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UEFA Champions League Qualification: Fenerbahce vs Lugano
Kickoff Time: 2023-07-31 01:00 (HKT)
Source: USA TODAY Sports/Lucas Boland
In the first leg, Fenerbahce defeated Lugano 4-3 as the visitor. This victory not only marked Jose Mourinho’s return to the Champions League stage but also allowed Fenerbahce to taste the sweetness of victory in the Champions League after an eight-year hiatus, laying a solid foundation for the upcoming matches. This summer, Fenerbahce hired Mourinho to take charge of the team, hoping he can lead them back to the top. Additionally, Fenerbahce made significant investments in signings such as Allan Saint-Maximin, Rade Krunic, Caglar Soyuncu, and Cenk Tosun, injecting new vitality and strength into the team. Mourinho’s tactic at Fenerbahce not only relies on the traditional defensive counterattacks but also explores new possibilities in the attacking end. The team’s three consecutive victories and 13 goals demonstrate their formidable attacking power. However, finding the optimal balance between offense and defense remains a key challenge for Fenerbahce in the future.
In the Swiss Super League last weekend, Lugano won 2-1 against Basel on the road, achieving two consecutive victories in the new season and showing good form. However, compared to Fenerbahce, Lugano’s overall strength is undoubtedly quite limited, with a total squad value of only 40 million euros. Although Lugano managed to score three goals in the first leg, it was mostly due to the opponent’s defensive errors, and they ultimately lost 3-4. Moreover, with Lugano’s overall strength and squad depth, it will be a huge challenge for the team to balance in multiple competitions. Playing two matches in a week will also put the players’ physical fitness to a severe test.
In the first leg, Fenerbahce, despite two goals behind once, managed to secure a 4-3 comeback victory through Mourinho’s tactical adjustments and the players’ relentless efforts. Mourinho’s top-class tactics combined with Fenerbahce’s unbeatable lineup make it difficult for Lugano to compete. Especially at home, it will be even harder to derail Mourinho’s team. Therefore, Mourinho’s home debut is expected to be a resounding success.
Fenerbahce’s Last 5 Games: WWWLD
24-07-24 Lugano 3-4 Fenerbahce
24-07-19 Fenerbahce 5-1 Hull City
24-07-14 Fenerbahce 4-0 Strasbourg
24-07-11 Fenerbahce 0-1 Hajduk Split
24-07-07 FC Admira Wacker Modling 1-1 Fenerbahce
Lugano’s Last 5 Games: WLWLW
24-07-28 Basel 1-2 Lugano
24-07-24 Lugano 3-4 Fenerbahce
24-07-21 Lugano 2-1 Grasshopper
24-07-18 Inter 3-2 Lugano
24-07-14 Lugano 3-1 Parma
Head To Head Record:
24-07-24 Lugano 3-4 Fenerbahce
Prediction: Fenerbahce to win