Fenerbahçe welcome Aston Villa to Istanbul on Thursday night knowing a statement win could thrust them into serious contention for automatic qualification in the Europa League, while the English side arrive seeking a sharp European response after a rare domestic stumble.
It is the first meeting between the two clubs since the 1977-78 UEFA Cup, when Villa swept aside Fenerbahçe 6-0 on aggregate, but history offers little comfort now.
This time, the momentum and the noise, belongs to the hosts.
Fenerbahçe's confidence
The Yellow Canaries have surged into 2026 with authority.
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