Fenerbahçe secured a 1-0 away victory against Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second leg, advancing 3-0 on aggregate to the play-off round, according to match reports.
Fenerbahçe Advances Past Sturm Graz in UEFA Champions League
Carrying a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Kadıköy, Fenerbahçe traveled to Austria and sealed the tie with a clean defensive sheet and a second-half penalty. According to match accounts, manager İsmail Kartal made a triple substitution in the 63rd minute, and two minutes later Anderson Talisca was brought down inside the box by the home defense. Referee Alejandro Hernandez pointed to the penalty spot, and Talisca converted in the 66th minute by sending the goalkeeper and the ball to opposite corners.
Sturm Graz pressed heavily in the second half, utilizing set pieces and attacking through Hödl and Kayombo, but the Turkish side’s defense—featuring goalkeeper Mert Günok—repelled the danger. Mert made critical saves, including denying Beganovic in the 76th minute and tipping a shot from Kerem around the post late in the game, to preserve the 1-0 scoreline on the night.
Next Opponent: Olympique Lyon in Play-Off Round
Having eliminated Sturm Graz, Fenerbahçe moves on to face French side Olympique Lyon in the UEFA Champions League play-off round, after Lyon eliminated Sparta Prag. According to the tournament schedule, the play-off matches will take place on August 18 and August 26. The winner of this two-legged tie will secure a spot in the Champions League league phase.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on fixture announcements for exact match times, as the winner of the Lyon tie advances directly to the newly formatted league phase of Europe’s premier club competition.
Anderson Talisca’s Goalscoring Form Continues
According to Fotomaç, Brazilian star Anderson Talisca has now found the back of the net in all four official matches he has played this season. Having scored in both legs of the Gornik Zabrze tie earlier in the campaign, Talisca carried that scoring form into the matches against Sturm Graz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Fenerbahçe defeat in the third qualifying round?
Fenerbahçe defeated Austrian club Sturm Graz 2-0 at home and 1-0 away, winning 3-0 on aggregate.
Who is Fenerbahçe’s next opponent in the Champions League?
Fenerbahçe will face French club Olympique Lyon in the play-off round.
When will the play-off matches against Olympique Lyon be played?
The play-off matches are scheduled for August 18 and August 26.
Who scored the winning goal in the second leg against Sturm Graz?
Anderson Talisca scored the winning goal from a 66th-minute penalty.