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With the drama of the Premier League unfolding in England, there was more action across Europe.
Several of the continent’s giants were in action, while others watched and waited ahead of their matches on Sunday.
Harry Kane and Bayern Munich hosted Holstein Kiel in a bid to stay at the top of the Bundesliga under Vincent Kompany.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain travelled to Brest in a bid to continue their top form and charge to the Ligue 1 title.
And LaLiga leaders Real Madrid visited Espanyol.
Read on to see how each team got on.
Bayern Munich 4-3 Holstein Kiel
We hold on for the win at the Allianz Arena.#FCBKSV #FCBayern #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/qoMMuiLfTk
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) February 1, 2025
Bayern Munich survived a dramatic late scare to secure a 4-3 victory over Holstein Kiel in a pulsating Bundesliga clash at the Allianz Arena.
The league leaders appeared to be cruising after establishing a commanding 4-0 lead, but Kiel staged an extraordinary comeback to push Bayern to the brink.
Jamal Musiala opened the scoring in the 19th minute, converting Michael Olise’s cutback to put the hosts ahead. Harry Kane then showcased his aerial prowess, netting two headers – one just before half-time from Kingsley Coman’s lofted cross and another early in the second half, courtesy of Raphael Guerreiro’s pinpoint delivery.
Serge Gnabry added Bayern’s fourth with a stunning volley after reacting quickest to a deflection.
Despite Bayern’s dominance, Kiel refused to capitulate. Finn Porath sparked the fightback with a powerful strike into the top-left corner in the 62nd minute. As stoppage time approached, Steven Skrzybski struck twice in quick succession, first slotting home from Timo Becker’s cutback and then capitalising on a defensive lapse to fire past Manuel Neuer.
The victory extends Bayern’s winning streak to six league matches, moving them nine points clear at the top. They next face Werder Bremen, while Kiel will look to regroup against Bochum.
Brest 2-5 Paris Saint-Germain
✅ A hat-trick from @dembouz + a double from @Goncalo88Ramos = a great afternoon in Brest!
Our Parisians secure a fine win to conclude a great week! ❤️💙#SB29PSG 2-5 | @Ligue1 pic.twitter.com/YAN2xZ3KJ3
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 1, 2025
Paris Saint-Germain scored a 5-2 victory over Brest at the Stade Francis-Le Ble, though the scoreline belied the tense second-half battle.
PSG dominated the opening half, controlling possession and creating numerous chances. Ousmane Dembele was denied twice early on before finally breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute, slotting home from close range after a brilliant run and assist from Bradley Barcola.
Brest, lacking a cutting edge in the first half, emerged rejuvenated after the break.
Romain Del Castillo levelled the score in the 50th minute, firing past Gianluigi Donnarumma following a long ball from Julien Lala. PSG responded swiftly, with Dembele completing his hat-trick in just 12 minutes – his second coming from a rebound after Marquinhos’ pass, and the third courtesy of Kang-In Lee’s clever assist.
Brest refused to capitulate, with Ludovic Ajorque pulling one back in the 71st minute, setting up a nervy finale.
The hosts pressed hard, but PSG’s quality shone through in the dying moments. Substitute Goncalo Ramos netted twice in quick succession, the first after a brilliant solo run and assist from Desire Doue, and the second following a fortunate deflection.
Espanyol 1-0 Real Madrid
🏁 @RCDEspanyol_EN 1-0 @RealMadridEn⚽ 85′ Carlos Romero.👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/z116UvZ1g4
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 1, 2025
Espanyol pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over league leaders Real Madrid at the RCDE Stadium, courtesy of a late goal from Carlos Romero.
Despite Madrid’s dominance in possession and numerous scoring opportunities, Espanyol’s resilience and a heroic performance from goalkeeper Garcia secured an unexpected triumph.
The first half saw Madrid struggle to break down Espanyol’s disciplined low block. Vinicius Jr. thought he had given Madrid the lead in the 22nd minute with a superb curling effort, only for VAR to rule it out due to a foul by Mbappe in the build-up. Madrid’s chances were limited, with Bellingham registering their first shot on target in the 39th minute.
Madrid intensified their pressure after the break. Garcia produced a series of remarkable saves, including a double stop from Bellingham and Mbappe in the 51st minute and another fingertip save to deny Mbappe’s curling shot in the 77th. Rodrygo also came agonisingly close, hitting the post after a dazzling run.
Espanyol seized their chance in the 85th minute. A swift counter-attack saw El Hilali deliver a precise cross to Romero, who volleyed home beyond Courtois to send the home fans into raptures.
Madrid desperately searched for an equaliser, with Vinicius narrowly missing in the dying moments, his shot deflecting slightly without a corner awarded, much to his frustration.
In the end, Espanyol’s defensive discipline and Garcia’s brilliance proved decisive, handing Madrid a rare defeat and breathing new life into the league title race.
