Lyon's away goal in Istanbul puts the French side in pole position ahead of the return leg at Groupama Stadium
Olympique Lyonnais grabbed a crucial away goal at Chobani Stadium in Istanbul on August 18, giving themselves a significant advantage over Fenerbahce in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round.
The winner of this two-legged tie advances to the Champions League league phase. The loser drops to the Europa League.
A tale of two clubs chasing European relevance
Lyon’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth. The French side last reached the Champions League semi-finals in the 2019/20 season. Ownership changes and a broader restructuring effort have defined recent years at Lyon.
To even reach this play-off round, Lyon had to navigate a nervy third qualifying round against Sparta Prague. They found themselves trailing after the first leg, then responded with a commanding 3-0 victory in the return fixture.
Fenerbahce dispatched Sturm Graz in the previous round and entered the tie at their home ground with every intention of using the Istanbul atmosphere to their advantage. Fenerbahce’s goalkeeper Ederson was between the posts for the Turkish side.
What the away goal means for the return leg
Lyon will host Fenerbahce at Groupama Stadium on August 26, and the math now works heavily in the French club’s favor. Fenerbahce need to score at least once in Lyon just to level the aggregate. A 0-0 draw in the return leg would send Lyon through. A 1-1 draw would also send Lyon through.
