Fenerbahçe Drawn Against Lyon in Champions League Play-off Round

Fenerbahçe defeated Sturm Graz 1-0 away in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round. Backed by their 2-0 win in the first leg, the yellow-and-navy blue side secured an aggregate score of 3-0 over the two matches, guaranteeing their progression to the play-off round.

The yellow-and-navy blue side's opponent in this round depended on the outcome of the tie between Sparta Prague and Lyon. Although Sparta Prague won the first leg, Lyon gave no ground in the return fixture, winning 3-0 to advance with an aggregate score of 4-2. With this result, it became clear that Fenerbahçe's play-off opponent would be the French representative Lyon.

Speaking ahead of the draw, Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca had words of praise for their opponents. Fonseca stated that Sparta Prague were a good team, but that Fenerbahçe were at a different level, noting that the quality of the yellow-and-navy blue side's squad was remarkable. The French coach said his team would approach the matches with humility and would try to get positive results in both games.

The first leg of the play-off round between Fenerbahçe and Lyon is planned to be played on August 18 or 19. The return leg is expected to take place on August 25 or 26, 2026. The team that comes out on top after the two matches will earn the right to compete in the Champions League league phase.