Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland were both on the scoresheet and made history in the process on the first night of this season's UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 2-1 at the Estadio Bernabeu despite putting in a rather unconvincing performance. Mbappe gave the hosts the lead in the 14th minute, firing past Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez.
Manchester City also earned three points with a 2-0 victory against FC Porto. Haaland rose highest in the box to head home Enzo Fernandez's superb cross in the 47th minute before netting a brace in the 90+1st minute.
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland Make Champions League History
Mbappe and Haaland continue to be two of Europe's most dominant frontmen, and they love equalling, breaking, or setting records. Both are among the favourites to win this season's Champions League Golden Boot, and they've kick-started the goalscoring race.
After scoring the opener against Inter, Mbappe has becomjoint-fifth-highestth top scorer in the competition's history. He now sits level with Madrid icon Raul Gonzalez on 71 goals.
Mbappe is behind Karim Benzema, who managed 90 goals, Robert Lewandowski, who found the net 109 times, and Lionel Messi, who hit 129. It feels a tough ask for the Frenchman to break Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 141 goals but you wouldn't put it past him.
As for Haaland, the City striker's consistency is highlighted by his reaching 59 goals in just 59 Champions League games. The Norwegian has the best goals-per-game record in the European tournament's history,
Mbappe might be looking over his shoulder at Haaland as his goal also moves him up to joint-sixth in the all-time goalscoring rankings. He's surpassed Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller and is now level with AC Milan icon Andriy Shevchenko.
Cristiano Ronaldo on Mbappe and Haaland
The greatest goalscorer in Champions League history, Ronaldo, is certainly a big fan of Mbappe and Haaland. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner made the competition his own during his trophy-laden career, winning it five times and becoming the first player in history to do so.
Ronaldo spoke highly of both back in 2024, tipping them for Ballon d'Or glory (via ESPN):
"Mbappé can be the next Ballon d'Or winner. Him, Haaland, Bellingham or Lamine Yamal."
Mbappe and Haaland have been nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or and the Madrid star is one of the frontrunners. They have continuously battled for the award over the years due to their phenomenal goalscoring exploits.
