Fenerbahce prepares for Champions League qualifier first leg clash with Sturm Graz
August 4, 2026 · TaegeukGoal
Fenerbahce hosts Sturm Graz in the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers. We are looking forward to the match between Fenerbahce, who will be looking to perform at home, and Sturm Graz, who will be looking to maintain their strong form away from home.
Fenerbahce prepares for Champions League qualifier first leg clash with Sturm Graz
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Fenerbahce finished only with a silver medal in the Turkish Super League last season and have not won the title in 12 years. This season, they are seeking a comeback under coach Ismail Kartal, and we look forward to the performances of Mason Greenwood and Tariska.
Why it's important
The first leg of this Champions League qualifier is an important match for both Fenerbahce and Stuttgart Graz. Fenerbahce will continue their strong performance at home and aim to advance to the Champions League, while Sturm Graz will look to maintain their good form away from home. This match could have a huge impact on both teams' season prospects.
Key takeaways
- Fenerbahce prepares for the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers against Sturm Graz.
- Fenerbahce hosts Sturm Graz in the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers.
- Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Strum Graz | SoccerNews.
Decision: Both teams are expected to score in one half. Highest Odds: 7/10, Bookmaker: 1xBet
Fenerbahce Fenerbahce once again failed to win the Turkish Super League for 12 years, finishing only with a silver medal last season. This season they are looking for a comeback under former coach Ismail Kartal. They continued their Champions League journey with a hard-fought 2-1 aggregate win over Poland's Gornik Zabrze last week in the qualifiers, but failed to make much of an impression after two games. However, the Kartal coach knows the importance of gaining an early advantage at home, and the team has not lost a home game in their home country since February.
Fenerbahce team news Former Manchester United player Mason Greenwood, who joined from Marseille in the summer transfer window, has joined the attacking squad and is looking forward to making his first start. Tarisca, who scored back-to-back goals in the qualifiers against Gornik Zabrze, will lead the Kartal attack. Türkiye's goalkeeper Mert Gunok appears to have established himself as the starting goalkeeper.
Strm Graz On the other hand, Sturm Graz missed out on winning the domestic league last season, leaving many wondering what they would do this season. They got their Champions League qualification off to a good start with a resounding 6-0 aggregate win over Scottish side Hearts. They will be confident ahead of their visit to Istanbul.
In fact, Sturm Graz have not lost on the road since mid-February.
Stirm Graz team news Costa Rica international Jayland Mitchell, signed from Dutch side Feyenoord in the summer, is expected to start at the heart of defence. 17-year-old Luca Weinhandl is expected to return to midfield after being rested against Tyrol last weekend. 22-year-old goalkeeper Daniil Hudiakov, who is attracting interest from Europe, will be in goal.
Key considerations for Fenerbahce and Stuttgart Graz
- The two teams first met on the European stage in August 2017, when Fenerbahce won 3-2 on aggregate.
- Fenerbahce has not lost at home since February.
- Sturm Graz haven't lost away since mid-February.
- Continuing from last season, Stuttgart Graz have scored two or more goals in five of their last six games. - Brazilian striker Tarisca scored consecutive goals in the qualifiers against Gornik Zabrze.
Conclusion
Fenerbahce are expected to have the advantage in this first leg, but could face another difficult test. After barely getting past Gornik Zabrze last week, Stuttgart Graz's attack continues to impress. So we can expect some exciting qualifying matches mid-week. Decision: Both teams are expected to score in one half. Highest Odds: 7/10, Bookmaker: 1xBet
future outlook
Fenerbahce will need their attacking players to maintain their home advantage and Tarisca's goals in particular will play a key role. Sturm Graz, on the other hand, will go into the game with confidence as they continue their recent undefeated record away from home. The match between the two teams will be an important stepping stone for advancing to the Champions League.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers between Fenerbahce and Stuttgart Graz be held?
The match takes place in Istanbul on Wednesday evening.
What are the recent performances of Fenerbahce and Sturm Graz?
Fenerbahce won silver in the Turkish Super League last season, while Sturm Graz missed out on winning the domestic league last season.
How is Fenerbahce doing in their home games?
Fenerbahce have not lost at home since February.
Who are the players you are looking forward to in this match?
Fenerbahce's Tarisca scored back-to-back goals in the qualifiers against Gornik Zabrdze, and Mason Greenwood is also expected to make his first start.
What is the record of past matches between Fenerbahce and Stuttgart Graz?
The two teams first met on the European stage in August 2017, when Fenerbahce won 3-2 on aggregate.
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