Trabzonspor will host Ferencváros at 8:00 p.m. local time in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoff tie, aiming to make the most of home advantage. The return leg is scheduled for August 27 at Groupama Arena in Budapest, making Thursday’s match a crucial chance to build an advantage before the away game.
The club earned a direct spot in the playoff round by winning last season’s Turkish Cup, bypassing earlier qualifying rounds and now facing a Ferencváros side that coach Fatih Tekke has described as stronger on paper.
Trabzonspor’s domestic campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Kasimpasa, where Mohamed Salah made his competitive debut in the 58th minute. Over roughly 30 minutes, the Egyptian forward recorded the highest expected‑goals figure, created two chances, and attempted eight crosses, strengthening expectations that he will start the next match.
The 34‑year‑old joined Trabzonspor on a two‑year contract after nine seasons at Liverpool. He helped Egypt reach the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup and brings extensive European experience to a side looking to return to the Europa League league phase.
Paul Onuachu, who finished last season as one of the league’s joint‑top scorers with 22 goals, provides another major attacking threat. Onuachu’s physical presence combined with Salah’s creativity could give the hosts the firepower needed to break down Ferencváros’s experienced defense.
Ferencváros eliminated Górnik Zabrze in the previous qualifying round, winning the first leg 1‑0 and drawing the return 1‑1 to advance 2‑1 on aggregate. This result also guarantees them at least a place in the Conference League league phase, giving them security regardless of the playoff outcome.
Their recent European record further underscores the challenge: last season they recovered from a 2‑0 aggregate deficit against Ludogorets to win 3‑2 in the Europa League knockout playoff round, and they have remained unbeaten away in this season’s qualifying campaign.
Papara Park, with a 41,000‑capacity stadium, is expected to be packed as tickets reportedly close to selling out, creating an atmosphere that Trabzonspor hopes will unsettle the visitors.
The hosts will cope with several absences: Okay Yokuslu and Arseniy Batagov were omitted from the UEFA squad list due to fitness issues, while Tim Jabol‑Folcarelli is recovering from a knee injury and Ernest Muci is sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Ferencváros have no fresh injury concerns and are expected to field a largely unchanged lineup, with goalkeeper Denes Dibusz and attackers Kristoffer Zachariassen and Lenny Joseph playing key roles.
This first leg offers Trabzonspor a significant opportunity to secure an advantage before the second leg on August 27 in Budapest.
