27.08.2026 08:50
Fenerbahce's 2-1 away victory over Lyon to advance to the league stage of the Champions League has made waves across the European press. The French media described Lyon's elimination with words like 'astonishment,' 'pain,' and 'disappointment,' while the post-match Guendouzi tension also made its way into the English press.
Fenerbahce defeated Lyon 2-1 away in the UEFA Champions League play-off round and advanced to the league stage of the Champions League.
The yellow-navy team, which drew 1-1 with its opponent in the first match in Kadikoy, achieved a historic victory in the rematch in France with goals from Vedat Muriqi and Archie Brown. Malick Fofana scored Lyon's only goal. Fenerbahce's elimination of Lyon resonated widely, especially in the French press.
"FENERBAHCE ENDED LYON'S HOPES"
Europe 1 noted that Fenerbahce took control of the match with the goals they found in the first half. While the French team's performance, especially in the first half, was criticized, it was emphasized that Fenerbahce ended Lyon's Champions League hopes.
"LYON LEFT STUNNED AT HOME"
Le Parisien, on the other hand, highlighted Lyon's elimination at home. The French newspaper wrote that after the 1-1 draw in the first match in Istanbul, Lyon came into the rematch with hope but struggled against Fenerbahce's physical strength, level of fight, and fast attacks. The report noted that Lyon could not match Fenerbahce's tempo, especially in the first half.
L'EQUIPE: THE DREAM IS OVER
L'Equipe told its readers that Lyon's Champions League dream ended against Fenerbahce. Stating that Fenerbahce started the match much more effectively, the newspaper stated that Lyon's plans were disrupted in a short time with goals from Muriqi and Brown. It was noted that the French representative's efforts in the second half were not enough to overcome Fenerbahce's defensive resistance.
"A BITTER ELIMINATION"
RMC Sport also described Lyon's result against Fenerbahce as a "bitter elimination." While it was stated that Fenerbahce's early goals disrupted the French team's balance, it was noted that Lyon's pressure in the second half was not enough to change the result. It was also emphasized that Lyon was deprived of significant income by being eliminated from the Champions League.
"ANOTHER EUROPEAN DISAPPOINTMENT"
TF1, on the other hand, drew attention to Lyon's performance in European competitions and evaluated the result with the words "Another European disappointment." It was stated that the French representative, despite the 1-1 result from Istanbul, lost to Fenerbahce at home and missed the Champions League ticket.
GUENDOUZI INCIDENT IN THE BRITISH PRESS
The events that occurred after the match also did not escape the attention of the European press. The Sun wrote that Matteo Guendouzi's post-match celebrations drew a reaction from the Lyon camp and that there was great tension on the pitch after the final whistle.
The incidents that started on the pitch later also spread to the tunnel area, becoming one of the most talked-about topics of the night following Fenerbahce's historic victory.