Overview
Sturm Graz will have to make a lot of effort if they want to reverse the situation against Fenerbahce and continue their journey in the Champions League qualifiers. The Austrian representative once overcame Hearts with a convincing victory in the previous round, but the away match at Fenerbahce's stadium exposed their limitations.
A slow start cost Sturm when Talisca scored the opening goal, before Mason Greenwood doubled the gap right before halftime. After that, Fenerbahce controlled the advantage well and kept the score 2-0 until the end of the match.
This defeat was partly soothed by Sturm Graz with a 2-0 victory over Hartberg in the Austrian national championship. They also have a basis for hope when playing at Merkur Arena, where they have won 6 out of 9 recent matches in European cups.
Notably, Sturm once defeated Hearts 4-0 at home in the previous round. However, history also brings a warning to the Austrian team. Their previous 5 victories at Merkur Arena in the European arena were not enough to help them advance after losing in the first leg.
If they cannot create a comeback, Sturm Graz will play in the Europa League for the second consecutive season. The team that is eliminated in the Champions League qualifiers will still be guaranteed a direct spot in the main round of the Europa League, so Ingolitsch's team still has a backup option for the European season.
On the other side, Fenerbahce is facing a great opportunity to return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2008-2009 season. The 2-0 victory over Sturm gives this team a significant advantage before the second leg. Previously, Fenerbahce also defeated Gornik Zabrze with a total score of 2-1 to advance to the current round.
Ismail Kartal's team is unbeaten after 3 official matches since the beginning of the season. Notably, Fenerbahce has not lost in their last 5 away games in the European arena, with 2 wins and 3 draws. This achievement gives them more confidence when playing at Merkur Arena.
Fenerbahce is also aiming to go further under Kartal, who was appointed in June. Last season, the Turkish team stopped in the Europa League knockout round and could not win a Champions League ticket under Jose Mourinho.
This time, the 2-goal advantage is opening up opportunities for Fenerbahce to take another step on their journey back to the most prestigious playground in Europe.
Personnel situation
Sturm Graz has not recorded any new injuries in the last 2 matches. However, the possibility of Amady Camara and Otar Kiteishvili playing in the second leg is still uncertain due to fitness issues.
On Fenerbahce's side, Jayden Oosterwolde will be absent after tearing his hamstring in the first leg. Archie Brown is likely to be chosen to replace him in the left-back position.
Expected lineup:
Sturm Graz: Khudyakov, Heil, Vallci, Mitchell, Soglo, Hodl, Weinhandl, Stankovic, Seidl, Wlodarczyk, Jatta.
Gunok, Semedo, Skriniar, Ake, Brown, Guendouzi, Kante, Greenwood, Asensio, Akturkoglu, Talisca.
The match between Sturm Graz and Fenerbahce takes place at 1:30 am on August 12 (Vietnam time).
