Man United back with a bang as Como make stunning Champions League debut

Manchester United marked their long-awaited return to the Champions League with a 4-0 win over Sabah FC, while Como celebrated their European debut with a statement victory and Bayern Munich also opened their campaign in convincing fashion.United and Como capped off a brilliant opening UCL day for the two sides. (Photo: Reuters)Manchester United marked their return to the UEFA Champions League with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sabah FC at Old Trafford, while Como announced themselves on the European stage with a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig. Bayern Munich also began their campaign in style, cruising past Bodo/Glimt.United had waited more than 1,000 days to hear the Champions League anthem again, but there was little rust in Michael Carrick's side as they raced into a three-goal lead before half-time. Como, meanwhile, produced one of the night's biggest statements by overwhelming Leipzig in their first-ever European appearance.Bayern were made to work harder than the scoreline suggested during a stubborn first half, but Jamal Musiala's early second-half goal opened the floodgates. Harry Kane, Alphonso Davies and Michael Olise then completed a comfortable night for Vincent Kompany's side.For United, the victory was particularly welcome with a Manchester derby against City waiting on Sunday. Carrick's team still have plenty to prove after an uneven domestic start, but their first Champions League outing offered plenty of encouragement. MANCHESTER UNITED FIND THEIR RHYTHMSabah started positively at Old Trafford, but United eventually found their stride when Matheus Cunha converted Patrick Dorgu's cross in the 27th minute. Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko then struck late in the first half, putting the hosts firmly in control.Sesko's return to the starting XI was one of the night's biggest positives. The 23-year-old's physical presence gave United a focal point in attack, while Joshua Zirkzee impressed after coming off the bench before Lisandro Martinez added a fourth following a lively move. With goal difference potentially proving important in the league phase, United could hardly have asked for a better start.COMO MAKE HISTORY IN STYLE Como's Champions League debut turned into a night of celebration as Martin Baturina, Anastasios Douvikas and Assane Diao put the Italian side three goals ahead before Maximo Perrone added a fourth late on. Leipzig's only response came during a one-sided evening at a reduced-capacity Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.The result underlined the progress made under Cesc Fabregas, who guided Como to fourth in Serie A last season. Playmaker Nico Paz remained central to their attacking threat, while Baturina was named player of the match as Como embraced their first taste of European football. “We are audacious,” Baturina said, reflecting the fearless approach that carried them through the night.KANE AND OLISE LEAD BAYERN ROUTBayern eventually overwhelmed Bodo/Glimt after a competitive opening period. Musiala broke the deadlock early in the second half, scoring Bayern's 900th Champions League goal before Kane doubled the advantage with a header from a free-kick.Davies added a spectacular third from distance before Olise found the top corner and then struck again in stoppage time. Kane's goal was his 55th in the competition in just 71 appearances, putting him behind only Erling Haaland and Ruud van Nistelrooy for the fastest players to reach that mark. Bodo/Glimt's night ended with Odin Bjortuft sent off for a late foul on Olise.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 11, 2026 10:08 IST