Manchester United launched their Champions League campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory over Sabah on Thursday, while Cesc Fabregas’s Como made a striking impression on their European debut.
Harry Kane and Michael Olise, both recently nominated for the Ballon d’Or, found the net as Bayern Munich overcame a spirited Bodo/Glimt in a 5-0 rout after the Norwegian side suffered a second-half collapse.
Matheus Cunha netted his first goal of the season, joining captain Bruno Fernandes, forward Benjamin Sesko, and centre-back Lisandro Martinez on the scoresheet in a comfortable evening for the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
“It was perfect for everyone, especially our fans,” Sesko told TNT Sports.
“It means a great deal to them, particularly when they witness so many goals. I believe it provides us with excellent motivation for the upcoming matches.”
A moment of anxiety followed after Cunha gave Michael Carrick’s side a 27th-minute lead from Patrick Dorgu’s cross, as United’s defensive vulnerabilities nearly resurfaced to trouble them.
However, Joy-Lance Mickels squandered a golden opportunity for the Champions League debutants, heading wide from less than five yards out at the back post.
The Azerbaijani side wilted toward the end of the first half as Youri Tielemans set up Fernandes, and subsequently Sesko intercepted Bryan Mbeumo’s through ball to round goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and slide the ball into the net.
Midway through the second half, Martinez capitalized on a loose ball that ricocheted off Pokatilov and a defender following a substitute Joshua Zirkzee’s backheel, as United shifted into cruise control.
Carrick even had the luxury of introducing youngsters Harry Amass and Shea Lacey for their Champions League debuts, seeking to rest his legs ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
“The confidence boost is certainly significant. It is crucial to recover properly and focus on the derby,” added Sesko.
Kane Continues His Stellar Run
Goals from Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina, Greek forward Tasos Douvikas, and Senegal’s Assane Diao put Como in control against RB Leipzig.
Serbia midfielder Andrija Maksimovic pulled one back for Leipzig, but Maximo Perrone sealed a 4-1 victory late in the match, capping a dream night in northern Italy.
Kane scored for the eighth consecutive Champions League match, powering home a header from Olise’s free-kick, as Bayern Munich ultimately overcame a spirited Bodo/Glimt.
Jamal Musiala gave them the lead shortly after a goalless first half, and following Kane’s goal, Alphonso Davies shot into the bottom corner when Olise’s corner was only half cleared.
It marked Musiala’s first goal since he collapsed on the pitch during pre-season due to a neurological condition.
“Scoring a goal—pure happiness,” Musiala told DAZN.
“I simply want to perform well again… I want to return to my level step by step, playing with a sense of ease, joy, and fun on the pitch.”
Olise joined the scoring with a sumptuous finish seven minutes from time, before Odin Bjortuft was dismissed for the Norwegians.
Olise then completed the rout with his second goal.
Lens twice came from behind to beat 10-man Slavia Prague 3-2, thanks to injury-time goals from Florian Thauvin and Ruben Aguilar.
Danijel Sturm had twice given Slavia the lead, firstly just after Mikulas Konecny was dismissed, and then with just two minutes remaining, but the Czechs were unable to hold on.
Earlier in the evening, there were 1-1 draws between Fenerbahce and Roma, and between PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal resigned after the match in Istanbul, during which he was targeted by a bottle thrown from the crowd.
However, his president Aziz Yildirim stated that he had rejected the resignation.