Job done in Poland
You are through. Fenerbahçe drew 1–1 away at Gornik Zabrze on Wednesday and advanced 2–1 on aggregate to the Champions League third qualifying round (5) (12). It was not pretty, but it is enough. Talisca scored from the penalty spot in the second leg after burying a free kick in the 1–0 first-leg win in Kadıköy (6) (10). That is your first two goals of the season, both from set pieces, both from the same man.
Ake: 90 minutes, zero mistakes
Nathan Ake played the full 90 without a single error (3). Afterwards he kept it simple: "We are happy to have advanced. That was the main objective" (8). The new signing looks like he has been here for years.
Kartal promises lessons after shaky night
İsmail Kartal did not sugarcoat it. "We will learn our lesson," he said after the match (7). Gornik Zabrze manager Michal Gasparik was more generous: "Fenerbahçe showed its potential" (4). The Turkish press was less kind. Uğur Meleke hit out at both Kartal and Kerem Aktürkoğlu, accusing the winger of lacking pace and confidence (5).
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Greenwood quiet, fans turn on Kerem
Mason Greenwood was ineffective in Zabrze (2). Kerem Aktürkoğlu took the brunt of it. Fans online are already calling for the board to "sign Leao immediately" (16). The pressure on the flanks is real.
Fred drops a farewell hint
Fred posted on social media after the match: "One more step completed successfully. We keep fighting. All glory to God!" (9). Atlético-MG are circling, and Brazilian reports suggest this may have been his last match in a Fenerbahçe shirt, with a contract termination possible (9). He did not deny it.
Leao pursuit still alive, Sarr the backup plan
The board made a trip to Milan for Rafael Leao, though reports suggest a surprise twist may have emerged (14). Meanwhile, Crystal Palace winger İsmaila Sarr is being tracked as an alternative if the Leao deal stalls (13).
Can Uzun derby brewing
Fenerbahçe have entered the race for Can Uzun, putting them directly against Galatasaray (12). A transfer battle between the rivals for the Turkish star is now very much on.
İrfan Can Eğribayat on his way out
Goalkeeper İrfan Can Eğribayat looks set to leave. His next destination has reportedly been decided (1).
Türkiye's coefficient gets a boost
Eliminating Gornik Zabrze nudged Türkiye up in the UEFA country rankings (17). Every round counts.
Fan reactions
The mood is split. Relief at progressing is genuine, but the performance in Poland left plenty of supporters uneasy. Kerem Aktürkoğlu is bearing the brunt of the frustration, with many fans openly demanding the club accelerate the Leao pursuit. Fred's cryptic post has also set off alarm bells, with some already saying goodbye. Join the discussion on r/FenerbahceSK.
