Alexander Djiku plays as Fenerbahçe edges Lugano in UEFA Champions League playoff
24th July 2024
Ghana international Alexander Djiku played a key role for Fenerbahçe on Tuesday night as the Turkish giants secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Lugano in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie.
In a match held at a neutral venue, Lugano quickly took the lead with a strike from El Wafi just four minutes into the game.
However, Fenerbahçe fought back, and Edin Dzeko equalized right before halftime in the 45th minute.
The second half saw Dzeko's brilliance shine through as he scored two more goals, completing his hat-trick and giving Fenerbahçe a commanding position.
Ferdi Kadıoğlu also found the back of the net to extend Fenerbahçe's lead.
Lugano didn't go down without a fight, with Uran Bislimi and Milton Valenzuela scoring to keep the game close. Despite their efforts, Fenerbahçe managed to hold on for a crucial 4-3 win.
Alexander Djiku was a solid presence throughout the match, playing the full 90 minutes and contributing to Fenerbahçe's defensive efforts.
The Turkish side will now look to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League group stage in the second leg.
Fenerbahçe's win sets them up favorably for the return leg, where they aim to finish the job and advance to the next round of Europe's elite competition.