Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and Edin Dzeko

Edin Dzeko has been a crucial player for Fenerbahce on their journey to the Champions League. He had already scored three goals in the thrilling first leg against Lugano in Switzerland, which ended 3-4.

In the second leg of the second qualifying round, Dzeko shone again, scoring the equalizer that set the Turkish team on the path to qualification. With an aggregate score of 5-4, Fenerbahce overcame Lugano after a 2-1 win in Istanbul, thanks also to a decisive goal by Sebastian Szymański in the final minutes of the match.

José Mourinho’s team will now face French side Lille in the next round, a significant challenge that will determine their place in the 2024/2025 Champions League group stage.

Can Mourinho Make History with Fenerbahce?

José Mourinho knows what it’s like to lift the coveted Champions League trophy, although it has been a decade since he last did. His first success in the Champions League came in 2004 with Porto, where he stunned the world by winning the title against Monaco.

This triumph catapulted his career, but his most memorable victory was in 2010 when he led Inter Milan to European glory after eliminating Barcelona in a historic semifinal.

Now, with Fenerbahce, the question is whether Mourinho can repeat the feat and make history once again. Can he lead the Turkish club to the pinnacle of European football?

Süper Lig Champions Galatasaray and Their European Challenge

Meanwhile, Galatasaray, the Turkish league champions, will face Switzerland’s Young Boys in their bid to reach the Champions League group stage. This tie promises to be intense, with both teams looking to secure their place in Europe’s top competition.

In the playoff draw held at UEFA headquarters, it was determined that, in addition to Galatasaray, teams like Dinamo Zagreb, Red Star Belgrade, and Ludogorets will also compete in the Champions Path, with the latter teams being seeded.

The Economic Impact of Qualifying

Qualifying for the Champions League group stage not only brings sporting prestige but also significant financial rewards. UEFA allocates an initial amount of $2.1 billion for this competition.

Each team that reaches the group stage receives $16 million. Additionally, for each win in this stage, teams earn an extra $3 million, and for each draw, $1 million.

This financial incentive is crucial for teams like Galatasaray and Fenerbahce as it can strengthen their finances and allow them to invest in improvements and signings to bolster their squads.

The Road to the Champions League:

The qualifiers to determine the teams that will be in the next edition of the Champions League are set for August 20/21 (first leg) and August 27/28 (second leg).

These matches will be crucial for the Turkish teams, who will be looking not only for sporting glory but also for the economic benefits that come with participating in the group stage of the tournament.

• Young Boys (SUI) vs. Galatasaray (TUR)
• Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) vs. Winner of Qarabag FK (AZE) / Ludogorets 1945 (BUL)
• Winner of Midtjylland (DEN) / Ferencvaros (HUN) vs. Winner of Slovan Bratislava (SVK) / Apoel (CYP)
• Red Star Belgrade (SER) vs. Winner of Jagiellonia Bialystok (POL) / Bodo Glimt (NOR)
• Winner of Malmö (SWE) / PAOK (GRE) vs. Winner of Sparta Prague (CZE) / Fotbal Club FCSB (ROM)
• Winner of Lille (FRA) / Fenerbahce (TUR) vs. Winner of Slavia Prague (CZE) / R. Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL)
• Winner of Dinamo Kiev (UKR) / Rangers (SCO) vs. Winner of Salzburg (AUT) / Twente (NED)

The excitement is guaranteed in the coming weeks, with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce fighting for their place among Europe’s elite teams.