Domestic powerhouse Fenerbahce prepares for a crucial home clash against Benfica in their Champions League matchup
Fenerbahce and Benfica are set to lock horns in the UEFA Champions League play-off round on August 20, with the Turkish side hosting the Portuguese giants at their home ground. This highly anticipated encounter promises to be a thrilling affair, as both teams have displayed impressive form in the lead-up to this match.
Fenerbahce, who have been in fine form this season, brought in a staggering $25.6B in tourism revenue during the first half of 2025, with 26 million visitors flocking to the city. The team's recent victory over Feyenoord in the third qualifying round, where they overturned a 2-1 away defeat with a stunning 5-2 victory in Istanbul, serves as a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit.
The probable lineup for Fenerbahce includes the likes of Irfan Can Egribayat, Mert Muldur, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Semedo, Fred, Amrabat, Brown, Szymanski, En-Nesyri, and Duran. One player who could potentially make an appearance is the Turkish international Kerem Akturkoglu, who has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce in recent transfer discussions.
Benfica, on the other hand, reached the play-offs after consecutive 2-0 wins over French side Nice. Their probable lineup for the match includes Trubin, Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl, Aursnes, Rios, Barrenechea, Schjelderup, Ivanovic, and Pavlidis. The Portuguese side has a strong squad, with Kerem Akturkoglu also in their ranks amid Fenerbahce's interest.
The match will be overseen by German referee Daniel Siebert, ensuring a fair and balanced game. The return leg will be staged in Lisbon at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on August 27.
However, there is no publicly available information about a specific Benfica player listed in the 2025 UEFA Champions League probable lineups who is also reportedly of interest to Fenerbahce. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho, who has managed several top clubs, has snubbed Fenerbahce, claiming his past teams were superior.
This clash between Fenerbahce and Benfica marks the eighth meeting between the two clubs. In their seven previous encounters, Fenerbahce recorded two wins and one draw, while Benfica claimed four victories. The stakes are high, and both teams will be eager to secure a place in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
In a surprising turn of events, Fenerbahce has been forced to make a late change to their UEFA squad, with forward Cenk Tosun ruled out due to injury. Winger Cengiz Under has been drafted in as his replacement.
As the countdown to the match begins, fans from both sides are eagerly awaiting this exciting encounter. The city of Istanbul is buzzing with anticipation, and the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between two of Europe's top clubs.
