Fenerbahçe, managed by Mourinho, faces off against Swiss team in the race for the Champions League

The Turkish team Fenerbahçe, coached by the Portuguese manager José Mourinho, will face the Swiss team Lugano in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, according to the draw held this Wednesday in Nyon, Switzerland.

This match-up is a crucial step for Fenerbahçe as they seek to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament's group stage.

Mourinho's new team is one of four clubs in the league path, which includes various teams that are navigating through these crucial early rounds to earn their place in the main event. Fenerbahçe's clash with Lugano is set to be a significant test of their credentials, while Ukraine's Dynamo Kiev will take on Serbia's Partizan in another highly anticipated fixture. The first-leg matches are scheduled for July 23 and 24, with the second-leg matches set for July 30 and 31, promising a tense and exciting series of games.

The Champions Path includes 24 teams 10 that entered directly at this stage and another 14 winners from the first qualifying round. This path is designed to give champions from smaller leagues the opportunity to compete against each other for a place in the Champions League group stage, thus ensuring a diverse and competitive tournament.

In addition to the league path fixtures, it's noteworthy that Sporting, the national champion, and Benfica, the second-place team in the 2023/24 edition of the Primeira Liga, have qualified directly for the group stage of the new version of the Champions League. Their direct qualification underscores the strength of Portuguese football and the high level of competition within the Primeira Liga. Both teams will be eagerly preparing to compete against Europe's elite, aiming to make a significant impact in the tournament.

This season's Champions League is poised to be particularly exciting with new formats and intense qualifying rounds, highlighting the global appeal and competitive spirit of club football. Fans around the world will be watching closely as teams like Fenerbahçe and Lugano battle it out for a coveted spot in the group stages, where they will join the ranks of Europe's footballing giants.