By Abdulrahman Samer | Pressbee Sports
All eyes turn to Istanbul tonight as Fenerbahçe host Benfica at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2026 playoff round. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2025, promises a thrilling contest between two European heavyweights battling for a coveted spot in the group stage.
Kickoff time – Fenerbahçe vs. Benfica
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8:00 p.m. (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco)
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9:00 p.m. (Sudan, Libya)
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10:00 p.m. (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Palestine, Iraq)
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11:00 p.m. (UAE, Oman)
Which TV channel will broadcast Fenerbahçe vs. Benfica?
The match will be shown live on beIN Sports 1, the exclusive broadcaster of the UEFA Champions League in the Arab world, with full match coverage and in-depth pre- and post-match analysis.
Match referee
UEFA has appointed Jan Seidel as the referee for this high-stakes clash in Istanbul.
Venue
The match takes place at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Fenerbahçe’s iconic home ground known for its electric atmosphere and passionate fans.
Head-to-head record
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Total matches played: 3
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Benfica wins: 2
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Draws: 1
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Fenerbahçe wins: 0 Benfica enter the match with the historical edge, but Fenerbahçe hope to overturn the record with home advantage.
Recent form
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Fenerbahçe: 2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw in their last five matches.
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Benfica: Perfect form with five consecutive wins, showcasing strong momentum heading into this fixture.
Tactical preview
Fenerbahçe will rely on their home support to secure a positive first-leg result before traveling to Portugal for the return match. Benfica, on the other hand, come in with greater European experience and a lethal attacking line, aiming to continue their winning streak and put one foot in the group stage.
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