Fenerbahçe beats Benfica 1-0 on the way to Europa League final

Fenerbahçe, Istanbul side has taken a big step ahead of second leg in Lisbon after a 1-0 victory over undefeated Benfica at the Şükrü Saraçoğlu stadium in Istanbul.

Fenerbahçe missed a penalty in the first half and had to wait until 71st minute before finding the golden goal with a header from defendant Egemen KORKMAZ.

Fenerbahce managed to take control of the game in spite of a much feared Benfica during the early minutes of the game.

In the 18th minute, Sow nearly opened the score as his header hit the crossbar.

The Turkish side missed some chances and had to cope with their misluck as 3 shots bounced of the post saving Benfica from a multiple goals defeat.

Fenerbahçe won a penalty in the last minute after Ola John tackled Gökhan Gönül from behind inside the area. However, Cristian Baroni missed the opportunity of opening the score, sending the ball to the sidebar.

The long awaited goal came in the 71st minute when Egemen’s header narrowly passed the line, after it bounced over the sidebar.

Fenerbahçe managed to boss the game until the very end and deserved the victory over Benfica to the full.

The two teams are going to have to challenge each other again in Lisbon, next week.