Fenerbahçe host Sturm Graz in the Champions League

Fenerbahçe will face Austrian side Sturm Graz in the 3rd qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The first match between the two teams will be played on Wednesday, August 5, at 21:00 at Chobani Stadium, while the return leg will take place on August 12 in Austria. The yellow-and-navy blue side aims to secure a home victory to gain an advantage heading into the away match.

The match at Chobani Stadium will be officiated by English referee Chris Kavanagh. He will be assisted by assistant referees Ian Hussin and Neil Davies, while Robert Jones will serve as the fourth official. The match is planned to be broadcast live on TV100, though there has been no official announcement yet regarding free-to-air coverage.

Before this round, Fenerbahçe advanced past Poland's Gornik Zabrze in the 2nd qualifying round. The yellow-and-navy blue side won the first leg 1-0 and secured qualification with a 1-1 draw in the away leg. The coaching staff is expected to field a defensive line consisting of Ederson, Semedo, Skriniar, Ake, and Oosterwolde against Sturm Graz, with İsmail Yüksek and Guendouzi tasked in midfield. In attack, İrfan Can Kahveci, Asensio, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, and Talisca are expected to start.

It is reported that if Fenerbahçe wins this tie, the club will advance to the UEFA Champions League play-off round. The play-off opponent will be determined following UEFA's draw. Should the yellow-and-navy blue side also progress through that round, they will secure the right to compete in the Champions League league phase.