Fenerbahçe moved a step closer to the UEFA Champions League playoffs with a commanding 2-0 victory over Austrian champions Sturm Graz in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie on Wednesday, combining clinical finishing with a disciplined defensive display to earn a deserved advantage ahead of next week's return match.
Backed by nearly 40,000 supporters at Chobani Stadium in Istanbul, the Turkish side controlled the contest from start to finish, with Anderson Talisca and Mason Greenwood finding the net before halftime while the visitors struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
The result leaves İsmail Kartal's team in a strong position before traveling to Austria on Aug. 11, although the Fenerbahçe coach insisted the tie remains far from over.
"We could have won 3-0 or 4-0," Kartal said after the match. "But Champions League ties are always difficult because they are played over two legs. We'll approach the return match as if the score is still 0-0. A 2-0 lead guarantees nothing."
Fenerbahçe wasted little time asserting themselves.
