Dzeko’s three-pack ensures Mourinho’s debut is a success

Marking himself as a scorer three times on the goal sheet: Edin Dzeko.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Jose Mourinho certainly hoped his debut at Fenerbahce would be different. In the second qualifying round of the Champions League, his team surprised a brave Swiss side in Lugano, where they initially failed through Ciminiani (3rd) but took the lead a minute later through a header from Vafi (4th).

Triple Dzeko – Bislimi worth watching

The guests only managed to sort it out after half an hour, with Fred leading the team into the game with a low shot. As a result, Fenerbahçe failed to convert the increased chances into calculable ones. Szymanski’s long-range shot hit the post (36′). Mourinho and his team did not go into the locker room with the score, thanks to Dzeko, who equalized the score with a lucky penalty, with FCL goalkeeper Seppi still at his feet (45+1).

Just 28 seconds after the restart, the center back was in the spotlight again, taking the lead with a power-play goal (46 seconds). The hosts did not give up, equalizing through Bislimyi, who curled the ball into the corner on the turn (64th), but this only lasted a few rounds. Dzeko recovered again after a defensive error (67th).

Istanbul Management – Lugano shortens late game

Fenerbahçe took the lead and scored the second goal of the night with substitute Kadioglu, who fired a low shot into the left corner (73′). Luganesi did not give up and, with the help of fresh forces, had some good shots, but neither Haji Mahmoud (85′), Dos Santos (88′) or Przybylko (90’+2) could get the ball into the visitors’ goal.

But the Swiss had one last chance. Valenzuela took advantage of Muldur’s mistake in the game and scored in the final moments to make the score 3:4 (90+4). A week later on Tuesday (7pm), the second leg of Istanbul will be on the schedule, and Lille’s opponent in the third qualifying round will be determined.