Manchester United marked their return to the UEFA Champions League in style, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Sabah at Old Trafford, while Como produced one of the biggest surprises of the night with an impressive win on their European debut.
Matheus Cunha opened his account for the season, while captain Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez also found the net as United enjoyed a comfortable evening in front of their home supporters.
The result provided an ideal start to United’s Champions League campaign, with the Red Devils rarely looking troubled despite a brief scare in the first half.
“I think it was perfect for everyone, especially our fans,” Sesko told TNT Sports.
“It means a lot to them, especially when they see so many goals. I think it was great for us in general to give us more motivation for the upcoming games.”
Cunha put Michael Carrick’s side ahead in the 27th minute after connecting with Patrick Dorgu’s cross. United could have found themselves under pressure soon afterwards when Sabah came close to an equaliser.
Joy-Lance Mickels was left unmarked at the back post but headed wide from just a few yards out, allowing United to escape a major scare.
The visitors struggled as the first half progressed, and United took full advantage. Youri Tielemans set up Fernandes for the second goal before Sesko raced onto Bryan Mbeumo’s through ball, rounded goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and calmly slotted the ball into the net.
United continued to dominate after the break, with Martinez adding a fourth midway through the second half. The Argentine defender reacted quickest to a loose ball that had bounced off Pokatilov and a defender following Joshua Zirkzee’s backheel.
With the result effectively secured, Carrick was able to give youngsters Harry Amass and Shea Lacey their Champions League debuts while managing the squad ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
“I think the confidence boost is definitely big. It’s important to recover good and focus on the derby,” added Sesko.
Kane Continues Champions League Scoring Run
Bayern Munich also secured a convincing victory, defeating Bodo/Glimt 5-0 after initially being made to work hard by the Norwegian side.
Harry Kane continued his remarkable Champions League scoring streak, finding the net for an eighth consecutive game. The England striker powered a header past the goalkeeper from Michael Olise’s free-kick.
Jamal Musiala had broken the deadlock shortly after half-time before Kane doubled Bayern’s advantage.
Alphonso Davies then added a third, firing into the bottom corner after Bodo/Glimt failed to properly clear an Olise corner.
Olise produced a moment of brilliance seven minutes from time, beating the goalkeeper with a superb finish. The Norwegian visitors were reduced to 10 men when Odin Bjortuft was sent off, and Olise completed his brace soon afterwards to finish off a dominant Bayern display.
Como Make Dream Champions League Debut
Como enjoyed a memorable first appearance in the Champions League, defeating RB Leipzig 4-1 in northern Italy.
The Italian side, coached by Cesc Fabregas, took control through goals from Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina, Greece forward Tasos Douvikas and Senegalese attacker Assane Diao.
Leipzig briefly threatened a comeback when Serbia midfielder Andrija Maksimovic pulled one back, but Maximo Perrone restored Como’s advantage late in the match to seal a stunning victory.
Elsewhere, Lens twice came from behind to defeat 10-man Slavia Prague 3-2, with Florian Thauvin and Ruben Aguilar scoring in stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback.
Danijel Sturm twice put Slavia ahead, first shortly after Mikulas Konecny was sent off and again with only two minutes remaining. However, the Czech side could not hold on as Lens produced a remarkable late turnaround.
The other matches on the night ended in draws, with Fenerbahce and Roma sharing a 1-1 result, while PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk also finished 1-1.
