Fenerbahce advances to group stage of UEFA Europa League

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - Fenerbahce advanced to the group stage of the UEFA Europa League after they beat Austria Wien 4-1 on Thursday.

The Yellow Canaries passed the playoff round with a 6-1 aggregate as they had won the first leg 2-0 in Austria on Aug. 18.

Ismail Yuksek of Fenerbahce drew first blood in the 12th minute at Ulker Stadium, followed by Irfan Can Kahveci, who scored the second goal for the Yellow Canaries in minute 44.

Just two minutes later, Marvin da Graca of Austria Wien responded in kind, before the first half ended.

Kahveci netted another one for the hosts in the 70th minute, with Mert Hakan Yandas then making it 4-1 in the 79th minute, just two minutes after entering the game.

- Sivasspor to join UEFA Conference League group stage

Another Turkish contender, Sivasspor, lost to Swedish club Malmo 0-2 and were eliminated by them with a 1-5 aggregate in the UEFA Europa League playoffs on Thursday.

Veljko Birmancevic in the minute 76 and Isaac Kiese Thelin in minute 88 scored the winning goals for the Swedish club at the New Sivas 4 Eylul Stadium.

The central Turkish will continue on their European journey with the UEFA Conference League group stages.

The UEFA Europa League and Conference League group draws will be held on Friday in Istanbul.