Fenerbahçe beats Gornik Zabrze 1-0, Asensio nearing first‑team return

Fenerbahçe earned a 1-0 victory over Polish side Gornik Zabrze in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, with Anderson Talisca scoring in the 37th minute. The win gives the Turkish club a crucial advantage ahead of the return match scheduled for 29 July in Poland.

Coach Ismail Kartal had previously said Spanish winger Marco Asensio was not yet fully fit, but after Asensio posted "Ready for tomorrow" on social media he was given a brief substitute appearance in the second half. Kartal noted that Asensio appears physically improved and is expected to be in contention for the starting XI in the upcoming second leg.