August is always a strange, intoxicating month in European football. The transfer window is still buzzing, teams are half-formed, and yet the points already feel precious. New managers are finding their feet, title contenders are laying down early markers, and promoted sides are discovering just how unforgiving the top level can be. Across the continent, the 2025/26 season burst into life with storylines everywhere you looked, setting the tone for what promises to be another gripping campaign.

In this new series of blog posts, we will be posting a monthly round-up of the action across Europe’s top divisions, and any major talking points we’ve seen over the latest month of action. If we’ve missed something in this post that you saw over the month please do get in touch with us on all the usual places (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin), and if you prefer an audio round up of the action then do check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner) where we post weekly reviews on there of all the key talking points in the Premier League and around Europe.

Serie A

Serie A burst into life with Inter Milan sending a clear warning to the rest of the league, dismantling Torino 5–0 on opening weekend. Marcus Thuram looked razor-sharp with a brace, while Lautaro Martínez picked up where he left off last season, leading the line with authority. Inter’s fluid attacking play and defensive solidity immediately positioned them as early favourites, particularly impressive given the tactical tweaks introduced over the summer.

However, August also underlined Serie A’s unpredictability. Just days later, Udinese shocked Inter with a 2–1 comeback win, exposing moments of vulnerability and reminding everyone that consistency will be the real challenge. Juventus, meanwhile, quietly impressed with controlled performances built around midfield discipline, while Milan showed flashes of brilliance but also signs of a side still bedding in new personnel.

The early narrative in Italy is one of fine margins. Several teams look capable of taking points off anyone, and while Inter set the pace, the league already feels tighter than ever. Tactical chess matches, rather than goal fests, may define the title race as autumn approaches.

La Liga

La Liga’s August revolved heavily around Real Madrid and Barcelona, and both giants wasted no time capturing headlines. Real Madrid opened their campaign with a narrow but important 1–0 win, with Kylian Mbappé scoring his first league goal of the season from the penalty spot. As the month progressed, Madrid grew more fluent, highlighted by a confident 3–0 away win that showcased Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior developing an increasingly devastating partnership.

Barcelona, defending champions, looked equally assured. Their attacking depth was on full display in the opening rounds, with young midfielders dictating tempo and wide players stretching defences relentlessly. While not flawless, Barça’s ability to control matches suggested a side comfortable with the pressure of expectation.

Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid ground out results in classic Simeone fashion, while promoted sides made life uncomfortable for bigger teams with aggressive pressing and fearless approaches. August reaffirmed that La Liga’s title race will once again revolve around the big two, but not without plenty of traps along the way.

Bundesliga

The Bundesliga returned with its trademark intensity, even if August served more as a feeling-out process than a definitive statement. Bayern Munich’s opening fixtures showed both their firepower and lingering defensive questions, with new attacking combinations producing goals but occasionally leaving space at the back. The mood around Bayern was one of cautious optimism rather than dominance.

Borussia Dortmund looked refreshed, playing with pace and directness that excited fans, while Bayer Leverkusen continued to build on last season’s momentum, maintaining high energy and tactical clarity. Several mid-table clubs impressed with bold setups, refusing to sit back against traditional powerhouses.

August in Germany felt like the calm before the storm. No side truly pulled away, but the signs suggest a competitive season ahead, one where Bayern will need consistency rather than reputation to stay on top.

Ligue 1

Ligue 1’s early storyline belonged to experience meeting ambition, symbolised perfectly by Olivier Giroud’s return to French football. The veteran striker marked his debut with a goal in a dramatic 3–3 draw, instantly becoming a focal point for his side and proving he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

Paris Saint-Germain, as ever, attracted attention through both performances and squad adjustments. While flashes of brilliance were evident, August also showed a team still searching for balance, particularly between attacking freedom and defensive structure. Their results were solid, if not spectacular.

Elsewhere, several clubs embraced attacking football, leading to open matches and plenty of goals. Ligue 1 once again hinted at its growing competitiveness, with fewer easy fixtures and more teams willing to challenge the traditional hierarchy.

Eredivisie

The Eredivisie began the season with its usual blend of youth, goals and ambition. Ajax entered August with renewed focus, bolstered by smart recruitment and a commitment to high-tempo football. Their early performances were sharp, with quick passing and fearless pressing setting the tone.

PSV and Feyenoord were close behind, each showing strong attacking structures and defensive discipline. Several young players made immediate impacts, underlining the league’s reputation as a breeding ground for emerging talent.

August in the Netherlands wasn’t about separation at the top, it was about intent. The title race already feels like a three-way battle, with momentum and squad depth likely to prove decisive as the season unfolds.

Other

Beyond the headline leagues, August brought intrigue across Europe. In Portugal, the traditional giants started strongly but were pushed by organised mid-table sides. In France, Germany and Italy alike, the closing days of the transfer window added late twists, with players arriving just in time to influence early momentum.

A broader theme across Europe was adaptation, new managers implementing ideas, star signings learning systems, and young players being trusted earlier than ever. August rarely decides championships, but it shapes belief, confidence and narrative.

As September approaches and fixtures intensify, August 2025 will be remembered as a month of promising beginnings, early warnings, and the unmistakable sense that another thrilling European season is underway.

Don’t forget if you have anything you saw this last month that we have missed, or you’re looking ahead to any big European football moments next month, you can get in touch with us on all the usual places (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin), and if you prefer an audio round up of the action then do check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).