Champions League Matchday 1: Manchester United and Bayern Munich Impress; Lens Pulls Off Late Upset

Manchester United and Bayern Munich Secure Strong Wins

Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sabah FK. Three of their goals came in the first half, with Matheus Cunha scoring his first in the competition, Bruno Fernandes netting his fourth this season, and Benjamin Šeško scoring just before halftime during his first start. Lisandro Martínez added a fourth goal in the 68th minute after capitalizing on a scramble in the penalty area.

Bayern Munich, semifinalists last season, faced a tougher first half against last year’s surprise team Bodø/Glimt, remaining goalless at the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Jamal Musiala scored Bayern’s 900th European competition goal, breaking the deadlock. Harry Kane extended his streak by scoring in his seventh consecutive Champions League match, making it 2-0 in the 75th minute. Alphonso Davies sealed the win with a volley in the 77th minute, and Michael Olise added two more goals for a commanding 5-0 finish.

Como Celebrates Debut with Win; Lens Stages Dramatic Comeback

Debutants Como recorded an impressive 4-1 win over RB Leipzig. The Italian side raced to a 2-0 lead within the first 38 minutes thanks to goals from Martin Baturina and Anastasios Douvikas, with Baturina assisting the second goal.

In Prague, Lens shocked Slavia Prague with a late comeback to win 3-2. After falling behind and seeing Slavia reduced to 10 men early in the second half, Lens equalized through Abdallah Sima and later scored two stoppage-time goals by Florian Thauvin and Ruben Aguilar to snatch the victory.

Other Results and Key Moments

• PSV drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk, with USMNT defender Sergiño Dest scoring for PSV in the 48th minute—his third goal this season across all competitions.
• Fenerbahçe and Roma played out a 1-1 draw, exchanging goals nine minutes apart from Bryan Cristante and Archie Brown.
• Following Fenerbahçe's match, manager İsmail Kartal announced his resignation during the post-match press conference, stating he made the decision to help the club move forward.

Match Highlights and Key Events

• 87' – Odin Bjørtuft of Bodø/Glimt was sent off with a straight red card for fouling Michael Olise outside the box.
• 89' – Despite being down to 10 men, Danijel Šturm scored a deflected goal to put Slavia Prague ahead against Lens.
• 83' – Michael Olise scored a stunning long-range goal for Bayern Munich.
• 73' – Abdallah Sima leveled the score for Lens against 10-man Slavia Prague.
• 77' – Alphonso Davies volleyed home a corner kick to secure Bayern's lead.
• 69' – Lisandro Martínez scored a creative fourth goal for Manchester United after a set-piece routine.
• 61' – Harry Kane doubled Bayern's lead with a close-range finish from a free kick.
• 58' – Andrija Maksimović pulled one back for RB Leipzig against Como.
• 51' – Danijel Šturm produced a spectacular curling finish to equalize for Slavia Prague.
• 50' – Jakub Konečný received a straight red card, reducing Slavia Prague to 10 men early in the second half.
• Como extended their lead to 3-0 with a goal from Assane Diao shortly after halftime.

Thursday’s Full Champions League Results

• Fenerbahçe 1-1 Roma
• PSV 1-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
• Bayern Munich 5-0 Bodø/Glimt
• Como 4-1 RB Leipzig
• Manchester United 4-0 Sabah FK
• Slavia Prague 2-3 Lens

2026-27 Champions League Schedule

• Matchday 1: September 8-10
• Matchday 2: October 13-14
• Matchday 3: October 20-21
• Matchday 4: November 3-4
• Matchday 5: November 24-25
• Matchday 6: December 8-9
• Matchday 7: January 19-20
• Matchday 8: January 27
• Knockout phase playoffs: February 16-17 and 23-24
• Round of 16: March 9-10 and 16-17
• Quarterfinals: April 6-7 and 13-14
• Semifinals: April 27-28 and May 4-5
• Final: June 5 (Madrid)