Sturm Graz must travel to Istanbul on Wednesday without Otar Kiteishvili, as the key midfielder stays behind due to a muscle injury. Coach Fabio Ingolitsch stresses that the squad will still aim to create a solid foundation for the second leg in Graz.
Who is missing and why?
Kiteishvili, who has been a regular goal scorer this season, remains on the plane. Filip Rozga (muscle injury) and Leon Grgic (recovering) are also absent. Ingolitsch explains that they "hardly rush anything," but the team must focus on the players available.
What does this mean for the first leg?
Fenerbahçe, led by new coach Ismail Kartal, arrives with an estimated market value six times that of the Graz side. Turkish investments of roughly €80 million in players such as Mason Greenwood and Nathan Ake highlight the financial gap, yet Ingolitsch stays confident: "We want to sell ourselves as expensive as possible to build the best possible starting point for our home match."
How is Sturm Graz performing currently?
In the final 2025 Bundesliga table, Sturm Graz sits at the top: 1st place with 38 points, 12 wins, 2 draws and 8 losses from 22 games. The team has scored 33 goals and conceded 26, a +7 goal difference, and leads Red Bull Salzburg by one point. The next scheduled fixture is an away match against Austria Vienna on 10 October 2026.
What awaits the Graz side in Istanbul?
The Sükrü‑Saracoglu Stadium is known as one of Europe's loudest venues. Ingolitsch calls it a "mental challenge" and a "hot dance" in front of fervent Turkish fans. Midfielder Jacob Hödl describes it as the "coolest experience." The memory of the 2‑0 away win against Hearts should inspire the young squad to take the next step in an even bigger cauldron.
What follows after the first leg?
The second leg takes place next Tuesday in Graz. Ingolitsch hopes the team, despite Kiteishvili's absence, will carry enough courage and confidence from the Europa League qualifier to win the home game. A positive result could dramatically improve their position for further Champions League progress.
