Champions League roundup: Fenerbahce coach's resignation rejected, Bayern and United win big
Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal announced his resignation after a 1-1 draw with Roma, but the club president quickly overruled the decision. Bayern Munich routed Bodo/Glimt 5-0, Manchester United beat Sabah 4-0, and Como stunned RB Leipzig 4-1 in Thursday's Champions League action. The night featured 23 goals across six matches, bringing the first-round total to 69.
Ismail Kartal's resignation announcement followed a 1-1 draw with Roma, surprising defender Archie Brown, who had just scored the equalizer. Kartal, in his fourth stint at the club, had only held the role for 76 days after securing Champions League qualification via a play-off win over Lyon, but two domestic defeats had intensified scrutiny.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich and Manchester United recorded dominant 5-0 and 4-0 victories respectively, with United claiming their first win in the competition in over a thousand days. Como's 4-1 upset of RB Leipzig and Lens's 3-2 comeback against Slavia Prague contributed to a 23-goal evening, bringing the first-round total to 69 across 18 games.
The Fenerbahce power struggle could undermine team cohesion, potentially affecting player performance and fan confidence in the club's leadership. Such visible instability may also deter prospective coaching candidates or sponsors. Meanwhile, the record-breaking goal tally across the first round could influence tactical trends, encouraging more attacking approaches in domestic leagues as clubs seek to replicate the excitement and success seen in Europe.