Fenerbahce Faces Lyon in Crucial Europa League Clash

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Fenerbahce and Lyon will clash in a high-stakes Europa League match at Istanbul‘s Ulker Stadyumu Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on Thursday, January 23, 2025. The match, set to kick off at 5:45 PM UK time, could determine Fenerbahce’s fate in the competition as they fight to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, enters the match in a precarious position, needing a strong performance to stay in contention. Despite a flawless start to 2025 with four consecutive wins, including a 4-0 victory over Adana Demirspor, the Turkish giants have struggled in Europe, failing to keep a clean sheet in 10 continental matches this season. Mourinho’s side has suffered three of their five defeats across all competitions in European play.

Lyon, on the other hand, has already secured a spot in the knockout stage but aims to finish in the top eight. The French club has been inconsistent recently, going three games without a win in domestic competitions, including an embarrassing Coupe de France exit to fifth-tier Bourgoin Jallieu. However, Lyon has been strong in Europe, collecting 13 points from 18 possible and ending Eintracht Frankfurt‘s unbeaten Europa League run.

Fenerbahce’s home record against French clubs is solid, with no losses in their last five matches. However, Lyon has historically been a thorn in their side, winning all four previous encounters, including two victories in Istanbul in 2001 and 2004. Lyon is the only French team to have won at Fenerbahce’s home ground, a record they will look to extend.

Team news adds further intrigue to the match. Fenerbahce will be without suspended full-back Ferdi Kadioglu, while defenders Samet Akaydin and Alexander Djiku are sidelined with long-term injuries. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic is a doubt due to a muscle issue, leaving backup Irfan Can Egribayat likely to start. Lyon faces its own challenges, with captain Alexandre Lacazette a doubt and left-back Nicolas Tagliafico suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

Key players to watch include Fenerbahce’s Edin Dzeko and Lyon’s Rayan Cherki. Cherki has been instrumental in Lyon’s European campaign, contributing to six goals, while Dzeko’s experience could prove vital for the hosts. Lyon’s financial troubles have led to an exodus of players, including Corentin Tolisso and Moussa Dembele, adding pressure to the squad.

Fenerbahce’s possible starting lineup includes Egribayat in goal, with a defensive trio of Djiku, Caglar Soyuncu, and Serdar Aziz. Midfielders Fred and Szymanski will anchor the midfield, while Dzeko and En-Nesyri lead the attack. Lyon is expected to field Lucas Perri in goal, with a backline of Clinton Mata, Duje Caleta-Car, and Moussa Niakhate. Midfielders Maxence Caqueret and Corentin Tolisso will support Cherki and Mikautadze in attack.

Despite recent struggles, Lyon remains a formidable opponent, unbeaten in away Europa League matches this season. Fenerbahce, known for their strong home performances under Mourinho, will need to overcome their defensive vulnerabilities to secure a crucial victory. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a top-eight finish in the Europa League.