Fenerbahçe returns to Champions League League Phase after 18 years; Viking makes historic qualification

Fenerbahçe is set to return to the Champions League League Phase after an 18-year absence, marking a significant achievement for the Turkish club. They secured their place by defeating Lyon 2-1 in France, completing a 3-2 aggregate victory over the French side.

The Turkish team established a commanding lead early in the match. Vedat Muriqi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and Edin Džeko extended their advantage just four minutes later in the 28th minute. Although Lyon managed to pull a goal back in the 61st minute, they were unable to find an equalizer. The French club also had two goals disallowed, preventing them from forcing extra time. Lyon will now compete in the Europa League.

In another notable qualification, Viking FK made history by reaching the Champions League League Phase for the first time. The Norwegian club triumphed over Dinamo Zagreb with a 3-1 victory on home soil, securing a 5-3 aggregate win. Dinamo Zagreb had initially taken the lead in the 10th minute, but Viking mounted a comeback with goals from Zlatko Tripic (18' penalty), Sondre Aukland (48'), and Lars Jørgen Salvesen (50').

Slovan Bratislava also advanced to the League Phase, defeating Celje 2-1 in Slovenia. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Slovakian club secured their progression with a goal in the 100th minute of extra time. Slovan had taken the lead through Andraž Šporar in the 18th minute, but Svitas Sešlar equalized with a penalty in the 34th minute.