Former Man City Star Saves Jose Mourinho in Debut Match

Jose Mourinho avoided defeat in his first match in charge of Fenerbahce with a Premier League hero salvaging hopes of Champions League glory for the 2024/25 season.

Fenerbahce fell behind after just four minutes against the Swiss team at Stockhorn Arena.

Defender Ayman El Wafi put the hosts ahead, raising concerns about a humiliating loss for Jose Mourinho’s squad.

However, former Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko rescued the situation as he equalized before halftime from the penalty spot.

The Bosnian then scored his second goal just a minute after the second half began. But the worries returned when Uran Bislimi equalized for Lugano in the 64th minute.

Mourinho surely breathed a sigh of relief when Dzeko and Ferdi Kadioglu helped his team gain a two-goal advantage before the final 20 minutes. Milton Valenzuela scored in the 94th minute to end the match with a 4-3 scoreline.

Dzeko finished the match with a hat-trick as he began his 22nd season as a professional footballer.

However, the outcome of the tie is still undecided as Fenerbahce will host the Swiss team at home.

The return leg will take place on July 30 at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

If Fenerbahce secures a favorable result, they will still have to pass through the third qualifying round and the playoff round to earn an official spot in the Champions League group stage.

Mourinho was signed by Fenerbahce in June after being sacked by Roma in January.

Sources indicate that he signed a contract lasting until 2026, with an option to extend for an additional season.