Fenerbahce Edge Closer to Champions League Group Stage

Fenerbahce's supporters cheer for their team during the Turkish Super league football match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray on April 14, 2019 at the Fenerbahce stadium in Istanbul. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce have secured their place in the final qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Lugano.

The Turkish giants, who held a 4-3 advantage from the first leg, were made to sweat as Hadj Mahmoud gave the Swiss side an early lead.

READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs

However, Edin Dzeko restored parity before Sebastian Szymanski’s late winner sealed the deal.

Fenerbahce will now face Ligue 1 side Lille in the next round with the first leg on August 6 or 7.

The Yellow Canaries will qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2008 if they do book a place in the group stage on the tournament.

Meanwhile, The New Saints and Shamrock Rovers were eliminated from the competition. Qarabag, APOEL Nicosia, Slovan Bratislava, and Malmo progressed to the next round.

The final round of qualifying will take place next week, with the likes of Rangers and Red Bull Salzburg entering the competition.