Football Sunday: Liverpool Edge Bournemouth as Man City Win 5-3 Thriller, Atlético Shock 10-Man Real Madrid
Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Jonathan David were among the headline-makers as a dramatic European football Sunday produced goals, a red card and late equaliser drama.
European football delivered a spectacular Sunday on September 20, 2026, with Liverpool grinding out a win at Bournemouth, Manchester City surviving an eight-goal thriller against Sunderland and Atlético Madrid defeating 10-man Real Madrid in a fiery derby.
Manchester United also rescued a late point at Fulham as several of Europe’s biggest clubs headed into the international break with contrasting fortunes.
Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium through Alexander Isak’s second-half strike.
The Sweden international broke the deadlock in the 57th minute after Cody Gakpo created the opening, finishing from close range to give the visitors a hard-earned three points.
The victory maintained Liverpool’s unbeaten start and gave manager Andoni Iraola a successful return to his former club.
Liverpool had struggled to create clear-cut chances during long periods of the match, but Isak’s finish proved enough as the Reds held on for another clean sheet.
The result moved Liverpool into the top six heading into the international break.
At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City produced one of the most entertaining matches of the Premier League season so far, defeating Sunderland 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller.
City maintained their perfect league start and went into the international break three points clear at the top of the Premier League, according to Reuters.
The hosts had to withstand a spirited Sunderland challenge as both sides traded goals in a remarkable contest.
City’s attacking firepower eventually proved decisive, with Erling Haaland among the scorers as the home side secured all three points.
The result leaves City unbeaten with a 100 per cent league record after the opening fixtures.
Manchester United were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage after Matheus Cunha scored an 89th-minute equaliser.
Fulham had taken the lead through an unusual Lisandro Martínez own goal in the 63rd minute. United then pushed for an equaliser before Cunha’s heavily deflected effort finally found the net late in the game.
The result leaves United with five points from five league matches under manager Michael Carrick, while Fulham are still searching for their first Premier League victory under Álvaro Arbeloa.
In Spain, Atlético Madrid claimed a 2-1 victory over 10-man Real Madrid in the first Madrid derby of the season.
The turning point came early in the second half when Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off for a last-man foul after bringing down Giuliano Simeone.
Alejandro Grimaldo converted the resulting penalty in the 53rd minute before Jonathan David doubled Atlético’s advantage.
Real Madrid fought back late when Antonio Rüdiger headed home in the 89th minute, but Atlético survived the final minutes to secure the derby victory.
The victory moved Atlético above their city rivals in the table, adding further significance to a dramatic night at the Metropolitano.
From Isak’s decisive finish in Bournemouth to City’s eight-goal spectacle and Atlético’s derby triumph, Sunday’s action provided plenty of talking points before the international break.
Liverpool left Bournemouth with three points despite a difficult performance, Manchester City maintained their perfect start, Manchester United salvaged a late draw and Atlético claimed bragging rights in Madrid.
The results set the stage for another closely watched phase of the season when domestic football resumes after the international break.
