Benfica and Fenerbahçe Play Out Goalless Draw in Istanbul

İstanbul, August 20, 2025 – Fenerbahçe and Benfica played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff at Ülker Stadyumu. The match drew a lively crowd of 48,000 fans.

Both teams had some good chances, but neither could score a goal. Fenerbahçe started strong, controlling possession. Sofyan Amrabat guided much of their play in midfield. Still, Benfica’s defense, led by Nicolás Otamendi, kept them at bay. The Turkish champions had 58 percent possession and took nine shots, four on target, but couldn’t score.

Benfica, for their part, adopted a compact 4-2-3-1 shape, sitting deep and breaking on the counter. The visitors had six attempts. Two of them tested goalkeeper Altay Bayındır. One came from Florentino Luís in the first half, forcing a sharp save in the 37th minute. Portuguese winger Rafa Silva almost scored. He hit the outside of the post with a curling shot just before halftime.

Fenerbahçe increased their pressing in the second half. But in the 72nd minute, VAR ruled out a goal. Youssef En-Nesyri’s header was just offside. In stoppage time, Benfica came close to winning. An André Almeida cross curled through the six-yard box, but no one was there to finish it.

The tie stands at 0-0. The second leg is set for next Wednesday at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Away goals could be key. Benfica’s coach, Bruno Lage, commended his team’s defensive discipline. On the other hand, José Mourinho noted missed chances but felt optimistic about Fenerbahçe’s prospects in Turkey’s capital.