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.
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE – AUGUST 13: Spanish referee Jose Maria Sanchez gestures after showing the penalty spot after watching a position from the VAR during the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second-leg match between Fenerbahce and Lille at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, Turkiye on August 13, 2024. ( Ali Atmaca – Anadolu Agency )UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi 3. eleme turu rövanş maçında, Fenerbahçe ile Lille takımları Ülker Stadı’nda karşılaştı. Bir pozisyonun ardından, Fenerbahçe Teknik Direktörü Jose Mourinho (solda), yardımcı hakem ile konuştu.
( Cemal Yurttaş – Anadolu Ajansı )ISTANBUL, TURKIYE – AUGUST 13: Players of Fenerbahce look dejected as players of Lille celebrate their win at the end of the match, securing their place in the next stage of the competition after the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second-leg match between Fenerbahce and Lille at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, Turkiye on August 13, 2024. ( Ali Atmaca – Anadolu Agency )UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi 3. eleme turu rövanş maçında, Fenerbahçe ile Lille takımları Ülker Stadı’nda karşılaştı. Lille oyuncusu Jonathan David, attığı golün ardından sevinç yaşadı. ( Cemal Yurttaş – Anadolu Ajansı )UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi 3. eleme turu rövanş maçında, Fenerbahçe ile Lille takımları Ülker Stadı’nda karşılaştı. Lille oyuncuları maçın ardından taraftarları selamladı. ( Cemal Yurttaş – Anadolu Ajansı )
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.
Head coach of Fenerbahce Jose Mourinho speaks at press conference after Lille match, Istanbul, August 13, 2024. (AA Photo)
