Fenerbahce drew 0-0 with French side Olympique Lyon in the 7th week of the UEFA Europa League, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
In a match played at Istanbul’s Ulker Stadium, Fenerbahce started strong, dominating the first 15 minutes but failing to convert their chances. The second half saw the Turkish side struggle to maintain the same intensity, ultimately settling for a goalless draw.
With this result, Fenerbahce moves up to 9 points in their group but will need a win in their final group-stage match against Danish club Midtjylland on January 30 to secure qualification.
Fenerbahce’s young defender Yusuf Akcicek was a standout player in the game. The 18-year-old put on a solid defensive display, earning praise from the fans for his poise and passing abilities.
The match came with a setback as Fenerbahce’s Sofyan Amrabat and Bright Osayi-Samuel were both booked, resulting in suspensions for the upcoming Midtjylland match. Amrabat received his yellow card in the 72nd minute, while Osayi-Samuel was carded late in the 87th.
Fenerbahce has now gone two consecutive European matches without scoring, following a similar 0-0 draw against Athletic Bilbao.
Despite strong performances in earlier qualifiers and Europa League fixtures, the team has been unable to find the net in their last two games.
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho made his first substitution in the 59th minute, replacing Irfan Can Kahveci with Allan Saint-Maximin. Despite this change and several attempts to break down Lyon’s defense, the team was unable to secure the win, leaving their fate to the final match in Denmark.
