Sturm Graz face over‑spent Fenerbahçe in tough Champions League opener

Istanbul swelters at a refreshing 27 °C on Wednesday evening, 20:00 local time, as a pull‑over‑type sweater seems tempting for anyone watching the Champions League first‑leg clash. Sturm Graz arrive as clear underdogs, their Austrian side set against a Turkish opponent that has poured money into its squad over the summer.

Fenerbahçe have invested a reported €81 million in new players, including a €39 million fee for English winger Mason Greenwood, a signing meant to further boost an already potent attack.

Sturm trainer Fabio Ingolitsch acknowledges the daunting task ahead, saying his team must “sell as expensive as possible” while striving to keep the chance of reaching the play‑off alive.

The Turkish side boasts a star‑studded lineup: three‑time Champions League winner Marco Asensio in midfield, Turkish international Kerem Aktürkoğlu on the left flank, and Brazilian forward Talisca leading the line, promising a concentrated offensive threat.

Talisca proved his worth in the previous round, netting twice – from a free‑kick and a penalty – as Fenerbahçe edged past Górnik Zabrze 2‑1, even though the Turkish league does not start until 15 August.

The club’s last appearance in the Champions League dates back to 2008, and Ingolitsch stresses the ambition to reach the league phase, despite missing injured key player Otar Kiteishvili for the Istanbul leg.

The return match is scheduled for the following Tuesday in Graz, giving Sturm a chance to overturn the deficit on home soil.

Meanwhile, Austrian champions LASK will meet Celtic Glasgow in the play‑off round, underscoring the broader stakes of the European qualifying campaign.