Home / Sports / Mourinho's Fenerbahce Faces Benfica in Champions League Playoff Showdown
Mourinho's Fenerbahce Faces Benfica in Champions League Playoff Showdown
19 Aug
Summary
- Fenerbahce and Benfica, led by manager Jose Mourinho, compete for a spot in the Champions League
- Benfica reached the Champions League round of 16 and Club World Cup semifinals last season
- Fenerbahce have not played in the Champions League since 2008-09, making this a crucial match
As the UEFA Champions League draw approaches, 14 teams are battling for the last seven spots in the competition's group stage. Among the contenders is a high-profile matchup between Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, and Benfica.
Mourinho, a two-time Champions League winner, will face the club that gave him his first managerial job nearly 25 years ago. Benfica, a European regular, reached the Champions League round of 16 and the Club World Cup semifinals last season, while Fenerbahce have not played in the competition since the 2008-09 campaign.
The two-legged playoff tie will be a crucial test for both teams. Fenerbahce, who finished second in the Turkish Super Lig last season, are seeking their first Champions League appearance in almost two decades. Benfica, on the other hand, are favored to advance as a more established European powerhouse.
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Mourinho acknowledges that Fenerbahce are "not a Champions League side," but the financial incentives of reaching the group stage cannot be understated. The first leg will take place on August 23rd, with the return leg a week later, just before the Champions League draw on August 28th.
