Fenerbahçe Beats Sturm Graz 2-0, Gains Advantage Ahead of Return Leg

Fenerbahçe hosted Austrian side Sturm Graz at home in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 3rd qualifying round. The yellow-navy blue side came away from the match with a 2-0 victory, gaining an important advantage ahead of the return leg to be played in Austria.

Putting on an effective display in the first half, Fenerbahçe took the lead in the 10th minute. Kerem, who received a pass from Asensio and carried the ball into the penalty area, found Talisca, who scored with a shot from the left diagonal. Close to the end of the half, in the 45th minute, Greenwood doubled the lead with an accurate shot to the near post after receiving a pass from Asensio, who had played the ball to the edge of the penalty area from a corner kick taken from the right. The first half ended with this score.

Although the number of goals did not increase in the second half, which saw frequent stoppages due to injuries, Fenerbahçe continued to create chances. In addition to effective moves from Greenwood and Talisca, a situation where Kerem Aktürkoğlu found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper did not result in a goal due to offside. After Skriniar's header, goalkeeper Khudiakov saved Talisca's final touch, while in the last minutes of the match, İrfan Can Kahveci's shot deflected off the defense and went out of play.

Leaving the pitch with a 2-0 victory, Fenerbahçe gained a significant advantage on the way to advancing in the tournament. The return leg between the two teams will be played in Austria on Tuesday, August 11.