Champions League: Roma and Fenerbahçe end 1-1; PSV and Shakhtar also 1-1

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 11, 2026

Roma and Fenerbahçe played to a 1-1 draw in their return to the UEFA Champions League after more than a decade away, with goals from Bryan Cristante and Archie Brown. The result marked a positive start for both clubs as they reestablish themselves in Europe’s top competition, alongside PSV Eindhoven securing a comeback draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Roma and Fenerbahçe played to a 1-1 draw in Istanbul on Thursday in a UEFA Champions League group stage match, marking the return to Europe’s premier club competition for both sides after extended absences. Roma had not participated in the Champions League since the 2008 season, while Fenerbahçe were making their first appearance since the 2008-09 campaign.

The Italian league leaders took the lead in the 39th minute when Bryan Cristante scored from the edge of the box, receiving a pass from Donyell Malen. Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar made several key saves to maintain the lead during the first half. However, Fenerbahçe responded early in the second half; Mason Greenwood set up Archie Brown, who chipped the ball over Svilar to equalize in the 48th minute. Later in the match, Roma was awarded a potential penalty after a foul was called against Fenerbahçe’s Kerem Akturkoglu on Paulo Dybala, but a VAR review determined the foul had occurred outside the penalty area, nullifying the penalty claim.

Earlier on Thursday, PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk also settled for a 1-1 draw in Eindhoven. PSV, who had lost each of their opening fixtures in the previous five Champions League campaigns, found themselves trailing at halftime after Shakhtar took the lead with a goal from Gleiker Mendoza just before the break. Mendoza struck from a counterattack, placing a low shot beyond PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar. PSV mounted a comeback shortly after halftime when Sergiño Dest scored the equalizer with a precise shot into the bottom corner, securing a valuable point for the Dutch side.

Both matches highlighted the efforts of teams returning to the competition after years away. Fenerbahçe and Roma’s draws were seen as positive outcomes given their long absences, while PSV’s result ended a persistent streak of opening-match defeats in the Champions League.

Later on Thursday, six-time champions Bayern Munich were set to face last season’s surprise qualifiers Bodø/Glimt, and former champions Manchester United were scheduled to meet Azerbaijani newcomers Sabah, completing the first matchday of the group stage.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.