Skriniar targets winning Champions League return as Roma visit Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce captain Milan Skriniar will lead the Turkish side into their first Champions League league-phase match at Chobani Stadium for 18 years when Roma visit Istanbul, with the Slovak defender targeting an immediate three-point start.
Captain sets the tone for Champions League return
Fenerbahce reached the competition’s main stage after coming through three qualifying rounds under head coach Ismail Kartal. Their return brings elite European football back to the stadium after nearly two decades away.
Skriniar said the squad understands the scale of the occasion for supporters and accepts the pressure attached to it. “There is enormous responsibility to the fans after an 18-year wait for Champions League football here,” he said. “We want our first points tomorrow.”
The captain added that Fenerbahce approach every competition with the intention of challenging at the highest possible level. For the hosts, that means turning a major occasion into a strong opening result.
Roma pose an organised test
Roma arrive in strong domestic form under Gian Piero Gasperini and sit top of the Serie A table. Skriniar expects a disciplined Italian opponent but believes Fenerbahce can exploit moments when Roma lose control.
“They are a good, well-organised side in form,” Skriniar said. “We have to make the most of the periods when they are vulnerable.”
Romelu Lukaku is set to face his former club, while both sides have several important players unavailable through injury. That places further emphasis on Skriniar’s authority in a Fenerbahce team looking to respond after losing the weekend derby against Besiktas.
Turning points before kick-off
- Fenerbahce negotiated three qualifying rounds to end their 18-year wait for the Champions League main stage.
- The Istanbul side then suffered a domestic derby defeat to Besiktas ahead of the Roma match.
- Roma travel as Serie A leaders under Gasperini, bringing confidence and a structured approach.
- Fenerbahce now look to use the Chobani Stadium atmosphere to launch their league-phase campaign with a win.
What happens next
Fenerbahce must quickly move on from the Besiktas setback and handle the emotion of the occasion against one of Italy’s in-form teams. A home victory would give Kartal’s side an early platform in the Champions League league phase; Skriniar’s immediate demand is clear: take maximum points in Istanbul.
Key takeaways
- Skriniar will captain Fenerbahce in their first Champions League main-stage home match for 18 years.
- The hosts qualified through three rounds under Kartal.
- Roma arrive top of Serie A and in strong form under Gasperini.
- Lukaku faces a former club, while injuries affect several key players.
- Fenerbahce are seeking a response following their derby loss to Besiktas.
