Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe kicked off their UEFA Champions League qualifying marketing campaign by successful a 4-3 purpose fest in opposition to Switzerland’s Lugano on Tuesday evening.
Starting sluggishly at Stockhorn Arena, the Yellow-Dark blues have been shocked by Ayman El Wafi’s purpose within the 4th minute. Struggling to seek out their rhythm, Fenerbahçe regrouped after the primary 20 minutes.
In the thirtieth minute, Fred missed a transparent probability and within the thirty sixth minute, Sebastian Szymanski’s shot hit the put up. Dominating the ultimate minutes of the primary half, Fenerbahçe earned a penalty within the forty fourth minute.
Fener’s Edin Dzeko transformed the penalty within the 45+1 minute, leveling the rating as they headed into halftime.
The Istanbul giants began the second half with a purpose, taking the lead with Dzeko’s strike within the forty sixth minute.
Despite controlling the sport, they conceded a purpose from Bislimi within the sixty fourth minute. However, Dzeko responded instantly within the 67th minute and substitute Ferdi Kadıoğlu prolonged the lead within the 74th minute, triggering jubilant celebrations from coach Jose Mourinho.
Although Milton Valenzuela scored for Lugano within the ultimate minute because of a person error, Fenerbahçe secured a 4-3 victory,
With this end result, Fenerbahçe gained their first official match of the season. The second leg will likely be performed in Kadıköy subsequent week.
Dzeko hat trick
Fenerbahçe’s skilled striker Edin Dzeko began the brand new season with a hat trick. He scored Fenerbahçe’s first official purpose of the season from the penalty spot within the first minute of the first-half further time and acquired reward for his efficiency. The 38-year-old put his workforce forward 2-1 within the forty sixth minute and celebrated once more within the 67th minute.
Seasoned ahead Dusan Tadic additionally continued his spectacular efficiency from final season in entrance of the purpose. The 35-year-old, who managed his workforce’s offensive performs all through the match, established important dominance over his opponent.
He arrange Brazilian midfielder Fred for a transparent purpose alternative within the first half and was concerned within the play that led to the penalty within the forty fourth minute. He additionally assisted Dzeko’s purpose early within the second half.
Ferdi flying excessive
Another Fenerbahçe star Ferdi Kadıoğlu picked up from the place he left off after an excellent Euro 2024 marketing campaign with Türkiye.
He started the season with a purpose regardless of coming off the bench after becoming a member of the workforce late because of his nationwide duties.
The 24-year-old changed Tadic within the 68th minute and scored his workforce’s fourth purpose within the 74th minute together with his first contact of the match.
Mourinho slams turf
In his response after the win, Fener’s veteran coach Mourinho mentioned: “We finished the first match with a win. We’ll play the second match in Istanbul. With the strong support of our fans, our goal is to secure another victory and advance.”
However, the Portuguese supervisor was vital of the taking part in floor at Stockhorn Arena, calling it means beneath Champions League requirements.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to bring this up before the match. We didn’t want to make excuses. Playing on synthetic turf, essentially a plastic surface, was tough. The players struggled with dribbling and the ball’s movement. It was hard to adapt. Playing on this pitch, this surface, was challenging,” he mentioned.
“Honestly, it’s unacceptable. A Champions League match should not be played on such a surface,” he added.
Commenting on the transfers and present Fenerbahçe, Mourinho mentioned: “I’m pleased with the work the club has done. When I came here, I didn’t ask for any promises. I just wanted to build the best squad and do our best.”
“The club has provided me with the best. I believe we have a strong squad. Some players were on vacation. We only had three training sessions with some players. But over time, everyone is improving their performance,” he added.
“I think we have a solid team. I want to thank our president, management, sporting director and everyone who has put in the effort,” mentioned Mourinho.
Source: www.dailysabah.com