Fenerbahçe Held to Goalless Draw Despite Man Advantage Over Benfica
Fenerbahçe couldn’t capitalize on a
clear numerical edge as they played Benfica to a 0–0 stalemate in the
first leg of their Champions League playoff at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium,
Istanbul. The visitors were reduced to ten men in the 71st minute when
Florentino Luís received a second yellow card for a shirt pull—a turning point
Fenerbahçe ultimately failed to convert into goals.
CHECK OUT ALSO:Messi Sidelined: Inter Miami Triumphs Over Tigres Without Superstar in Leagues Cup
Fenerbahçe's
Dominance, Benfica's Grit
- Possession & Chances: Fenerbahçe dominated possession and created more
opportunities—13 shots with six on target, while Benfica managed
nine shots and three on target.
- Goalkeeping
Heroics: Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin
delivered an outstanding performance, making six saves and effectively
nullifying threats from players like En-Nesyri, Szymanski, and Jhon Duran.
- Crucial Moments That Defined the Match
- Florentino's Dismissal: The 10-man Benfica held firm under pressure, using
defensive organization to withstand Fenerbahçe’s late surge.
- Disallowed Goal:
In a dramatic moment, En-Nesyri reacted quickest to a loose ball and
tucked it home—only to have the goal ruled out for marginal offside.
Why
This Draw Matters
- Missed Momentum:
Fenerbahçe let a golden chance slip by failing to secure a win at home,
despite the advantage.
- Tie Up in the Air:
The tie remains finely balanced, with everything still to play for in
Lisbon during the return leg.
- Psychological Impact:
Benfica's resilience gained them confidence; Fenerbahçe must regroup or
risk another playoff exit.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why did Benfica have ten men?
Benfica’s Florentino Luís received a second yellow card in the 71st minute for
a shirt pull on Talisca, reducing his team to ten players.
Q2: Did Fenerbahçe create enough
chances?
Yes. Fenerbahçe recorded 13 total shots, with six on target, but couldn’t break
Benfica’s defensive resolve or Trubin’s form.
CHECK OUT ALSO:Messi Sidelined: Inter Miami Triumphs Over Tigres Without Superstar in Leagues Cup
Q3: Was there a disallowed goal?
Yes—late in the match, En-Nesyri tapped in after a powerful header rebound but
the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside.
Q4: What does this mean for the
second leg?
The tie remains wide open. Benfica heads to Lisbon with confidence, while
Fenerbahçe faces pressure to perform and break through in the return leg.
Q5: How did both goalkeepers fare?
Anatoliy Trubin was exceptional for Fenerbahçe, while Benfica’s goalkeeper also
kept the score blank with timely saves throughout.
CHECK OUT ALSO:Messi Sidelined: Inter Miami Triumphs Over Tigres Without Superstar in Leagues Cup
Fenerbahçe’s inability to convert
their numerical advantage into a win means the European tie remains delicate. The
showdown continues in Lisbon where pressure, tactics, and nerve will decide who
progresses to the Champions League group stage.