Fenerbahçe eyes Champions League playoff after 2-0 win over Sturm Graz

Fenerbahçe secured a 2-0 victory against Sturm Graz in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third‑qualifying round, with goals from Anderson Talisca and newcomer Mason Greenwood. The Turkish side will travel to Graz for the return match on 11 August, scheduled to start at 21:30 local time (TSI), where a win or draw will see them through to the playoff stage.

Club president Aziz Yıldırım confirmed that the team is close to completing a striker signing, naming Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis as the leading target. Pavlidis, who is under contract with Benfica until 2029 and valued at €28 million, has been highlighted as a key addition to partner with Vedat Muriqi in the attack. The transfer is expected to be finalized within the week, according to Yıldırım’s recent statements.