Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri inspires Fenerbahçe to Champions League play-off spot

Fenerbahçe produced a stunning turnaround in the Champions League third qualifying round, sweeping aside Feyenoord 5-2 in Istanbul on Tuesday night to seal their place in the play-offs.

Having trailed 2-1 from the first leg in Rotterdam, Jose Mourinho’s side entered the decisive fixture under pressure but delivered an emphatic display to overturn the deficit.

Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri was at the heart of the victory, scoring in the 83rd minute to put the result beyond doubt before setting up a goal for team-mate Duran.

His contribution capped off an inspired attacking performance from the Turkish giants, who dominated large spells of the match.

The game began at a frantic pace, with Fenerbahçe determined to erase Feyenoord’s advantage.

Early goals swung the momentum firmly in their favour, and despite moments of resistance from the Dutch champions, the home side’s relentless offensive play proved too much to handle.

En-Nesyri’s goal, Fenerbahçe’s fourth of the evening, came at a crucial stage when Feyenoord were still clinging to faint hopes of a late comeback.

The Moroccan latched onto a precise through ball, showing composure to finish clinically past the goalkeeper.

Moments later, he turned provider, threading a pass to Duran, who calmly slotted home to complete the rout.

The victory not only secured progression but also marked a statement of intent from Mourinho’s men, who will now face Portuguese side Benfica in the play-off round.

The first leg is set for 19 or 20 August, with the decisive return fixture on 26 August.

Reflecting on the performance, the team’s focus will now shift towards maintaining the same attacking sharpness against a Benfica side renowned for their European pedigree.

With the stakes rising, Fenerbahçe will aim to build on this momentum and book their place in the Champions League group stage.

For En-Nesyri, the night was a showcase of his value to the squad – a combination of goalscoring instinct and selfless playmaking that will be vital in the club’s European ambitions.

From trailing after the first leg to winning by a commanding aggregate margin, Fenerbahçe’s triumph over Feyenoord was not just a comeback but a statement – one that signals they are ready to challenge Europe’s elite.