18.08.2026 16:40
Fenerbahçe will host Lyon in Istanbul this evening in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff round. The yellow-navy team takes the field to end their 18-year Champions League drought, while the tie also holds great economic importance. The team that advances past this round will guarantee approximately 23 million euros in revenue.
Fenerbahce will face Lyon, one of France's long-established teams, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round. The yellow-navy team, managed by Ismail Kartal, aims to take an important step before the return leg by leaving the first match in Istanbul with an advantageous score. The return leg of the tie will be played at Groupama Stadium in France 8 days later.
THEY WANT TO END AN 18-YEAR LONGING
The sporting significance of the Lyon tie is also quite big for Fenerbahce. The yellow-navy team has been unable to participate in the Champions League for 18 years. If they eliminate Lyon over two matches, Fenerbahce will end their long-standing longing and write their name into the Champions League league phase.
THE TOURNAMENT'S VALUE IS 23 MILLION EUROS
The economic dimension of the critical tie is also noteworthy. It is stated that the team that advances past the play-off round and reaches the Champions League league phase will generate approximately 23 million euros in revenue. Therefore, the Lyon tie means not only a Champions League ticket for Fenerbahce but also a significant financial gain.
If they reach the league phase, this figure could further increase with performance bonuses from matches won. It is stated that the win bonus per match in the league phase is 2.1 million euros.