Match Report: Fenerbahçe SK v AS Roma – 10th September 2026
On 11 September 2026 by Gillyowl
Fenerbahçe SK 1 – 1 AS Roma
Champions League
Back in the Champions League after what felt like an eternity, Roma headed to Istanbul and came away with a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe — bringing the Giallorossi’s eight-game winning run across all competitions to an end.
Roma controlled much of the early possession, although Fener looked dangerous on the counter. Mason Greenwood caused a few problems down the right, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu forced Mile Svilar into a save. Nothing too dramatic, though — Svilar had his gloves warmed up and was ready for it.
Roma then had a golden opportunity when Fener gifted possession away in a dangerous area. Manu Koné slipped Paulo Dybala through, but unfortunately the goal that’s been hiding from Paulo since January decided to stay in Istanbul a little longer, with Ederson producing an excellent save.
The breakthrough eventually arrived, and of course it had to be Roma. Donyell Malen refused to give up on a lost cause before finding Bryan Cristante, who calmly drilled a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Roma’s first Champions League goal since 2019 — and what a time to end the drought.
Fenerbahçe came flying out after the break and equalised within three minutes, with Greenwood setting up Archie Brown for a delicate finish. Suddenly, the home crowd found its voice again.
Roma were under pressure for a spell, with Svilar producing a huge save to deny Vedat Muriqi from putting Fener ahead. The hosts continued to threaten, although Roma had their own chances to regain control. Malen fired over, while Dybala appeared to have won a penalty after being brought down — only for VAR to remind everyone that football is apparently determined to ruin our happiness, overturning the decision because the foul occurred outside the box.
The game became increasingly frantic. Fener introduced former Roma striker Romelu Lukaku, who immediately created a chance for Oğuz Aydin, only for Devyne Rensch to throw himself in the way. Nathan Aké then rattled the crossbar as Fener pushed for a late winner.
In the end, Roma had to settle for a point on their return to the Champions League. Not the perfect night, perhaps, but an away draw in Istanbul, a goal to end the European drought, and another match unbeaten.
Could have been worse. Could have been a penalty that actually stood. 😏
Welcome back to the Champions League, Roma. The Giallorossi are back where they belong — and already giving us the full emotional experience. Daje Roma! 🟡🔴🐺
