Fenerbahce begin Champions League campaign at home to AS Roma

Fenerbahce start their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league-phase campaign against AS Roma on Thursday, 10 September, with kick-off scheduled for 16:45 GMT at Chobani Stadyumu FB Sukru Saracoglu in Istanbul.

The Turkish side will be making their first appearance in this season’s league phase against an AS Roma team arriving in confident mood. The match brings together two clubs that have never met in an official UEFA fixture.

Fenerbahce v AS Roma

Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026 Kick-off: 16:45 GMT Venue: Chobani Stadyumu FB Sukru Saracoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

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The clubs have faced each other only once before, in a friendly in August 2014. That game ended in a 3-3 draw, meaning Thursday’s meeting will be their first competitive encounter in European football.

AS Roma bring greater continental experience to the fixture, while Fenerbahce will hope the atmosphere at their Istanbul home can provide an advantage. The contrasting strengths of the two teams make the opening match difficult to call.

Fenerbahce have assembled a sizeable squad featuring Ederson, Ake, Semedo, Skriniar, Guendouzi, Kante and Greenwood. However, they go into the game after suffering a 2-1 home defeat by Besiktas on 5 September. Milan Skriniar scored for Fenerbahce in that match, but his goal was not enough to prevent defeat.

AS Roma, meanwhile, have made an encouraging start under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The Italian side claimed a late 2-1 victory over Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico last Sunday, showing composure and determination to secure all three points in the closing stages.

That result has given the Giallorossi a positive platform before their Champions League campaign begins. Donyell Malen is expected to be one of their main attacking threats as they attempt to make a strong start away from home.

Fenerbahce’s home advantage is likely to be central to the contest. Their strengthened squad and the backing of the Sukru Saracoglu crowd could allow them to dictate the tempo, although AS Roma’s resilience under Gasperini gives the visitors a realistic chance of taking something from the match.

The prediction is for a tight game, with Fenerbahce narrowly edging it 1-0.

Africafoot prediction: Fenerbahce to win 1-0.

Betting company 1xbet has listed odds of 3.30 for a Fenerbahce victory, 3.50 for a draw and 2.10 for an AS Roma win. A download option for 1xbet is also provided in the source material.