Fenerbahçe advances to Champions League play-offs after beating Sturm Graz

Fenerbahçe has advanced to the UEFA Champions League play-off round after defeating Sturm Graz 1-0 in the second leg of their qualifying match. Following a 2-0 loss in the first leg in Istanbul, the Austrian side put up a resilient performance, but the single goal secured Fenerbahçe's progression.

Austrian media outlets have highlighted the strength of the Turkish club, with reports noting that while Sturm Graz played well and remained competitive for much of the match, the result ended their Champions League ambitions. Sturm Graz will now continue their European campaign in the Europa League.

Fenerbahçe is set to face the French club Lyon in the play-off round. A victory in this stage would allow the team to participate in the Champions League league phase for the first time in 18 years.

Despite the loss, Sturm Graz coach Fabio Ingolitsch noted the potential of his squad, which featured one of the youngest starting lineups in the club's history, with an average age of 22.1 years.