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Roma to take 400 fans to Istanbul for Fenerbahçe Champions League opener
·10 September 2026·45d ago

Roma to take 400 fans to Istanbul for Fenerbahçe Champions League opener

Source: Roma News

Roma's European campaign begins at Fenerbahçe's Şükrü Saraçoğlu stadium in Istanbul, with approximately 400 supporters travelling from Italy for the Champions League group-phase fixture. The Kadıköy neighbourhood on the Asian side of Istanbul will host the Giallorossi's first continental away match of the season, with the stadium renowned for its intense atmosphere.

The Fenerbahçe ground represents one of European football's most hostile environments. Kadıköy itself is described as the passionate, populist heart of Istanbul on the Bosphorus's Asian shore—far removed from the golden palaces of the European side. The quarter pulses with an identity inseparable from Fenerbahçe's support: narrow market streets, bohemian cafés, and colourful murals define the neighbourhood. The stadium itself functions as what is effectively a cauldron of noise, built to challenge visiting teams across the full ninety minutes.

Roma's travelling contingent has been provided with logistical guidance to reach the stadium. The article describes the area around the ground as saturated with Fenerbahçe's yellow and blue colours, with the scents of kebab restaurants and the nearby Sea of Marmara mingling in the cool Kadıköy air. Meeting points and stadium information for the 400 Roma supporters have been coordinated ahead of the match.

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# Roma Draw 1–1 with Fenerbahçe in Champions League Return

Roma returned to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in seven years on 10 September, drawing 1–1 away at Fenerbahçe in Istanbul in the opening match of the competition's new league phase. Bryan Cristante gave Roma the lead in the first half with a long-range strike, but the Giallorossi conceded almost immediately after the restart when Fenerbahçe's Brown capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the match. The result leaves Roma with one point from their opening fixture.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini fielded a three-man defence of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Wesley and Devyne Rensch operating as wing-backs. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné anchored midfield, while Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen led the attack with Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield role. Gasperini made three substitutions in the 74th minute, bringing on Leonardo Balerdi, Nahuel Molina and Rodrigo Mora. Mile Svilar made crucial saves to keep Roma in the contest. The match was controlled by Roma, who dominated possession at 58 per cent to Fenerbahçe's 42 per cent, though they failed to build on their first-half advantage. Fenerbahçe created the clearer chances after equalising, with a header from Akè striking the crossbar late on.

The draw has secured €50.09 million in Champions League revenue for Roma so far this season, according to Calcio e Finanza. Qualification alone granted €18.62 million, with their current league-phase position contributing at least €275,000, and the draw adding €700,000. The largest component comes from the value pillar, contributing €30.49 million to the club's coffers. Gasperini acknowledged Roma's second-half vulnerability but praised the overall performance and the point secured away from home in a hostile environment. Several radio commentators viewed the result as acceptable, though opinion divided on whether Roma should have won. The draw marks a solid foundation for Roma's European campaign, though the manager acknowledged the need for greater focus when transitioning from a compact defensive shape.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“Il quartiere di Kadıköy, situato sulla sponda asiatica di Istanbul, ospita il debutto europeo della Roma nella fase a gironi della Champions League. Tra le strade della capitale turca e l’atmosfera incandescente dello stadio Şükrü Saracoğlu, la squadra giallorossa sarà sostenuta da un contingente…”

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News →

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