Fenerbahce fight back to earn valuable Champions League point against Roma

Fenerbahce earned a hard‑earned point. Fenerbahce had played 154 matches since the last Champions League group‑stage game. Three former Champions League winners started for Fenerbahce and Fenerbahce helped the home side settle into a match where Roma had more of the ball early but was unable to impose itself.

Match highlight

Fenerbahce created the real moments of danger through quick breaks.

Mason Greenwood performed well down the right before finding Bartug Elmaz. Bartug Elmazs weak finish was saved by Mile Svilar. Kerem Akturkoglu then cut in from the left. Forced the Roma goalkeeper into a more demanding stop.

Roma nearly punished Fenerbahce for losing the ball in the half. Manu Kone found Paulo Dybala,. The Argentine’s wait for a first goal since January continued when Ederson made an excellent save.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side struggled to create chances but their patient approach finally brought the opening goal before half‑time. Donyell Malen kept possession under pressure before laying the ball off for Bryan Cristante. From the edge of the area Bryan Cristante drove a shot into the bottom corner.

It was Roma’s Champions League goal since March 2019.

Fenerbahce had lost five of the previous 32 UEFA home matches and Fenerbahce responded immediately after the break. Greenwood played a pass through the Roma defence for Archie Brown. Archie Brown kept his composure. Finished neatly to level the score.

The equaliser changed the match. Fenerbahce pressed forward with belief and almost took the lead when Vedat Muriqi was denied by a fine save from Svilar.

Roma eventually regained some control. Donyell Malen fired over while Paulo Dybala appeared to win a penalty after contact from Kerem Akturkoglu. The decision was overturned, however because the foul had taken place outside the penalty area.

Ismail Kartal then brought Roma forward Romelu Lukaku off the bench. Romelu Lukakus first involvement was a pass to substitute Oguz Aydin but Devyne Rensch made a crucial block.

Fenerbahce continued to threaten on. Nathan Ake headed against the crossbar as the hosts look for a winner. Roma survived to leave Istanbul with a point.

Fenerbahce have now avoided defeat in two of the seven Champions League matches against opponents. For Roma Romas return, to the competition after an eight‑season absence began with another opening result. Roma has now failed to win the Champions League match in six of the seven campaigns.