Fenerbahçe seeks advantage against Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifier

Fenerbahçe will face Austrian side Sturm Graz in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. The match will be played tomorrow at 21:00 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex.

The Yellow-Navy Blues aim to secure an advantageous score at home in the first leg to strengthen their position ahead of the return match. Fenerbahçe reached this stage by eliminating Polish side Gornik Zabrze in the previous round, while Sturm Graz advanced by defeating Scottish side Hearts in both matches.

This match will be the third official meeting between Fenerbahçe and Sturm Graz. The two teams previously faced each other in the 2017 UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. At that time, Fenerbahçe won the first leg played in Austria 2-1, and the return leg in Kadıköy ended in a 1-1 draw. The Yellow-Navy Blues were the side that advanced with those results.

With the Sturm Graz match, Fenerbahçe will play its 303rd match in European competitions. In the 302 European matches played so far, the Yellow-Navy Blues have recorded 119 wins, 66 draws, and 117 losses. Fenerbahçe has scored 411 goals and conceded 424 in these matches.

In Champions League qualifiers, Fenerbahçe has played 44 matches to date. The Yellow-Navy Blues have secured 16 wins, 14 draws, and 14 losses in these matches. The Canaries have scored 64 goals and conceded 51 in these qualifying encounters.

Following the first leg to be played in Kadıköy, the return leg of the tie will determine which team advances. Fenerbahçe wants to gain an advantage for the next stage on the road to the Champions League with the result they achieve in front of their fans.

News Source: 12punto