Fenerbahce vs Lyon

One of the standout fixtures of the UEFA Europa League Gameweek 7 pits Fenerbahce and Lyon against each other at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Jose Mourinho’s bid to lead Fenerbahce to European glory in his first season in charge hasn’t gone to plan, with the Turkish giants languishing in 21st ahead of the penultimate round. As only a point separates them from 25th-placed Sporting Braga, anything other than a win against Lyon would likely increase the likelihood of automatic league-phase elimination. Worryingly for the home fans, Fenerbahce’s all-time record against French opponents looks bleak as they’ve only won five of their 23 previous meetings with Ligue 1 clubs (D6, L12), including a pair of winless meetings with Lille in this season’s Champions League qualifying (D1, L1). Those games form part of Fenerbahce’s unenviable ten-game record in European football this term (W4, D3, L3), none of which saw them keep a clean sheet. 

Meanwhile, Lyon’s hopes of climbing the Ligue 1 table took a hit last weekend as they drew 0-0 with Toulouse at home, maintaining their troubled start to the new calendar year (W1, D1, L2). However, the French heavyweights have enjoyed a superb Europa League campaign, winning four times in the opening six rounds (D1, L1) to seize a coveted fourth place. Therefore, automatic Round-of-16 qualification is on the cards, though they boast a narrow two-point lead on 9th-placed Tottenham, highlighting the importance of avoiding defeat in Istanbul. Pierre Sage’s men have gone from strength to strength in their first three league-phase away matches (W2, D1), netting precisely four goals in both wins.