The UEFA Europa League 1/16 matches kicked off on 16 February. For Russian football fans, the first playoff confrontation was of particular interest. Capital “Lokomotiv” went to Istanbul to confront “Fenerbahce”.
Contrary to the expectations of some football specialists, the match between Fenerbahce and Lokomotiv started at a calm pace. The Turkish footballers did not apply pressure across the pitch, as is usually the case for the hosts. The first fifteen minutes of the meeting was remembered for only one scoring chance. Forward "Fenerbahce" Robin Van Persie with a hinged flank feed was unable to ferry the ball into the goal. Subsequently, the Turks continued to use flank feeds, one of which was still crowned with a goal.
At the 18th minute of the match, Fenerbahce's midfielder Souza responded to the canopy in the goalkeeper's area. The player of the Istanbul club sent the ball to the goal of "Loko" with his head. Guilherme did not have a chance to parry the blow, but the Lokomotiv goalkeeper did not play at the exit at the moment of the serve itself, which predetermined the opening of the score in the game.
After the goal was scored, the game calmed down. Lokomotiv footballers were not able to significantly add to the attack before the break, which indicated the club's weak readiness to resume the season. Turkish footballers also did not create scoring situations at the gates of Muscovites, although they had a clear territorial advantage.
In the second half, there was no qualitative improvement in Lokomotiv's game, and the Fenerbahce players continued to emphasize threatening the opponent's goal with horse feeds into the penalty area. Territorially, the Turkish players have surpassed the rival. In all lines, “Fenerbahce” looked stronger than the Russian players.
Quite a logical outcome of the second half was the second goal against Guilherme, scored by the same Souza. The Brazilian made a double with another blow from the goalkeeper's limits after a hinged pass. The scoreboard lit up disappointing 2: 0 not in favor of the hosts. Souza scored the second goal in the 72nd minute.
After a missed ball, Loko looked scanty and dull in attack. The home team could have scored. It was especially alarming already in compensated time. However, the goalkeeper Guilherme and the crossbar played for the guests.
The final score of the match 2: 0 in favor of “Fenerbahce” reflected the real advantage of the hosts. Now Igor Cherevchenko's charges will have a return match in Moscow in a week.
