Fenerbahçe and Roma play out 1-1 draw in the Champions League

Fenerbahçe and Roma settled for a 1-1 in Istanbul at the Şükrü Saracoğlu, their return to the Champions League after long absences. The Italians were better in the first half and took the lead with Bryan Cristante, but the hosts bounced back after the break and equalised through Archie Brown, in the opening round of the league phase, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

Cristante makes it 1-0

Roma arrived as Serie A leaders with 9 points from 9 and controlled the tempo early on, while Fenerbahçe stayed compact and looked to attack the spaces created by turnovers. The Turkish side had early chances for Bartug Elmaz and Karem Akturkoğlu, though neither attempt troubled Mile Svilar.

The goal came in the 39th minute. Donyell Malen held the ball and played it to Cristante, who whipped a cross-shot from the top of the box into the side-netting area, finding the post.

Brown responds after the break

In the second half, Fenerbahçe pressed higher and pushed for a fast reaction. Mundo Deportivo notes they were missing Matteo Guendouzi (suspension) and Marco Asensio (injury). That pressure paid off at 48': Mason Greenwood’s pass found Archie Brown, who chipped it over Svilar.

The game then swung. Vedat Muriqi threatened to put Fenerbahçe ahead, and Svilar produced a crucial save with his hand. Later, a crossbar denied Roma again after Nathan Aké met a free-kick.

The match ended goalless from then on, with the 1-1 final score. Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano. A minute’s silence was observed for the victims of flooding in Nepal.