The first leg of the third qualifying round for the 2025/26 Champions League between Feyenoord (Netherlands) and Fenerbahce (Turkey) will take place on August 6 at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam. Feyenoord vs. Fenerbahce: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Feyenoord
The Rotterdam team finished third in the last Eredivisie season, earning them a spot in the Champions League, starting from the third qualifying round. This marks the team's third consecutive appearance in this European competition, although in the previous two seasons, they received direct entry to the main stage of the Champions League. In the last edition of this tournament, Feyenoord reached the Round of 16, where they were defeated by Inter (0-2 and 1-2).
- At least three goals were scored in regular time in 11 of Feyenoord's last 14 Champions League matches.
- Both teams scored in 8 of the last 11 Feyenoord matches in this tournament.
- The club's uncompromising home series in the Champions League includes 14 matches (6 wins and 8 losses in regular time).
Predicted lineup for Feyenoord (4-2-3-1)
Timon Wellenreuther – Jordan Lotomba, Thijs Kraaijeveld, Jordan Bos, Tsuyoshi Watanabe – Quinten Maduro, Sem Steijn – Hwang In Beom, Anis Hadj-Moussa, Leo Sauer – Ayase Ueda.
Fenerbahce
The Istanbul team finished second in their national championship last season. As a result, they earned a place in the Champions League qualifying round. Last year, the club started a bit earlier – from the second qualifying stage, and at the next stage, they were stopped by Lille (1-2 and 1-0, extra time 0-1). The defeat by the French club is Fenerbahce's only loss in regular time in their last seven matches in this European competition (3 wins and 3 draws).
- A maximum of three goals were scored in regular time in 7 of Fenerbahce's last 8 Champions League matches.
- Both teams scored in 4 of Fenerbahce's last 5 matches in this tournament.
- In their last 7 away matches in this European competition, the Istanbul team has only won once in regular time (1 draw and 5 losses).
Predicted lineup for Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1)
Irfan Can Egribayat – Mert Müldür, Yusuf Akcicek, Jayden Oosterwolde, Archie Brown – Fred, Bartug Elmaz – Irfan Kahveci, Sebastian Szymanski, Oguz Aydin – Jhon Duran.
Referee
Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 42;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 25%.
Feyenoord vs. Fenerbahce: Match Prediction
The Rotterdam team has reached the knockout stages of European competitions in the last two seasons. They performed particularly well last season, reaching the Round of 16 of the Champions League. Notably, the club won 3 of their last 4 home matches in the Champions League, defeating opponents like AC Milan and Bayern Munich without conceding a goal.
To advance further in the tournament, the Dutch team needs to perform well on their home turf, as it will be challenging to secure even a draw in Istanbul. I believe Feyenoord has a good chance of winning, as Fenerbahce has struggled away from home, suffering 5 losses in their last 7 Champions League matches. In this series of away games, Fenerbahce only managed to beat the modest Lugano and draw with Dynamo Kyiv.
My prediction – Feyenoord with a handicap (0)
