Fenerbahce ended a 17-year wait for a return to the UEFA Champions League league phase after beating Lyon 2-1 away in the playoff second leg on Wednesday.

The Turkish side advanced 3-2 on aggregate after the first leg in Istanbul had ended 1-1. Fenerbahce's victory means they will compete in Europe's premier club competition for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

Fenerbahce made the decisive move during a four-minute spell in the first half. Vedat Muriqi opened the scoring in the 24th minute before English defender Archie Brown doubled the advantage four minutes later. Brown headed in from a Mason Greenwood corner to put the visitors firmly in control.

Lyon had plenty of time to respond, but Fenerbahce's first-half efficiency left the French side facing a difficult task after the interval.

The hosts eventually reduced the deficit in the 61st minute. Ainsley Maitland-Niles found Malick Fofana at the far post, with the young Belgian winger finishing to give Lyon renewed hope.

Lyon pushed for an equaliser and appeared to have found it on more than one occasion, but further goals from Loïs Openda and Kaïl Boudache were ruled out for offside. Fenerbahce survived the late pressure to protect their one-goal advantage.

The result completes a significant turnaround in Fenerbahce's European fortunes. The club had been absent from the Champions League league phase since the 2008-09 campaign, meaning Wednesday's result brings them back to the competition's main stage after nearly two decades.

Muriqi's opening goal was particularly important in changing the momentum of the tie, while Brown provided the second decisive moment. Fenerbahce then relied on their defensive organisation to withstand Lyon's response.

Fofana was one of Lyon's brightest players despite the defeat. His goal gave the hosts a route back into the contest, but Lyon could not find the second goal needed to force extra time.

Fenerbahce will now join the 2026-27 Champions League league phase, with the draw scheduled in Monaco on Thursday. They are among the final four playoff winners to secure their places in the competition's main phase.

For Fenerbahce, the significance goes beyond one away victory. A 2-1 win in Lyon has brought the Turkish giants back to the Champions League after a long absence — and Muriqi and Brown have given them the perfect start to that return.