Champions League review: Parrott shines as Olise stars

The Champions League league phase opened with a mix of heavyweight statements, emerging storylines and familiar chaos. Barcelona made an eye-catching start, Troy Parrott continued his rise with Real Betis, Michael Olise underlined his growing status at Bayern, and Fenerbahce provided the early managerial drama.

Barcelona begin with intent

Barcelona’s return to the competition has been framed as the start of another attempt to recover a title they last won in 2015. The scale of that wait has only sharpened the focus on this campaign, particularly given the club’s frustrations in Europe since then.

On a wet evening at Camp Nou, Hansi Flick’s side showed the attacking quality still available to them in a commanding win over Feyenoord. Raphinha was central to that display, while Lamine Yamal also found the net. Gabriel Jesus, one of the club’s summer arrivals, scored his first goal for Barcelona as the home side’s forward line offered a reminder of why expectations remain high.

Yamal’s development remains one of the most compelling themes. Already a European and world champion with Spain, he is now being asked to help drive Barcelona deeper into the Champions League.

Parrott gives Betis another big night

Few players have done more to seize the early spotlight than Troy Parrott. Since moving to Seville in the summer, the former Tottenham forward has quickly become a major talking point for Real Betis and for Irish supporters following his progress.

Fresh from scoring the winner against Real Madrid, Parrott delivered again away to Lille. His left-footed finish put Betis ahead and they held on to secure the result. It was another significant contribution from a player whose stock has risen sharply over a short period.

Parrott had already spoken in glowing terms about one of the standout nights of his career with the Republic of Ireland. If that remains his benchmark, this latest run of club form is beginning to push close.

Olise keeps Bayern moving

Michael Olise’s form is becoming impossible to ignore. Bayern’s wide forward scored twice against Bodø/Glimt, with the German side pulling away emphatically in the second half despite efforts to contain him through close marking.

The Frenchman’s quality in one-against-one situations and his calm in front of goal have made him one of the most watchable players in the competition’s opening week. His post-match verdict was characteristically understated.

“I don’t know … I just shoot and it goes in.”

That dry response did little to hide his influence. On current form, he belongs firmly in the wider conversation around the game’s elite performers.

Fenerbahce turmoil and Sabah’s steep learning curve

There was also confusion in Istanbul after Fenerbahce’s draw with Roma. Coach Ismail Kartal resigned after the match, saying he wanted to clear the way, only for president Aziz Yildirim to publicly insist the resignation would not be accepted.

The explanation offered for Kartal’s reaction was his anger after a bottle was thrown in his direction. Whether the matter ends there remains to be seen, but it was one of the most unusual episodes of the week.

Elsewhere, Manchester United comfortably beat Sabah, the Azerbaijani champions formed in 2017. Sabah’s coach, Valdas Dambrauskas, has one of the more unusual backgrounds in the competition, having previously worked in youth coaching in England as well as taking jobs as a pub cleaner and gardener. His route into football was also helped by winnings from a version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

That story added intrigue to the tie, but United proved too strong. Dambrauskas was particularly struck by Bruno Fernandes, admitting the midfielder had dominated the contest. For Sabah, the scale of the challenge ahead is clear, with more elite opposition still to come in the league phase.

• Barcelona beat Feyenoord in a high-scoring opener.
• Troy Parrott scored again for Real Betis against Lille.
• Michael Olise struck twice for Bayern against Bodø/Glimt.
• Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal offered his resignation after the draw with Roma.
• Manchester United beat Sabah, whose coach is Valdas Dambrauskas.