Fenerbahce set for Roma clash without injured Marco Asensio

Fenerbahce will begin their Champions League league-phase campaign without injured forward Marco Asensio when Roma visit Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday.

Match facts

Head coach Ismail Kartal has called for patience from the home crowd as Fenerbahce prepare for a tactical opening-night test against an in-form Roma side.

Kartal said his staff have studied the Italian visitors in detail and insisted Fenerbahce will not simply retreat. “They have the strongest squad in their history,” he said. “We will display a balanced game with plans for both attack and defence, rather than simply sitting back.”

Roma arrive in Istanbul after winning each of their first three Serie A matches. Kartal expects a demanding contest but believes his available players can cope with the occasion despite Asensio’s absence.

The match carries added significance for Fenerbahce after their route through three qualifying rounds ended an 18-year wait to return to this stage of the competition. Kartal, now in his fourth spell in charge, is only the second Turkish coach to take the club into the Champions League league phase.

What happens next: Fenerbahce will seek early home points on Thursday as they attempt to turn their qualifying momentum into a strong European start.

Kartal urged supporters to stay with the side throughout the contest. “This is a strategy match,” he said. “We ask our fans to remain patient and united behind the team until the final whistle.”