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Early Shock for Mourinho’s Men
In his debut match steering the Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce, Jose Mourinho watched his team concede an early goal against Swiss club Lugano in a tense Champions League qualifier. The match, held at the Stockhorn Arena, saw Fenerbahce trailing within the first four minutes after defender Ayman El Wafi found the net, threatening to mar Mourinho’s first outing with embarrassment.
Dzeko to the Rescue
Former Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko emerged as the savior for Mourinho’s side, drawing the teams level with a penalty before the break. The veteran Bosnian striker, entering his 22nd professional season, wasn’t done yet, striking again just after halftime to give Fenerbahce a fleeting lead.
Lugano Strikes Back, Tension Mounts
However, the match’s momentum swung once more when Uran Bislimi bagged an equalizer for Lugano in the 64th minute, reigniting concerns for the Turkish visitors. But it was Dzeko’s night, as he and teammate Ferdi Kadiolu extended Fenerbahce’s advantage, easing the pressure on Mourinho before the final whistle.
Last-Minute Drama as Fenerbahce Cling to Victory
Despite a nail-biting finish that saw Milton Valenzuela score in stoppage time, Fenerbahce secured a narrow 4-3 victory, with Dzeko completing his hat-trick and becoming the match’s standout performer.
Second Leg Awaits at Home Soil
The battle is far from over, with Fenerbahce set to host Lugano in the second leg of the qualifier on July 30 at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Mourinho’s squad must deliver once again if they hope to advance through the treacherous path of the third qualifying round and playoff round to reach the Champions League group stages.
Mourinho’s New Chapter
After a period of unemployment following his departure from Roma in January, Mourinho has embarked on a new challenge with Fenerbahce, having signed a contract until 2026 with the possibility of an additional season. With a squad featuring six former Premier League players, Mourinho will find some familiar faces as he aims to imprint his winning mentality on the Turkish club.
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