Ten-Man Benfica and Fenerbahçe End in Goalless Draw in Champions League Play-Off First Leg

Istanbul, 20 August 2025 – Benfica held off a late push from Fenerbahçe to end the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off in a 0-0 draw at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

Benfica went down to ten players in the 71st minute. Florentino Luis received a second yellow card. This left Bruno Lage’s team to face heavy pressure for the last 20 minutes. Fenerbahçe had the ball most of the time, but they couldn’t break through the Portuguese defense. Neither team managed to score.

Match Details

Stadium: Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Istanbul Attendance: 48,000

Referee: Daniel Siebert

Key Events

  • 71’ Florentino (Benfica) dismissed after two yellow cards.
  • Both goalkeepers, İrfan Can Eğribayat and Anatoliy Trubin, made key saves to keep the score tied.

Statistics

Statistic Fenerbahçe Benfica
Possession 53.5% 46.5%
Total Shots 13 9
Shots on Target 6 3
Corners 4 4
Fouls Committed 16 18
Yellow Cards 3 3
Red Cards 0 1

Data via Sky Sports

All is still to play for as we look ahead to next week’s return leg in Lisbon. Benfica hopes to take advantage of their narrow lead.