Edin Džeko (foto: Getty Images)
Edin Džeko's remarkable performance, scoring four goals across two legs, leads Fenerbahçe to advance to the third round of the Champions League qualifiers.
Edin Džeko played a pivotal role as Fenerbahçe advanced to the third round of the Champions League qualifiers. Despite a challenging tie against Lugano, where the Turkish team was far from their best, Džeko's goal-scoring prowess was the difference maker.
In the first leg in Switzerland, Fenerbahçe narrowly won 4-3. However, the second leg in Istanbul was far from straightforward. Lugano got an early goal from Mahmoud in the 7th minute, which kept them in the game. The match remained tense and seemed likely to go into extra time until Džeko intervened.
The veteran striker, originally from Sarajevo, scored a hat-trick in the first leg and added another goal in the second leg, ensuring Fenerbahçe’s progression. In stoppage time, Szymanski sealed the win with a final goal, confirming the 2-1 victory in Istanbul.
Miha Zajc was again absent from the Fenerbahçe squad, reinforcing reports that José Mourinho may not be counting on him.