Lyon target €40m Champions League jackpot against Fenerbahçe after 1-1 in Türkiye | OneFootball

Lyon host Fenerbahçe at Groupama Stadium on Wednesday at 21:00, with a Champions League return worth at least €40 million on the line.

The tie is level after a 1-1 draw in Türkiye, and about 55,000 are expected to roar OL on at home, according to Le Progres.

More than six years have passed since the unique behind-closed-doors Final 8 ended in Lisbon, where Robert Lewandowski sealed a 3-0 semi-final after OL had stunned Manchester City 3-1.

After the first-leg draw, Fenerbahçe’s fans and media were critical. Coach Ismail Kartal was reproached for moving Talisca to no 10 instead of leaving him up front with Asensio behind, a switch not used earlier this season.

Kartal has also faced attacks over adding his son Emre to the staff, which he rejects, citing the Ancelotti family. Without last weekend’s 4-2 win over Konyaspor, his position might have been under threat.

Fenerbahçe have not played in the Champions League for 18 years, and have been beaten in each of their last nine play-off appearances.

Paulo Fonseca called it a special occasion and a big game, stressing a balanced display will be needed to qualify and that it matters to everyone.

Lyon’s mood is buoyant, with Sulc, Nartey and Bidstrup back, newcomers Athekame and Bacher impressing, and an opening Ligue 1 win in Toulouse. Capacity is trimmed by segregation and some restricted blocks for big matches.

Source: Le Progres

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”