Paris Brunner fires Monaco to victory as Ajax’s German trio fall short

Brunner makes his mark for Monaco

Paris Brunner scored inside the opening five minutes and later assisted Ansu Fati as Monaco beat CSKA Sofia 2-1 in the Conference League. The Germany Under-21 international has now scored seven goals in his first eight club appearances of the season, continuing a strong start after finding first-team opportunities limited following his move from Borussia Dortmund in 2024.

Brunner had missed Monaco’s 2-2 weekend draw with Toulouse while serving a two-match suspension for his celebration against Strasbourg. He is also set to miss Sunday’s trip to Lorient, leaving next Thursday’s meeting with SC Freiburg as his next opportunity to extend his scoring streak.

His form could put him in contention for Germany’s November international squad, the report said. Brunner also scored twice on his Germany Under-21 debut.

Ajax beaten despite German trio’s full shifts

Ajax began their Conference League campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Hajduk Split. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Thilo Kehrer and Julian Brandt each played the full 90 minutes. The match was interrupted for more than ten minutes in the second half after flares were set off by home supporters. Kehrer joined Ajax from Monaco on deadline day on an initial loan, while Brandt had already scored six goals for the Dutch club, according to the report.

Lyon and Milan also claim European wins

In the Europa League, former Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso opened the scoring as Lyon beat Crystal Palace 3-2. Daichi Kamada scored for Palace in a lively contest between clubs whose ownership groups have crossed paths in the past.

AC Milan teenager Alphadjo Cisse, 19, scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 away win over RB Salzburg. Salzburg began the season under German coach Danny Rohl, who had previously served as an assistant to Hansi Flick during the 2022 World Cup.