Fenerbahce vs Lokomotiv Moskva: Full highlights, final score and more
By Josh Sippie
Fenerbahce and Lokomotiv Moskva met in a thrilling first leg that saw the Turks take the advantage. Here is a comprehensive look back at proceedings.
Two of the most worthy teams in the Europa League met for what turned out to be a very entertaining, open clash at Ülker Stadium in the Turkish capital. The stadium was abuzz with the regular Turkish zeal and this added enthusiasm was clearly an extra boost for their men on the field. Fenerbahce took the fight to the Russians, clearly seeking to establish a firm grip prior to the second leg.
The Turks were able to do that, as that first goal merely set the table. All match, Moskva was clinging on to dear life, hoping that the game did not get any worse. Given that the Russians have not played since Decemeber and do not return to domestic play until March, Lokomotiv looked downright tired at times. But that would not stop the Turks from knocking and it would lead to another breakthrough. That, in turn, almost led to another in stoppage time, but the crossbar kept it out.
A 2-0 lead is a comfortable lead to hang onto, even going into Moskva’s backyard in the second leg. Let’s take a look back at the match and its highlights.
Three stars
Volkan Sen: This guy was everywhere. Left side, right side, center – Fenerbahce’s attack was run through the demonstrative Turkish winger. He provided a beautiful chance for Robin van Persie that was saved by Guilheme and he provided the assist that Souza put away with his head.
Simon Kjaer: You can attack all you want, but you have to have someone at the back ensuring that the opposition does not sneak back into the match. That was Simon Kjaer. The Danish center back put Petar Skuletic in his pocket and never let him out. He never even fed him.
Souza: This man proved to be quite proficient at being in the right place at the right time. Three shots, two on target, two goals. Hard to be more efficient than that.
Highlights
Despite Fenerbahce pressing the envelope and threatening their Russian opponents goal all match, the breakthrough came in the 17th minute… Here it is:
It was just a recycled version of what they had been doing all match – launching balls into the box. That theme continued throughout the match and it finally worked again in the 73rd minute. Here’s how it happened:
Same old, same old.
Upcoming Schedules
Fenerbahce will look to continue their fantastic Super Lig run by overcoming Buraspor on Saturday. In the Europa League, they will travel to the Russian Capital on Thursday, February 25th, to hold onto the lead they created.
Lokomotiv Moskva do not return to their domestic run until March 6th against Terek Grozny. Their next match will be the second leg against Fenerbahce.