Fenerbahce falls 1-0 to Benfica, drops to UEFA Europa League

Fenerbahce was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday after a 1-0 loss to Benfica in the playoff round second leg.

The defeat means the Istanbul club will continue its European campaign in the UEFA Europa League, entering directly at the league stage.

Benfica scored the decisive goal in the 61st minute when Antonio Silva’s header from a corner kick was saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, only for the ball to be pushed out for another corner.

Players of Benfica and Fenerbahce during the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg match between Benfica and Fenerbahce at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, on August 27, 2025. (AA Photo)

Fenerbahce came close to equalizing in the 72nd minute when Oguz Aydin’s cross found Youssef En-Nesyri in the six-yard box, but his header struck the crossbar. A minute later, Jayden Oosterwolde’s cross from the left reached Anderson Talisca, whose header from near the penalty spot went just over the bar.

The home side held on to secure the 1-0 victory and a place in the Champions League group stage.

August 28, 2025 01:51 AM GMT+03:00