By Isaac Mission
Manchester United and Bayern Munich made impressive starts to their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaigns on Thursday, recording emphatic victories on a night that also produced late drama in Prague and a historic result for Como.
The final six fixtures of Matchday One delivered plenty of entertainment, with several matches decided by attacking brilliance and dramatic late moments.
Man United Cruise Past Sabah
Manchester United opened their European campaign in style at Old Trafford, defeating Azerbaijani newcomers Sabah FK 4-0.
The visitors managed to survive United's early pressure, with goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov making important saves against Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
However, Cunha eventually broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. After Bruno Fernandes released Patrick Dorgu on the flank, the Danish defender delivered into the area and Cunha reacted quickest to put United ahead.
Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage before the interval after combining with Youri Tielemans and finishing inside the box.
Benjamin Sesko then made it 3-0, racing onto a perfectly weighted pass from Mbeumo before rounding the goalkeeper and finding the empty net.
United continued to control proceedings after the restart and added a fourth through Lisandro Martinez, who reacted fastest after Joshua Zirkzee's backheel had been saved.
Bayern Overwhelm Bodo/Glimt
Bayern Munich also enjoyed a dominant evening, defeating Bodo/Glimt 5-0 at the Allianz Arena.
The Norwegian side kept Bayern at bay during a goalless first half, with goalkeeper Nikita Haikin making several important interventions. Joshua Kimmich also struck the post.
The breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart when Jamal Musiala converted from close range after Harry Kane's initial effort was blocked.
Kane then got on the scoresheet himself, heading home Michael Olise's dangerous free-kick delivery to put Bayern two goals ahead.
Alphonso Davies added a third with a powerful effort from outside the box before Olise produced a stunning long-range strike to make it 4-0.
Bodo were reduced to 10 men late on after Odin Bjortuft was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
Olise completed the rout in stoppage time, calmly finishing after capitalising on a loose ball.
Como Make Historic Champions League Debut
Como celebrated their first-ever Champions League appearance with an outstanding 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig.
Martin Baturina opened the scoring after 15 minutes, finishing from close range following good work by Anastasios Douvikas.
The Croatian midfielder later turned provider, sending Douvikas through to score Como's second before half-time.
Nico Paz then set up Assane Diao for Como's third shortly after the restart, putting the Italian side firmly in control.
Leipzig briefly threatened a comeback when Andrija Maksimovic fired into the top corner, but Como remained composed.
Maximo Perrone restored the three-goal cushion in the closing stages to complete a memorable European debut for Cesc Fabregas' team.
Lens Produce Incredible Late Comeback
One of the night's most dramatic encounters took place in Prague, where Lens defeated Slavia Prague 3-2 in a match packed with late twists.
Slavia took the lead through Danijel Sturm after Lens had been reduced to 10 men following a red card for Mikulas Konecny.
Lens eventually equalised when Abdallah Sima converted after a deflected effort fell into his path.
Sturm restored Slavia's advantage with a late strike, but Lens refused to surrender.
Florian Thauvin headed Lens level during stoppage time before Ruben Aguilar completed an extraordinary comeback with a long-range winner moments later.
Roma Held by Fenerbahce
Roma and Fenerbahce shared the points after a 1-1 draw in Istanbul.
Roma took the lead before half-time when Bryan Cristante fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
Fenerbahce responded early in the second half through Archie Brown, who finished over the advancing Roma goalkeeper.
The hosts had opportunities to complete the comeback, but Roma survived to take a point away from Turkey.
PSV and Shakhtar Also Share the Spoils
PSV Eindhoven were held to a 1-1 draw by Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Ukrainian visitors took the lead shortly before half-time through Gleiker Mendoza after exploiting space on the left side of the PSV defence.
Sergino Dest helped PSV respond after the break, finishing from inside the area to level the contest.
Both sides had opportunities to find a winner, but neither could produce the decisive finish.
Olise Named Player of the Day
Among the standout performers on Thursday was Bayern winger Michael Olise.
The Frenchman registered two goals and played a major role in Bayern's five-goal victory, including a spectacular long-range effort.
Other impressive performers included Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha, Bayern's Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies, Como's Nico Paz, and Slavia's Danijel Sturm.
Olise's first goal against Bodo/Glimt was also selected as the standout strike of the day.
