Edin Dzeko’s Hat-Trick Leads Fenerbahçe to 4-3 Victory Over Lugano in UEFA Champions League Qualifier

Fenerbahçe Gains Big Advantage with 4-3 Victory Over Lugano, Dzeko Scores Hat-Trick

Fenerbahçe faced Swiss team Lugano away in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. The Yellow Canaries secured a crucial 4-3 victory, with Edin Dzeko scoring a hat-trick, putting them in a strong position for the next round.

Goals and Key Moments of the Match

Fenerbahçe’s goals were scored by Edin Dzeko in the 45+1st (penalty), 46th, and 67th minutes, and by Ferdi Kadıoğlu in the 73rd minute. Lugano’s goals came from El Wafi in the 4th minute, Bislimi in the 64th minute, and Valenzuela in the 90+4th minute.

Match Summary

In the 4th minute, Lugano took the lead. El Wafi headed the ball into the net following Grgic’s precise cross from the right: 1-0.

In the 30th minute, Fred received a stylish backheel pass from Tadic but his shot towards the far post was saved by the goalkeeper.

In the 36th minute, Szymanski’s powerful low shot from long range hit the post and bounced back into play.

In the 44th minute, Fenerbahçe was awarded a penalty after Tadic was fouled by Cimignani in the box.

In the 45+1st minute, Edin Dzeko converted the penalty to equalize: 1-1.

Second Half

Immediately in the second half, Dzeko scored again in the 46th minute to put Fenerbahçe ahead: 2-1.

In the 64th minute, Bislimi scored for Lugano, making it 2-2.

Dzeko completed his hat-trick in the 67th minute, bringing the score to 3-2.

In the 73rd minute, Ferdi Kadıoğlu extended Fenerbahçe’s lead to 4-2.

Valenzuela scored for Lugano in the 90+4th minute, setting the final score at 4-3.

Second Leg

The second leg will be played on Tuesday, July 30, at Kadıköy. If Fenerbahçe eliminates Lugano, they will face Lille in the third qualifying round.

Match Notes

Fenerbahçe’s head coach, Jose Mourinho, made his official debut with the Yellow Canaries in this match. The Portuguese manager fielded a lineup similar to the one he preferred in the pre-season friendlies.

Dominik Livakovic started in goal, with a defense consisting of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Çağlar Söyüncü, Alexander Djiku, and Jayden Oosterwolde. Rade Krunic played in front of the defense, while Dusan Tadic, Fred Rodrigues, Sebastian Szymanski, and Ryan Kent filled the midfield. Edin Dzeko led the attack.

The substitutes for Fenerbahçe included Ertuğrul Çetin, İsmail Yüksek, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Mert Hakan Yandaş, Mert Müldür, İrfan Can Kahveci, Cenk Tosun, Bartuğ Elmaz, Rodrigo Becao, Oğuz Aydın, Yiğit Efe Demir, and Yusuf Akçiçek.

New Signings and Performances

New signings Oğuz Aydın and Cenk Tosun were included in the squad for their first official match with Fenerbahçe. Allan Saint-Maximin was not included due to injury, and Levent Mercan was left out by the coaching staff. Both Cenk Tosun and Oğuz Aydın started on the bench.