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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Fenerbahce beat Lugano 4-3 </li><li>Dzeko netted a 21-minute hat-trick </li><li>Mourinho fuming at UEFA after narrow win </li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Jose Mourinho rages at UEFA after Fenerbahce narrowly avoid huge Champions League upset in his first competitive game as manager - thanks to stellar display from ex-Man City goal machine

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FC Lugano

Europa League

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Fenerbahce

The Portuguese manager came close to being humiliated<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/jose-mourinho-back-role-roma-manager-champions-league-final/blt1352bc0e811c277b" target="_blank"> on his competitive debut</a> with the Turkish giants, but former Manchester City striker Dzeko scored a 21-minute hat-trick to drag his side to a 4-3 win over Swiss side Lugano in a Champions League qualifier on Tuesday. After edging out the hosts, Mourinho fumed at UEFA as he was unhappy that the match was played on a synthetic pitch, instead of standard grass, at Stockholm Arena.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">46’ YEEEEEEEEES! EDIIIIIN DZEKOOO! <a href="https://t.co/a1nD4T3eT8">pic.twitter.com/a1nD4T3eT8</a>— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fenerbahce_EN/status/1815834879445131650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

Mourinho criticized the governing body for allowing such pitches in top-tier competitions as he said: "We tried not to make excuses before the match, but playing quality football on a synthetic pitch is a challenge. The ball doesn’t move as it should, players struggle to dribble, and the game's pace slows significantly. I can’t fathom why UEFA permits Champions League matches on synthetic surfaces. It’s also perplexing why a good team like Lugano would choose to play on such a pitch. It wasn’t ideal for the game."

WHAT MOURINHO SAID

While Dzeko's performance in attack provided a significant boost, Mourinho was notably worried about his team's defensive frailties. Fenerbahce conceded three goals, including one from a set piece and another from what Mourinho deemed an "easy shot". He also criticized Lugano’s third goal, accusing the Swiss team of unsportsmanlike behaviour for not returning the ball as expected.“A seven-goal game is thrilling for the fans, but from a coaching perspective, conceding three goals is problematic," he said. "I didn't like conceding a goal from a set piece, the second goal was an easy shot and the third was not fair play, they should have given us the ball and they didn't."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Only half of the job is done, as Fenerbahce must successfully navigate the Swiss challenge in the second leg scheduled for July 30 at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. “I’m looking forward to a full stadium next Tuesday. Let’s give Lugano a warm reception. They’ll enjoy the atmosphere, no doubt,” said Mourinho with a hint of sarcasm.Should they prevail against Lugano, they will still face the third qualifying round and the play-off round to earn a spot in the Champions League group stage.

WHAT NEXT?

Jose Mourinho rages at UEFA after Fenerbahce narrowly avoid huge Champions League upset in his first competitive game as manager - thanks to stellar display from ex-Man City goal machine | Goal.com

Jose Mourinho slammed UEFA after Fenerbahce narrowly avoided a huge Champions League upset - thanks to a stellar display from Edin Dzeko.