Lyon aim to turn first-leg advantage into Champions League progress against Fenerbahce

Olympique Lyonnais will look to complete the job against Fenerbahce when the sides meet in the second leg of their Champions League qualifying play-off at Groupama Stadium on Wednesday, 26 August at 19:00 GMT.

Lyon return home after securing a valuable 1-1 draw in Turkey. Their confidence has also been strengthened by a convincing 2-0 victory away to Toulouse, leaving Paulo Fonseca’s side hopeful of advancing to the next stage of the competition.

The French club’s performance in the first meeting, combined with their domestic success, has created an upbeat mood ahead of the decisive fixture. Qualification for the next Champions League remains the central objective, with Lyon now needing to make home advantage count.

Fonseca is expected to have a competitive squad available despite possible absences. The main doubt concerns Moussa Niakhate, who was affected before the trip to Toulouse. If he is unable to play, Bacher could be given greater responsibility in defence, while Clinton Mata would provide experience and defensive solidity.

Despite the uncertainty at the back, Lyon have considerable attacking options and are expected to have enough quality in midfield and the final third to put Fenerbahce under sustained pressure.

Lyon’s possible starting XI

Goalkeeper: Greif

Defenders: Maitland-Niles, Kluivert, Moussa Niakhate, Abner

Midfielders: Morton, Tessmann, Tolisso

Forwards: Ernest Nuamah, Openda, Malick Fofana

Niakhate’s inclusion in the projected line-up reflects the uncertainty surrounding his fitness, after the defender was reported to have suffered a problem before the Toulouse match.

Fenerbahce could also be weakened by the potential absence of Kerem Akturkoglu and Marco Asensio. Both are regarded as important attacking players, and their unavailability would leave the Turkish side with fewer options in the final third.

Mason Greenwood is expected to carry much of the attacking threat. He scored in the first leg and was identified as the principal danger for Lyon’s defence as Fenerbahce attempt to overturn the balance of the tie and reach the next round.

Fenerbahce’s possible starting XI

Goalkeeper: Ederson

Defenders: Semedo, Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Brown

Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Guendouzi, Nene Dorgeles

Forwards: Greenwood, Talisca, Lukaku

The return match is scheduled to begin at 19:00 GMT at Groupama Stadium, with the winner progressing from the Champions League qualifying play-off tie.

Pre-match betting odds listed in the source article make Lyon favourites to win the match at 1.90. A draw is priced at 3.70, while a Fenerbahce victory is listed at 3.85. Those figures reflect expectations of a home win, although the tie remains finely poised after the 1-1 result in Turkey.