Five-goal Fenerbahce rally past Feyenoord, Benfica on song
Fenerbahce had lost 2-1 in the Netherlands last week and were a goal down in the second leg of the third qualifying round in Istanbul after Feyenoord defender Tsuyoshi Watanabe struck the first of his two goals on the night after 41 minutes for Robin van Persie's side.
Fenerbahce's Brazilian midfielder #94 Talisca celebrates after scoring his team's fifth goal during the Uefa Champions League 3rd round second leg football match between Fenerbahce (TUR) and Feyenoord (NED) at the Fenerbahçe Sükrü Saracoglu Sport Complex in Istanbul on August 12, 2025. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
But Mourinho's team fought back with goals from Archie Brown and Jhon Duran just before the break getting the hosts back on track with Fred, Youssef En-Nesyri and Talisca adding three more in a thrilling second half for a 5-2 win on the night.
Fenerbahce will host Benfica, who beat Nice 4-0 on aggregate, in the first leg of the playoff round next week with a place in the 36-team league phase at stake.
In Lisbon, Benfica defeated the French club 2-0 on the night thanks to goals from Norwegian duo Fredrik Aursnes (19) and Andreas Schjelderup (27).
Elsewhere, Rangers advanced past Czech team Viktoria Plzen 4-2 over two legs and next play Club Brugge, who reached the last 16 of the Champions League last season.
Fenerbahce's Moroccan forward #19 Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Uefa Champions League 3rd round second leg football match between Fenerbahce (TUR) and Feyenoord (NED) at the Fenerbahçe Sükrü Saracoglu Sport Complex in Istanbul on August 12, 2025. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
Rangers had won 3-0 at Ibrox last week but fell to a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday with Lyall Cameron opening his account for the club with a consolation strike.
"We had some really good moments, but disappointed how many shots we gave them, how many chances we gave them", said Rangers manager Russell Martin.
"So, again, another brilliant bit of learning and we're through to the last qualifying round for the Champions League, but I am annoyed.
That wasn't enough. There's too many scary moments".
Club Brugge came back from a two-goal deficit on the night to beat RB Salzburg 3-2 at home and advance 4-2 on aggregate. — AFP
Benfica's Norwegian forward #21 Andreas Schjelderup celebrates scoring their second goal during the Uefa Champions League 3rd round second leg football match between SL Benfica and OGC Nice at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on August 12, 2025. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP)
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