Fenerbahçe's draw reshapes FC Twente's Europa League path

Fenerbahçe secured a place in the Champions League third‑qualifying round after a 1‑1 draw with Poland’s Górnik Zabrze at the Polish side’s home ground, despite a 1‑0 loss in the first leg. The result reshapes FC Twente’s potential Europa League opponents for the third round.

Vandaag, the Turkish side had already taken a 1‑0 advantage in the first leg played in Turkije, with a solitary goal from Talisca. That early lead set the tone for the tie before the return match in Poland.

De Turken were the dominant party at home, but an early VAR‑triggered penalty changed the dynamics. Milan Skriniar was pulled to the ground by Nathan Ak during a corner, and Talisca calmly converted the spot‑kick.

After the opening goal, a large fireworks display on the tribunes halted play for several minutes. In first‑half stoppage time, Górnik equalised through Michal Sacek, bringing the score to 1‑1.

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The second half saw Górnik launch sustained attacks, coming close to a 2‑1 lead on several occasions, while goalkeeper Mert Günok kept the Turkish side in the game with key saves. Both teams created further chances, but the 1‑1 stalemate proved enough for Fenerbahçe to progress.

With the aggregate draw, Fenerbahçe moves on to face Sturm Graz, who previously eliminated Hearts, in the Champions League third qualifying round. Their advancement was secured without needing extra time or penalties.

FC Twente now faces a decisive tie against Ferencváros; a win would set up a third‑round Europa League clash with Górnik Zabrze. The Dutch side lost the first leg 1‑2 at home and will host the return on 6 August at the Grolsch Veste, with the second leg scheduled for 11 August.

Should Twente fall to Ferencváros, they will drop into the Conference League third round, meeting the winner of the DAC 1904 versus Velež Mostar tie, where DAC entered the second leg with a 1‑0 advantage.