, the first two matches kicked off. On the main pitch, PSV faced SL Benfica. PSV, the reigning champions, are eager to defend their title. With a 3–1 victory, they have taken a step in the right direction. PSV took a 1–0 lead, but SL Benfica drew level midway through the second half. Five minutes from time, PSV made it 2–1, and just before the final whistle, they sealed the win with a third goal.
On the other pitch, RB Leipzig and Club Brugge went head-to-head. Early in the match, Sakai of RB Leipzig was sent off with a red card. Club Brugge enjoyed a long spell with a numerical advantage and quickly made the most of it—scoring twice within three minutes of the dismissal. A very effective start for the Belgian side.
At 4:30 PM, the main pitch hosted the match between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC and Atlético Madrid. The first threat came from Atlético Madrid, but Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC opened the scoring in the 8th minute through Jaejun Lee. In the second half, Jeonbuk received a yellow card, and Atlético Madrid capitalized on the man advantage to level the score at 1–1, which remained the final result.
The last match of the day was played between Chelsea FC and AS Monaco, producing a goal-filled spectacle. In the first half, AS Monaco took a 1–0 lead, which they carried into the break. In the second half, the goals came in quick succession. AS Monaco extended their lead to 2–0, and it seemed the French side had nothing to worry about. However, Chelsea FC struck twice in quick succession to make it 2–2. Monaco responded immediately, scoring the decisive 3–2 less than a minute later. Remarkably, the last three goals were scored within just three minutes!
Tomorrow will see rounds 2 and 3 of the group stage. By then, we will also know the line-up for Sunday’s cross-finals.