Fenerbahce and Roma marked their return to the UEFA Champions League with a 1-1 draw on Thursday, with neither side able to celebrate a winning comeback to Europe’s top club competition.
Fenerbahce were last involved in the Champions League during the 2008-09 season, while Roma had missed seven editions since reaching the last 16 in the 2018-19 campaign.
Roma Take the Lead Before Half-Time
Roma opened the scoring in the 39th minute in Istanbul.
Donyell Malen played the ball to Bryan Cristante, who found the back of the net with a bouncing finish past Ederson. The goal was a special moment for Cristante, as it was his first goal in the Champions League proper, 15 years after making his competition debut as a 16-year-old with AC Milan.
Fenerbahçe Fight Back After the Break
Fenerbahce responded strongly after half-time and found their equaliser just three minutes into the second half.
Mason Greenwood produced a clever pass for left-back Archie Brown, who had moved into a central attacking position. Brown showed impressive finishing ability, flicking the ball over Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar to make it 1-1.
Fenerbahce Come Close to Winning
The hosts pushed for a late winner and came close when Nathan Aké headed the ball against the Roma crossbar.
Despite creating opportunities late in the match, Fenerbahce could not find the decisive goal, leaving both teams with a point from their Champions League return.
Ismail Kartal Announces Surprise Resignation
The match was followed by unexpected drama involving Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal.
Kartal announced at a press conference that he was resigning and said he would leave the club “never to return.” He explained that his decision was intended to clear the way for Fenerbahce.
However, the situation quickly changed when club president Aziz Yıldırım said Kartal would remain in charge.
President Says Kartal Will Continue
Yıldırım revealed that Kartal was upset after a bottle was thrown at him during the match and said the coach had also complained about pressure surrounding his position.
The president insisted that Kartal would continue in his role, saying that there was no need for the coach to publicly announce his decision to stay.
Kartal’s Long Connection With Fenerbahçe
Kartal has a long history with Fenerbahçe, having spent a decade at the club as a player.
He first managed the team during the 2014-15 season before taking charge on an interim basis in 2021-22. He returned for a full season in 2023-24 and came back for his fourth managerial spell in June.
He was also part of the coaching staff during the club’s last two Süper Lig title-winning campaigns.
Fenerbahce End Long Champions League Wait
Fenerbahce have finished runners-up in the Turkish top flight for each of the last five seasons.
Their return to the Champions League league phase marks their first appearance at this stage of the competition in 18 years. While the 1-1 draw denied them a winning return, the result gives both Fenerbahce and Roma a point as they begin their Champions League campaigns.