Both Fenerbahce and Lyon are just one step away from the prestigious league phase, as they get their Champions League playoff under way on Tuesday evening.Fighting for one of seven spots remaining in Europe's top competition, the pair will meet at Istanbul's Stadyumu Sukru Saracoglu for the first leg. Having lost nine times in qualifying since making their sixth appearance in 2008, Turkish giants Fenerbahce are simply desperate to reach the Champions League's main phase, entering this clash aiming to make their 120th anniversary season one to remember.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsOn the other hand, French side Lyon showed plenty of character to overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat to Sparta Prague in the third qualifying round with a 3-0 win at home to advance.Still under the management of Paulo Fonseca, Les Gones target the UCL group/league phase for the first time since 2019/20. With both sides guaranteed at least a Europa League league phase spot as a fallback, the stakes remain massive as both clubs fight for European football's ultimate prize.##NAJAVA_MECA_9894214##Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Tuesday 18 AugustVenue: Stadyumu Sukru Saracoglu, IstanbulGroup: UEFA Champions League Playoff Round (1st Leg)Current standings: Qualification Phase(Un)friendly matches featuring EPL sides – brawls, red cards and much more…Qualification implications: The aggregate winner over two legs advances to the UEFA Champions League league phase, while the loser enters the UEFA Europa League league phase.Form GuideFenerbahce❌ Loss vs Genclerbirligi (1-2)✅ Win vs Sturm Graz (0-1)✅ Win vs Sturm Graz (2-0)➖ Draw vs Gornik Zabrze (1-1)✅ Win vs Gornik Zabrze (1-0)Lyon✅ Win vs Sparta Prague (3-0)❌ Loss vs Sparta Prague (1-2)❌ Loss vs Betis (4-0)✅ Win vs Wolfsburg (2-0)❌ Loss vs Slavia Prague (4-0)Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)Fenerbahce 0-0 Lyon (2024-25 UEFA Europa League)Lyon 4-2 Fenerbahce (2004-05 UEFA Champions League)Fenerbahce 1-3 Lyon (2004-05 UEFA Champions League)Lyon 3-1 Fenerbahce (2001-02 UEFA Champions League)Fenerbahce 0-1 Lyon (2001-02 UEFA Champions League)##NAJAVA_MECA_9894201##Team NewsFenerbahce❌ Ederson – Injury (out).❌ Mert Gunok – Injury (out).❌ Jayden Oosterwolde – Hamstring tendon tear (out).🟡 Sofyan Amrabat – Fitness doubt, subject to late assessment.🟡 Caglar Soyuncu – Fitness doubt, subject to late assessment.🟡 Romelu Lukaku – Omitted from initial UEFA squad list, subject to late addition.Lyon❌ Khalis Merah – Injury (out).❌ Mads Bidstrup – Injury (out).❌ Pavel Sulc – Injury (out).BETTING GUIDE: Cremonese vs Sampdoria, Match Preview, team news and predictionPlayer to Watch: Talisca (Fenerbahce)Brazilian forward Talisca has been in blistering offensive form for Fenerbahce, having scored in all four of their Champions League qualifying matches so far this season, as well as netting in their recent domestic fixture against Genclerbirligi.Operating centrally and linking up with Fener's star-studded midfield, Talisca's exceptional goalscoring streak and technical brilliance make him the focal point of Ismail Kartal's attack. If Lyon fail to tightly mark him around the penalty area, Talisca possesses the lethal form to decisive impact this first leg.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Fenerbahce Double Chance (Win or Draw)🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Under 2.5 Goals🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Fenerbahce to Win 1-0Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.