Fenerbahce Didn’t Allow a Surprise!

Fenerbahçe defeated Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 in the first week of the UEFA Europa League. The visiting team’s Kevin Mac Allister received a direct red card, while Fenerbahçe’s Osayi-Samuel was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The yellow-and-navy team started the group stage of the tournament with three points and will face Dutch side Twente in an away game in the second week.

Fenerbahçe hosted Union Saint-Gilloise from Belgium in the first week of the UEFA Europa League. In a match where both teams were reduced to 10 men, the yellow-and-navy side secured a 2-1 victory, beginning the group stage with three points.

MOURINHO SETS A RECORD

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce’s coach, Jose Mourinho, made history with this match. The Portuguese manager broke a record by managing nine different teams in European group stages during the 21st century, the most in this era, with the Union Saint-Gilloise game.

CENGIZ AND AMRABAT START FOR THE FIRST TIME

Cengiz Ünder made his first start for Fenerbahçe this season. Although he was rumored to leave during the summer transfer window, Mourinho decided to keep him in the squad. Cengiz had come on as a substitute in two league games before this. Additionally, Fenerbahçe’s new signing Sofyan Amrabat also made his first start of the season. The experienced midfielder, who joined the squad late in the transfer window, had previously come off the bench in matches against Kasımpasa and Galatasaray.

ÇAĞLAR OPENS THE SCORING

Fenerbahce took the lead in the 26th minute through Çağlar Söyüncü. After a short corner routine, Çağlar slotted home a cross from Rodrigo Becao to make it 1-0. The Turkish star dedicated the goal to his pregnant wife.

UNION SG DOWN TO 10 MEN

Union Saint-Gilloise was reduced to 10 men in the 73rd minute when Kevin Mac Allister was sent off with a straight red card for a foul on Fenerbahçe’s En-Nesyri, who was through on goal outside the penalty area. The Belgian side played the remainder of the match with one player less.

OWN GOAL RELIEVES FENERBAHCE

Fenerbahce’s second goal came in the 81st minute. After a shot by Osayi-Samuel was saved by goalkeeper Anthony Moris, the ball rebounded off Christan Burgess and into the net, giving Fenerbahçe a 2-0 lead.

OSAYI-SAMUEL SENT OFF IN JUST 3 MINUTES

Fenerbahce’s Osayi-Samuel, who came on in the 65th minute to replace Mert Müldür, received a yellow card in the 87th minute. Just three minutes later, he conceded a penalty and was shown a second yellow card, resulting in a red card.

LIVAKOVIC SAVES THE PENALTY

Fenerbahce’s Croatian goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic, saved the penalty conceded by Osayi-Samuel. Livakovic guessed the right direction of fellow countryman Franjo Ivanovic’s shot, diving to his right to make the save.

NEXT OPPONENT

After defeating Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 in the first week of the UEFA Europa League and earning three points, Fenerbahce will face Dutch side Twente away in the second week. The match will be played on Thursday, October 3rd, at 22:00 CET. On the same day, Union Saint-Gilloise will host Bodo/Glimt.