Levant News | Cyprus Football | AEL v Fenerbahce Review
Last night, RoC’s AEL took on the Turkish giants Fenerbahce in the Republic of Cyprus in the first leg of Europa League tie. Pundits say that AEL played extremely well and the final score did not necessarily reflect the quality of their play. As we all know, it is the final score that counts.
AEL 0 v Fenerbahce 1
“Egeman Korkmaz’s second-half header gifted Fenerbahce a hard-fought Europa League win as Jorge Costa’s first match in charge of AEL Limassol ended in defeat.
Former SC Braga and CFR 1907 Cluj boss Costa was given little time to prepare for the fixture after only being announced as the Cypriot side’s new coach on the eve of the game. And although the hosts performed admirably for the Portuguese it was all in vain as Korkmaz headed home from Cristian Baroni’s corner to send the Turkish outfit top of Group C.
It could prove to be a priceless victory for Fenerbahce, who are three points clear of German side Borussia Monchengladbach and French outfit Marseille.
Costa would have been hoping to extend his new side’s unbeaten run at home in this competition but the visitors started well, with Cristian Baroni testing AEL goalkeeper Matias Degra with an early sighter from 25 yards while former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt struck wide from just outside the area.
At the other end, Melo Rui Miguel was causing all sorts of problems for the Fenerbahce defence and twice went close but failed to work Volkan Demirel on both occasions.
The Portuguese midfielder was then denied by a fantastic block from Hasan Ali Kaldirim while Demirel had to be at his best to parry away Jorge Felipe Monteiro’s effort as Limassol ended the half with a flourish.
The hosts picked up where they left off after the interval with Rui Miguel forcing Demirel into another fine save although Kuyt narrowly shot wide soon after.
In such a tight game it was always likely one goal would be enough and it came in the 72nd minute when Baroni’s flighted corner was headed into the net by Korkmaz.
Monteiro forced Demirel into another fine save shortly before the end but Fenerbahce held firm to secure the three points.” [Sky Sports]
Neverless the visiting team take away the three points to the second leg which will take place on their home turf, which is always an advantage (I am told).
NCFP Football correspondent
Wilf Whistle
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