Manchester City battled back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich in their Women's Champions League opener on Tuesday, while Mariona Caldentey's stoppage-time penalty secured a dramatic victory for Arsenal.
Bayern made a flying start in Munich, racing into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 30 minutes. Giulia Gwinn struck early before a Kerstin Casparij own goal doubled the German side's advantage.
Beth Mead gave the Women's Super League champions hope by pulling a goal back on the stroke of half-time.
City pushed for an equaliser after the break and had a golden opportunity when they were awarded a penalty, but Bayern goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic denied Khadija Shaw from the spot.
Despite that setback, City continued to press and were rewarded four minutes from time when German forward Carlotta Wamser struck to secure a 2-2 draw in Bavaria.
"It was a game of two halves, I think. The first half was probably not good enough for our standards," Mead told UEFA.
"But again we showed what the team is about, showed our character."
Arsenal, the 2025 Women's Champions League winners, endured a difficult start to their campaign as they looked to reclaim Europe's premier club title.
Renee Slegers's side appeared destined for a goalless draw at home to Danish side HB Koge before late drama handed the Gunners all three points.
New signing Selina Cerci was brought down inside the penalty area by Yukina Sakabe in the 92nd minute, allowing Spain international Mariona Caldentey to convert the resulting spot-kick and seal a 1-0 victory.
Paris Saint-Germain also needed a penalty to avoid defeat against Real Madrid at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
Felicia Schroeder put Madrid ahead after just two minutes, but Sakina Karchaoui converted from the spot inside the final 20 minutes to earn PSG a 1-1 draw.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan claimed a 1-0 home victory over Swedish side Hacken, with Haley Bugeja's fifth-minute goal proving decisive.
Benfica secured an impressive 2-1 away win against Juventus, with Marit Bratberg Lund scoring either side of half-time. Alba Redondo pulled one back late for the hosts, but Benfica held on for all three points.
Defending champions Barcelona begin their Women's Champions League campaign on Wednesday when they host Paris FC, marking the start of their European title defence in the post-Alexia Putellas era.
