Roma open the Champions League campaign with a creditable 1-1 draw away to Fenerbahce, as Bryan Cristante's opener was cancelled out by Archie Brown.
The Giallorossi returned to the tournament after seven years and coming off three consecutive Serie A victories. Only Lorenzo Pellegrini was still out of action. Devyne Rensch was back, with Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala and Matias Soulé.
Fenerbahce's last Champions League proper game was 18 years ago, but Matteo Guendouzi was suspended after insulting French fans during the fiery play-off with Lyon. Jayden Oosterwolde and Marco Asensio were injured, with ex-Serie A players Milan Skriniar, Romelu Lukaku and Mert Muldur in the squad, plus Mason Greenwood, who chose the Turkish side over Roma this summer.
See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 10: A TIFO of Frankenstein's Monster is displayed by fans as players of AS Roma line up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Fenerbahce SK and AS Roma at Fenerbahce Sükrü Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on September 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)

#league

Uefa has banned Fenerbahce midfielder Matteo Guendouzi for his team's opening two Champions League fixtures following a series of provocations and insults during a chaotic play-off victory away at Lyon last month.
The 27-year-old, previously a player for Lyon's major rivals Marseille, found himself at the centre of unrest before and after Fenerbahce's 2-1 win on 26 August, which included a mass brawl.
The victory secured the Turkish side a place in the Champions League for the first time in 18 years. Guendouzi, who previously made 82 appearances for ****** nal between 2018 and 2020, is set to sit out Fenerbahce's home encounter against Roma next Thursday alongside their trip to Aston Villa on 14 October.
He will be available for Fenerbahce's final six games in the league phase of the Champions League, starting with his side's match against Slavia Prague on 20 October.
Disciplinary verdicts released late on Friday detailed charges against Guendouzi for violating decent conduct rules, "insulting players or others present at the match" and provoking spectators.

#league #previously #uefa

ISTANBUL (AP) — Mattéo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood have been charged by UEFA over alleged provocations of Lyon fans at a Champions League qualifying playoff, their club Fenerbahce said Thursday.
Both players have played for Lyon's French rival Marseille and were seen making offensive gestures last week. Fenerbahce won 2-1 in the second leg at Lyon to advance to the Champions League main phase for the first time in 18 years.
Guendouzi raised his middle finger to Lyon fans during the warmup and after the game and shouted "Allez l'OM" ("Go Marseille"), also grabbing his crotch, in wild post-match scenes. He said Lyon fans insulted his family before and during the game.
It was unclear if UEFA's disciplinary judges will sanction the players before Fenerbahce opens the Champions League main phase next Thursday, hosting Roma. Fenerbahce's second game is at Aston Villa on Oct. 14.
Fenerbahce did not specify the charges against Guendouzi and Greenwood though it said it will "protect the rights and interests" of them and the club.

#fenerbahce #league #fans #game

Roma will make their Champions League debut on Thursday, September 10th, a week from now, away to Fenerbahçe.
The Turkish team advanced to the playoffs against Lyon and were drawn in the same round as the Giallorossi. Following the match they won against Fonseca's team, a brawl broke out on the pitch.
It was a complete mess, with mockery, physical abuse, and verbal abuse, with former Lazio player Mattéo Guendouzi among the culprits.
This is why the French midfielder and Mason Greenwood are at risk for the Champions League match against Roma. UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings.
Fenerbahçe announced that UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against players Mattéo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood: "Following the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round, UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against our club in relation to our players Mattéo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood."

#champions #league #disciplinary #proceedings

Matteo Guendouzi was attacked by furious Lyon players and fans after sparking a mass brawl in a chaotic Champions League tie.
The fiery French midfielder claimed "disrespect" and insults towards his family throughout the match, given his affiliation to Lyon's fierce rivals Marseille, where he spent three seasons.
The 27-year-old let out relief at the final whistle, celebrating wildly, lifting his arms and taunting the fans in the stands before dozens of players and staff rushed towards the player in a chaotic brawl.
The Champions League play-off second leg saw the Turkish giants prevail on the night at Lyon's Groupama Stadium, advancing 3-2 on aggregate to the league phase, with the draw taking place later on Thursday.
Guendouzi was supported by some of his Fenerbahce team-mates, including Romelu Lukaku and former Man City goalkeeper Ederson.

#guendouzi #champions #fans #chaotic

Midweek action is here. MLS games are available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, in addition to any other options listed. All kickoff times are in EST. Let's get into it!
No notable USA players in action.
Fenerbahçe vs Lyon, 3p on Paramount+, DAZN: Tanner Tessmann and Olympique Lyonnais meet Turkish club Fenerbahçe in Champions League qualifying. They will play a second leg back in France. Fenerbahçe's squad features a lot of big names: N'Golo Kanté, Romelu Lukaku, Ederson, Marco Asensio, Mason Greenwood, Nathan Aké, Milan Skriniar, Mattéo Guendouzi, Nélson Semedo, and Caglar Söyüncü.
Atlético Madrid vs Málaga, 3p on ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, Fubo: Johnny Cardoso and Atléti open their La Liga campaign against Málaga.
Celtic vs LASK Linz, 3p on Paramount+, TUDN, ViX: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic are up against George Bello, Samuel Adeniran, and Austrian champions LASK in Champions League qualifying.

#action #qualifying