After last week’s defeat at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Sporting aims to show a different face at home in the return leg, backed by their supporters. “There is confidence within the group, and with our fans, we want to make the most of it tomorrow,” said Théo Leoni on the eve of the match. Kick-off is at 9 PM at the Lotto Park.
Qualification after a tough draw
This Knockout Play-Offs return leg marks the eighth encounter in history between these two clubs. The last double clash dates back to the 2018-2019 Europa League group stage. At the Park, the game ended in a 2-2 draw, thanks to two goals from Zakaria Bakkali. Unfortunately, the return leg in Istanbul ended in a 2-0 defeat.
This season, Fenerbahçe finished 24th in the league phase of the newly formatted UEFA Europa League, making them the last team to qualify for the knockout play-offs. The Turkish club faced a very tough draw, encountering no fewer than three teams from the top 8: Athletic Club (ESP), Manchester United (ENG), and Lyon (FRA). They lost away to Bilbao and drew against United and Lyon.
Additionally, Fenerbahçe recorded two more draws against Twente (NED) and Midtjylland (NOR) in the league phase. The only other club to defeat José Mourinho’s side was AZ Alkmaar (NED). After victories against Union (BEL) and Slavia Prague (CZE), the Turks ended the league phase with 10 points, just enough to qualify for these knockout play-offs.
Tough mission against José Mourinho’s men
Following last Thursday’s defeat in Turkey, David Hubert’s squad faces a tough mission. The Mauves must overcome a three-goal deficit against an opponent that has conceded just one goal in their last four matches. “We have 90 minutes,” the coach said during the press conference. “If you score the first goal quickly, you never know what can happen, especially with the support of our fans.”
PRESS CONFERENCE HUBERT & LEONI
“There have been many examples in the past where teams have come back from almost impossible deficits,”midfielder Théo Leoni added. “The squad believes in it, and we will give everything, together with our supporters, to turn things around. After all, we have nothing to lose.” José Mourinho remains cautious. “We have a great starting position, but now we need to finish the job,” he told journalists on the eve of the match. The full press conferences can be watched on Mauve TV.
PRESS CONFERENCE JOSÉ MOURINHO
The Mauves will have to do without some key players. Mario Stroeykens and Yari Verschaeren are unavailable, and top scorer Kasper Dolberg is also not fit to play. “There’s no point in focusing on the absentees. We prepare the match with the players available, and they have already proven their worth in the squad,” said David Hubert. The coach can rely on Jan Vertonghen, although he still needs to find the right moments to regain match rhythm. Young talent Nathan De Cat, who has impressed this season with RSCA Futures (notably against Lommel last weekend), has also trained and will be available tomorrow.
Kick-off at 9 PM at Lotto Park. Make sure to arrive on time, as reinforced security measures could lead to queues at the entrance. You can find all the relevant information by clicking here.
