Istanbul: Turkish team Fenerbahce secured a first-leg victory against Austrian side Sturm Graz, qualifying for the Champions League. Fenerbahce took a significant step towards the Champions League play-off round after defeating Sturm Graz 2-0 in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie at the Chopani Stadium last night.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish team is now close to securing a place in the next round, where they will face the winner of the Sparta Prague vs. Olympique Lyonnais tie. A draw or even a one-goal defeat in the second leg, scheduled for next Tuesday at Sturm Graz's stadium, would be enough for them to advance.

The home side dominated the match from the opening minutes, with Brazilian Anderson Talisca opening the scoring in the ninth minute. He received a pass from Kerem Aktrkoglu and fired a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the net.

Fenerbahce continued their attacking pressure, and Englishman Mason Greenwood doubled the lead in the 45th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box following a corner kick taken by Spaniard Marco Asensio.

In the second half, Fenerbah§e maintained their dominance and intensified their attacks in search of a second goal, but their players squandered several clear-cut chances in front of Russian goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov.

Sturm Graz, on the other hand, posed little threat to the home side's goal, with the exception of a single opportunity in the 53rd minute through Norwegian Sayed Ahmed Jatta, but Slovakian defender Milan €¦ kriniar intervened just in time to clear the danger.

As time passed, the pace of the match slowed without any change to the scoreline, until English referee Chris Kavanagh blew the final whistle, declaring Fenerbah§e the winners with a 2-0 scoreline, bringing them closer to reaching the Champions League play-off round.