It’s time to find out the names of the final teams that will qualify for the upcoming Champions League season. Fenerbahce and Lyon are two teams that undoubtedly belong in the competition, but only one can secure this opportunity.
Although their campaign so far has not been without its difficulties, Lyon nevertheless demonstrated their class in the second leg against Sparta Prague, beating them 3–0 at home.
Fenerbahce did not face quite such difficulties in their matches against Sturm Graz, winning both legs with an aggregate score of 3–0.
The Yellow Canaries suffered a defeat in their first domestic league match of the season at the weekend, but this was to some extent down to the rest given to certain players. Qualifying for the Champions League is certainly the top priority at the moment.
The season in France has not yet started, so Lyon are likely to be a little more rested.
How the bookies view it: The Yellow Canaries to overcome their famous opponents
Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the bookmakers are giving the Turkish hosts a significant advantage, with odds currently available at around 19/20. By contrast, both a draw and a Lyon win are available at 5/2.
Recent head-to-head: A forgettable stalemate
Fenerbahce and Lyon have known each other well for a very long time, having been drawn in the same Champions League group twice over the years.
But they most recently played each other in the group stage of the Europa League in 2024–25, when the match ended goalless at 0–0.
Players to watch: Greenwood to shine against a familiar foe
Fenerbahce look more dangerous than ever following another strong summer transfer window. The Yellow Canaries have bolstered their squad with Nathan Ake from Manchester City, Romelu Lukaku from Napoli and Mason Greenwood from Marseille.
Following another strong season and a decent start in Turkey, I intend to put my faith in Mason Greenwood, who knows Lyon inside out and will know how to approach his play.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups
Fenerbahce: Cetin, Brown, Ake, Skriniar, Semedo, Kante, Guendouzi, Akturkoglu, Asensio, Greenwood, Talisca
Lyon: Grief, Kluivert, Niakhate, Mata, Maitland-Niles, Ouedraogo, Tessmann, Morton, Abner, Tolisso, Openda
Anything else catch the eye?
The huge difference in the odds is certainly a bit surprising, but we cannot dispute the fact that the Turkish league and Fenerbahce have long since ceased to lag so far behind the major Western leagues. I’d even go so far as to say that Fenerbahce’s squad could easily compete for a top-six spot in Ligue 1.
Right now, I see the teams as fairly evenly matched, at least when it comes to a match in Turkey. The Yellow Canaries have always been tough to beat on their own ground, and I’m going to back a draw.
Lyon played rather poorly in their last away match against Sparta Prague, and the Chobani Stadium is far less welcoming and much harder to conquer.
However, this time I’m not expecting a 0–0, but at least a 1–1 result. Both teams have the firepower, and a goalless draw would be disappointing.
GambleAware