Fenerbahçe, Istanbul's leading club, faces Sturm Graz in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifying round to return to Europe's elite competition. After edging Gornik Zabrze 2-1 on aggregate, Fenerbahçe aims to defeat Sturm Graz and end its long absence from European football. The club hasn't reached the Champions League since 2008-09 and has not won a Turkish Super Lig title since 2013-14. New head coach Ismail Kartal is focused on restoring both domestic and European success, guiding Fenerbahçe past Gornik Zabrze with home wins of 1-0 and 1-1 away. Home form offers encouragement: Fenerbahçe are unbeaten in their last eight competitive matches at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, having won five and drawn three. However, a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the Europa League play-offs serves as a reminder of the fine margins on the continental stage. Sturm Graz has faced Turkish opposition before, including Galatasaray four times, with notable victories against them. The visitors will be without several key players due to injuries. Fenerbahçe's Anderson Talisca, Mason Greenwood, and Vedat Muriqi are set to play crucial roles, while the performance of these new signings will determine the outcome. Sturm Graz's Amady Camara and others remain out injured. This will be Fenerbahçe's 303rd European match, with Kartal's strategy and player performances key to success.