Head coach of Fenerbahce Jose Mourinho speaks at press conference after Lille match, Istanbul, August 13, 2024. (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Aug 14, 2024 9:44 AM
Starting the Super Lig season with a victory over Adana Demirspor, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce faced Lille at home, aiming to end their Champions League drought but couldn’t achieve the desired outcome.
Fenerbahce, playing with pressure, managed to take the match into extra time with an own goal by Diakite in the final minutes, leading 1-0 after losing the first leg 2-1.
The decisive goal came in the 118th minute when David scored from the penalty spot, knocking Fenerbahce out of the Champions League qualifiers. As a result, Fenerbahce will continue their journey in the Europa League.
After the match, Fenerbahce coach Mourinho criticized the referee, Maria Sanchez, saying, “The referee should have respected the game. She should have prevented the opponent from time-wasting. Only the referee knows how that penalty was given.”
Despite the result, Mourinho expressed pride in his team.
Thus, Fenerbahce’s Champions League drought has been extended to 16 years.