A 0-0 home draw against Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off round has left Fenerbahce in a difficult position.

Despite playing with one more player for the last 20 minutes of the match (including extra time), coach Jose Mourinho 's team could not take advantage to score, in a match that was poor in terms of real opportunities.

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Fenerbahce deadlocked in the first leg. Photo: FSK

With this result, Fenerbahce must win on their trip to Lisbon if they do not want their Champions League dream to be shattered once again.

The highlight of the second leg was not only the crucial result for the Turkish representative, but also the special "homecoming" for Mourinho.

It was Benfica's Da Luz stadium where he began his coaching career in 2000. The time spent there was short, but it was enough to prepare him for a proud journey.

Two decades later, Mourinho returned with a rich legacy of trophies. Returning to his old home, he faced more pressure than expectations.

Failure to reach the Champions League group stage would be a serious failure, both professionally and in terms of damaging Mourinho's personal reputation at Fenerbahce.

A year ago, Mourinho failed to reach the Champions League group stage and was relegated to the Europa League. In addition, his controversial statements and actions with opponents caused the “Special One” to be opposed by Fenerbahce fans.

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Mourinho has a lot of work to do when he returns to Lisbon. Photo: FSK

Mourinho is renowned as a master of one-on-one matches, but it was clear he needed to do more after the stalemate in the first leg.

Fenerbahce's attacking system lacked ideas, the midfield operated disjointedly and Mourinho's personnel adjustments were not effective.

The return leg is his last chance to prove that his class is still valuable, as well as to affirm that he came to Türkiye not for a high salary, but to bring real success.

Benfica are very good at home. There are many things Mourinho must improve to get Fenerbahce back to the Champions League group stage after 17 years – since the 2008/09 season.

Force:

Benfica: Bruma, Alexander Bah, Manu Silva injured.

Fenerbahce: Hakan Yandas, Cenk Tosun, Rodrigo Becao injured. Oosterwolde returns.

Expected lineup:

Benfica (4-3-3): Trubin; Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Barrenechea, Barreiro; Aursnes, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu

Fenerbahce (3-4-1-2 ): Egribayat; Muldur, Skirniar, Oosterwolde; Semedo, Amrabat, Fred, Brown; Szymanski; Duran, En-Nesyri

Match odds: Benfica handicap 3/4

Goal ratio: 2 3/4

Prediction: Draw 1-1. Fenerbahce win on penalties .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-benfica-vs-fenerbahce-play-off-cup-c1-2436506.html