Bayern and MU win big, Como stun Leipzig – Champions League 2026/27 opening night

On the night of September 10-11, 2026, the 2026/27 Champions League group stage kicked off with a series of thrilling matches. Giants like Bayern Munich and Manchester United secured emphatic victories, but the story of the night was Como – a debutant in the competition – who stunned Leipzig 4-1 at home. Meanwhile, draws for Roma, PSV, and Shakhtar Donetsk showed fierce competition from the very first day. At the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich hosted Bodo/Glimt from Norway. The first half was difficult for the hosts as the visitors' tight, disciplined defense frustrated Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala. Bayern's best chance was a Joshua Kimmich shot that hit the post. The score was 0-0 at halftime. The turning point came early in the second half: Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Faye Lund replaced Nikita Haikin for undisclosed reasons. Immediately after, Musiala opened the scoring. In the 55th minute, Harry Kane headed in the second. Soon after, Bodo/Glimt defender Odin Bjoertuft received a straight red card, reducing the visitors to ten men. Bayern capitalized, scoring three more through Alphonso Davies, Michael Olise, and a substitute, to win 5-0. However, tactical analysts noted that the scoreline flattered Bayern: they only broke through after the opponent's goalkeeper change and red card. At Old Trafford, Manchester United made an impressive Champions League return, hosting debutants Sabah FK. Sabah surprisingly took the lead in the 12th minute through Matheus Cunha. But United quickly responded. In the 39th minute, Bruno Fernandes equalized. Just three minutes later, Benjamin Šeško put United ahead. In the second half, Sabah crumbled and United added two more goals, winning 4-0. Šeško scored a brace and Amad Diallo also found the net. Analysts pointed out that United did not dominate completely, but their burst of two goals in three minutes just before halftime changed the game. This is a sign of a team that exploits opponent lapses, but it carries risks against more resilient sides. At the Olimpico, Roma and Fenerbahce played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Roma took the lead through a long-range strike from Bryan Cristante. Nathan Aké hit the crossbar with a header. Fenerbahce fought back, and goalkeeper Ederson made several saves to deny Paulo Dybala. The visitors eventually equalized, and the match ended all square. Roma will rue missed chances to take full points at home. PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk also drew 2-2. Shakhtar opened the scoring through Mendoza's angled finish. PSV equalized late in the first half, with Dest providing an assist and a goal-line clearance. In the second half, Shakhtar went ahead again, but PSV equalized once more. Both sides left with a point. The biggest surprise came at Como. Cesc Fabregas's side, making their Champions League debut, demolished Leipzig 4-1. In the 15th minute, Baturina and Douvikas combined to open the scoring. Leipzig equalized, but Como remained composed. In the second half, Diao scored on a fast counter-attack, and in the 90th minute, Perrone sealed the 4-1 victory. Fabregas has built a high-pressing, high-tempo style combining structured build-up and swift transitions – a risky but effective approach. Leipzig, a regular Champions League side, suffered a shocking opening defeat. Finally, Lens beat ten-man Slavia Prague 2-0. Overall, the opening matchday delivered plenty of drama. The big clubs won, but those wins may have been aided by fortune or weak opposition. Como, however, made a strong statement that they are not just making up the numbers. The group stage is long, but the early signs point to a season full of surprises.