The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase opened with a series of emphatic statements. Manchester United marked their long-awaited return to Europe’s premier club competition with a dominant 4-0 victory over Sabah FC at Old Trafford, while Italian newcomers Como produced a stunning debut performance and Bayern Munich opened their campaign in ruthless fashion.
For United, the night carried extra significance. The club had been absent from the Champions League since December 2023. Under Michael Carrick, the Red Devils wasted little time reminding observers of their European pedigree against the Azerbaijani champions, who were themselves making their first appearance in the competition.
United Cruise Past Sabah
Manchester United controlled proceedings from the outset at Old Trafford. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute, converting a low cross from Patrick Dorgu. The Brazilian’s finish settled any early nerves and set the tone for a comfortable evening.
Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage in the 42nd minute after a well-worked move involving Youri Tielemans. Moments later, on the stroke of half-time, Benjamin Sesko made it 3-0. The Slovenian forward rounded the goalkeeper and finished calmly into an empty net, marking a strong contribution on his first start of the season.
Lisandro Martinez completed the scoring in the 68th minute, reacting quickest after a scramble in the box involving substitute Joshua Zirkzee. United managed the remainder of the match without alarm and avoided injuries ahead of the upcoming Manchester derby. Carrick was even able to introduce young players for their Champions League debuts late on.
The result represented United’s biggest Champions League win since 2020 and a near-perfect start to their campaign. While tougher tests await in the league phase, the performance provided a timely boost after a mixed beginning to the domestic season.
Como’s Historic Night
Elsewhere in Italy, Como delivered one of the standout results of the opening matchday. Making their first-ever appearance in the Champions League, the club from the shores of Lake Como defeated RB Leipzig 4-1 at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
Martin Baturina opened the scoring in the 15th minute, collecting a loose ball and finishing with composure. Anastasios Douvikas extended the lead before half-time, converting a precise through-ball. Assane Diao made it 3-0 early in the second half, and although Leipzig pulled a goal back through Andrija Maksimovic, Maximo Perrone sealed the victory in stoppage time.
Managed by Cesc Fabregas, Como have enjoyed a strong start to their Serie A season and carried that momentum into Europe. The result was celebrated as a landmark moment for the club and its supporters. Fabregas later described the evening as historic while emphasising the need to maintain focus on domestic fixtures.
The victory was particularly impressive given Leipzig’s established presence in European competition. Como’s attacking fluency and defensive organisation suggested they are determined to make more than a fleeting impact in the league phase.
Bayern Begin with Authority
At the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich opened their Champions League campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt. After a goalless first half, the German side asserted total control after the interval.
Jamal Musiala scored early in the second half on his first start of the season following recent health concerns. Harry Kane added a header, Alphonso Davies struck a powerful effort, and Michael Olise completed the scoring with a late brace. The result extended Bayern’s impressive run of opening-match victories in the competition and underlined their status as one of the early favourites.
A Night of Contrasts and Statements
The opening matchday of the Champions League league phase produced a mixture of routine victories for established powers and memorable breakthroughs for newcomers. Manchester United’s return was efficient and professional rather than spectacular, yet the three points and clean sheet provided exactly what was required. Como’s debut, by contrast, carried genuine romance and quality in equal measure.
These results set an early tone for the competition. Traditional heavyweights such as Bayern and United have announced their presence, while clubs like Como have shown that the expanded format can still produce unexpected and compelling stories. As the league phase progresses, the challenge for every side will be consistency across a demanding schedule that mixes domestic and European commitments.
For United, the focus now shifts quickly to Premier League action. For Como, the task is to build on a dream debut without losing sight of their domestic ambitions. Bayern, meanwhile, will look to maintain the high standards they set on the opening night.
The Champions League is back, and the first set of results has already delivered both expected dominance and genuine surprise.
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