ENGLISH
Tense Draw in Istanbul Between Fenerbahçe and Benfica
Istanbul, Turkey – In a highly charged match with a controversial ending, Fenerbahçe and Benfica drew at the Ülker Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-offs. The match, officiated by German referee Daniel Siebert, was characterized by a tight midfield battle and a high number of cards.
Fenerbahçe dominated possession with 53%, generating 12 shots, 6 of which were on target. However, Benfica’s defense proved solid, although they committed numerous fouls (18 in total) which earned them four yellow cards and one red card. Florentino’s dismissal in the 71st minute left Benfica with ten men, further complicating their task.
Benfica, on the other hand, had 47% possession and 9 shots, 3 of which were on target. The Lisbon side looked for counter-attacks and defended tooth and nail for the draw, especially after the expulsion.
A goal by Y. En Nesyri for Fenerbahçe was disallowed for offside after VAR review in the 82nd minute, unleashing the frustration of the local fans. The match ended in a draw, leaving the tie open for the return leg.
Substitutions benfica: at minute 64 E. Barrenechea came in and F. Ivanovic went out., at minute 77 K. Akturkoglu came in and L. Barreiro went out., at minute 77 V. Pavlidis came in and T. Gouveia went out.
Substitutions fenerbahce: at minute 67 J. Duran came in and Talisca went out., at minute 79 M. Muldur came in and O. Aydin went out., at minute 86 Fred came in and I. C. Kahveci went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Fenerbahce
Titulares:
Benfica
Titulares:
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