Sports Illustrated Boldly Forecasts Every Champions League Matchday 1 Result This Thursday

The concluding batch of Matchday 1 league phase fixtures arrives on Thursday, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United commanding the spotlight.

While Bayern are looking to surpass last season's semifinal run, United are marking their return to Europe's top club competition after a two-year hiatus. The Red Devils have struggled to make their mark on this stage since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down, and they'll be guided by one of the key figures from Fergie's final years at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick.

There's no shortage of intrigue elsewhere on what is traditionally a Europa night, as two first-timers enter the fray and fringe members of the continent's elite look to stake an early claim.

Here's how Sports Illustrated forecasts Thursday's matches to unfold.

Fenerbahçe vs. Roma Prediction

Prediction: Fenerbahçe 2–2 Roma

A historic occasion awaits both clubs on Thursday evening, as Fenerbahçe and Roma meet for the very first time.

A dramatic playoff win over Lyon saw the hosts secure their first Champions League spot since 2009, while Roma are returning to the competition following a seven-year absence.

Fenerbahçe may well field the most star-studded Turkish Süper Lig squad you're ever likely to witness. A host of recognizable names, from Ederson to Romelu Lukaku and Nathan Aké to N'Golo Kanté, are hoping to make an impact for the Turkish club throughout the autumn and winter months.

An Italian team hasn't claimed a Champions League away victory in Türkiye in more than 20 years.

PSV Eindhoven vs. Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction

Prediction: PSV 3–1 Shakhtar Donetsk

PSV Eindhoven are considered a dark horse capable of making a deep run in this season's competition, having established themselves as the Eredivisie's dominant force under Peter Bosz.

They've secured three back-to-back Dutch league titles and have hinted at their ability to compete on the European stage. Last season, PSV dismantled Napoli 6–2 and Liverpool 4–1 at Anfield, yet still managed to bow out at the league phase.

While they celebrate a fourth-straight Champions League appearance, Shakhtar Donetsk — who will be hosting their home fixtures at Stamford Bridge due to the ongoing conflict in their homeland — are competing for the 20th time since their debut in 2000–01.

The Ukrainian champions are managed by former Atlético Madrid and Barcelona playmaker Arda Turan.

Bayern Munich vs. Bodø/Glimt Prediction

Prediction: Bayern Munich 4–1 Bodø/Glimt

The Norwegian visitors captured the hearts of neutrals last season, reaching the last 16 on their Champions League debut. Bodø/Glimt's journey was nothing short of magical — the kind of fairytale that grows increasingly rare in modern football.

Kjetil Knutsen's side knocked out Manchester City, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan (twice) en route to the round of 16, where they squandered a significant home advantage in the second leg against Sporting CP.

As one might expect, there has been little squad overhaul following their heavy defeat in Lisbon, and this side faces arguably its sternest continental challenge yet on Thursday night.

Bayern Munich are Champions League giants and firmly in contention to lift a seventh European crown this campaign. They'll need Harry Kane and Michael Olise firing in unison once again, with the former enjoying a season that has placed him firmly in the Ballon d'Or conversation.

Bayern cruised to domestic glory without much difficulty, and now they're aiming to go one step further in Europe after falling to Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling semifinal last time around.

Como vs. RB Leipzig Prediction

Prediction: Como 2–1 RB Leipzig

Como are the 16th Italian club to feature in this competition, and their extraordinary rise simply cannot be overstated. They were competing in the third tier just five years ago.

Como earned promotion to Serie A in 2024 and are now preparing for their first taste of European football. They pipped the likes of AC Milan and Juventus to a Champions League berth last season.

Under the guidance of Cèsc Fabregas, the Italian side opens with a home clash against RB Leipzig. More high-profile fixtures await the newcomers, but Leipzig have built their own Champions League credentials since their first appearance in 2017.

Die Roten Bullen reached the semifinals under Julian Nagelsmann in 2020 and are returning to the competition after a year out of European football in 2025–26. Former Argentine defender Martín Demichelis has taken charge in Saxony.

Manchester United vs. Sabah Prediction

Prediction: Man Utd 3–0 Sabah

The Red Devils are back on the grandest stage after a short absence, with Michael Carrick having made good use of Manchester United's free midweeks during the second half of last season.

Their re-entry into the competition is a gentle one, as they face debutants Sabah on Matchday 1. The Azerbaijani side are managed by Valdas Dambrauskas, who appeared on Lithuania's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" back in 2002 — walking away with $980 (£725).

It's a momentous occasion for the visitors, with the Theatre of Dreams serving as the backdrop for their Champions League debut. A comfortable home victory is anticipated, even as Manchester United have endured a rather worrying start to their 2026–27 Premier League campaign.

Slavia Prague vs. Lens Prediction

Prediction: Slavia Prague 0–0 Lens

Lens pushed PSG reasonably hard in Ligue 1 last season, but they were significantly weakened by London clubs during the summer window. Manager Pierre Sage was named Oliver Glasner's replacement at Crystal Palace, while key midfielder Mamadou Sangaré departed for Brentford in a club-record transfer.

They've also lost Facundo Medina to Bayer Leverkusen, though West Ham United did them a favour by sending Jean-Clair Todibo on loan for the season.

Matching, let alone improving on, last season's output will be a considerable challenge for the French club, and a demanding European away trip greets them on Matchday 1. Eastern European fixtures may not carry the same dread as before, but a French side hasn't won away at Slavia Prague since 2009 — with three having fallen since.

The hosts were among the joint-lowest scorers in last season's competition.

Champions League Predictions: Sept. 10