Match Info

Competition: Champions League — Playoff Round

Date: August 26, 2026

Time: 01:00 (GMT+7) / 20:00 (GMT+1)

Venue: Groupama Stadium

Lyon Preview

Lyon welcome Fenerbahce to the Groupama Stadium for a decisive Champions League playoff second leg after drawing 1-1 in Istanbul. Lois Openda gave Lyon the lead in the first leg before Fenerbahce responded, leaving Paulo Fonseca's side just one victory away from returning to the Champions League league phase for the first time since 2019. Lyon have already demonstrated their ability to recover from difficult situations in qualifying, overturning a first-leg deficit against Sparta Prague before beating Toulouse 2-0 in Ligue 1. Tyler Morton and captain Corentin Tolisso are expected to return after being rested at the weekend, while Pavel Sulc has recovered from injury and Nicolas Tagliafico is available again. (sportsmole.co.uk)

Fenerbahce Preview

Fenerbahce arrive in France knowing that their Champions League future is on the line after failing to win the first leg at home. The Turkish giants have repeatedly struggled during Champions League qualifying and were eliminated by Benfica at this stage last season. Ismail Kartal's team suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Genclerbirligi at the start of their domestic campaign, although they responded with a 4-2 victory over Konyaspor. Talisca has been their outstanding attacking performer, scoring four of their six goals during Champions League qualifying and finding the net again in the Super Lig. Marco Asensio, N'Golo Kante, Edson Alvarez and former Manchester United midfielder Mason Greenwood add considerable experience to an expensively assembled squad. (sportsmole.co.uk)

Probable Lineups

Lyon (4-2-3-1)

Greif; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Kluivert, Abner; Morton, Tolisso; Nuamah, Sulc, Fofana; Openda

Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1)

Ederson; Semedo, Skriniar, Ake, Brown; Kante, Guendouzi; Greenwood, Asensio, Akturkoglu; Talisca (sportsmole.co.uk)

We Say

The tie remains finely poised, but Lyon have several factors working in their favour. Their home record in European qualifying has been strong, Fonseca has already guided them through difficult knockout ties, and the return of key midfielders should strengthen the hosts. Fenerbahce possess enough individual quality to make this a tense encounter, with Talisca in particular capable of changing the game, but Lyon appear better positioned to control the decisive second leg.

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