Fenerbahçe Draw 1-1 with Lyon in Champions League Play-off First Leg

Fenerbahçe faced Lyon at Kadıköy in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round and came away from the match with a 1-1 draw. The visiting side took the lead in the 40th minute through a goal from Lois Openda, while the yellow-and-navy blues equalized shortly after returning from the locker room, in the 47th minute, through a goal from Mason Greenwood. The return leg of the match will be played in France on Wednesday, August 26. Fenerbahçe's new signing Romelu Lukaku took to the pitch for the first time in the yellow-and-navy blue jersey, replacing Vedat Muriç in the 82nd minute. Another new face, Marco Asensio, came on in the 73rd minute in place of Talisca. Goalkeeper Ederson played his first official match of the season following an injury and infection process, while injured players Mert Günok, Çağlar Söyüncü and Jayden Oosterwolde were not included in the squad.

Speaking after the match, Fenerbahçe Head Coach İsmail Kartal emphasized that they put up a good fight at Champions League level and noted that the fans had made a great contribution to the night. Kartal stated that they played with tactical discipline and created chances they could have won, saying that although they did not come away with an advantageous score, the 1-1 result was not bad. The experienced coach noted that the opponent was an organized and strong team, and that the goal they conceded was not a surprise at this level, but the team showed a good reaction after the goal. Kartal also added that the busy match schedule increases the risk of physical fatigue, which is why they shaped their game plan on the pitch according to the opponent.

On Lyon's side, Head Coach Paulo Fonseca said that his team put in an extremely positive and near-flawless performance at Kadıköy. Fonseca described Fenerbahçe as a strong team with great talents, while emphasizing that his own team had been very successful defensively. Expressing his satisfaction with Openda's performance, Fonseca stated that he foresees his player becoming a much more important figure in the future. Fonseca concluded his remarks by emphasizing that he expects their own fans to create a similar atmosphere in the return leg and that they will fight until the last moment to reach the league phase.

Fenerbahçe fans showed intense interest in the match played at Kadıköy. Fans who gathered around the stadium for hours before the match experienced excitement with chants and cheers, inviting the players to the stands to show their support. In the event, where strict security measures were taken, fans were admitted to the stadium after a security check, creating a visual spectacle in the stands.