Fenerbahçe host Roma in historic Champions League return after 18-year absence | OneFootball

Fenerbahçe host AS Roma on Thursday at the Chobani Stadyumu FB Şükrü Saracoğlu, marking a long-awaited Champions League return in their league phase opener after an 18-year absence.

According to Turkish-Football.com, the club reached the league phase by navigating a tense play-off against Lyon.

They arrive on the back of a 2-1 derby defeat to Beşiktaş, yet history in Kadıköy offers comfort. Fenerbahçe have won their last three home games against Italian opposition in Europe, keeping clean sheets each time.

Head coach İsmail Kartal said: “We are playing at home, and we must reflect our identity on the pitch. I want a team that fights, supports one another, and leaves everything on the field.”

İsmail Kartal must make do without Mattéo Guendouzi, who begins a European suspension after post-match incidents in the play-off round. Marco Asensio is also not yet fully match-fit.

As a result, N’Golo Kanté is expected to line up with İsmail Yüksek in midfield, with Mason Greenwood operating centrally behind Vedat Muriqi.

Source: Turkish-Football.com

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