Fenerbahce defender Alexander Djiku expressed his excitement following the team’s victory over Lugano in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier.

The Turkish giants triumphed over the Swiss team in a thrilling match, securing an advantage as they return to Istanbul. Djiku played the entire match and was one of the standout performers in Jose Mourinho’s first official game as Fenerbahce’s manager.

“First win of the season. A big thank you to the many supporters who made the trip. Fenerbahce,” Djiku shared on social media.

The match started with a bang as the hosts took the lead through Ayman El Wafi just four minutes in. Former Manchester City forward Eden Dzeko equalized with a penalty on the stroke of halftime. Dzeko then put Fenerbahce ahead again with a second goal just after the break. Uran Bislimi equalized for Lugano, but Dzeko completed his hat trick to restore Fenerbahce’s lead.

Substitute Ferdi Kadioglu, who replaced Dusan Tadic in the second half, added a fourth goal for Fenerbahce before Milton Valenzuela scored a late consolation for Lugano.

Fenerbahce will host Lugano in the second leg next week, with a spot in the third round of qualifiers at stake.