Fenerbahce dominates Anderlecht 3-0 in UEFA Europa League play-off first leg
Edin Dzeko (9) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League last 16 play-off round first leg match between Fenerbahce and Anderlecht at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, February 13, 2025. (AA Photo)
Fenerbahce secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Belgian side Anderlecht in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off round on Thursday.
Under the guidance of coach Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce showed their strength, with goals from Dusan Tadic, Edin Dzeko, and Youssef En-Nesyri.
The match, held at Fenerbahce’s home ground, Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, saw Dusan Tadic put Fenerbahce ahead in the 11th minute with a header. In the 28th minute, VAR reviewed a potential penalty in favor of Anderlecht, but play continued with a free-kick awarded instead.
Just before halftime, Edin Dzeko doubled the lead with another header in the 43rd minute, taking Fenerbahce to a 2-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Fenerbahce make a substitution, bringing on Osayi-Mert Muldur, and in the 57th minute, Youssef En-Nesyri extended the advantage to 3-0 with another header.
Meanwhile, Edin Dzeko scored Fenerbahce’s second goal against Anderlecht, surpassing Dusan Tadic to become the oldest player to score in the post-group stages of European competitions.
The win gives the Turkish team a significant advantage ahead of the return leg in Belgium on February 20, where the winner will secure a spot in the last 16.
Should they advance, Fenerbahce will face either Greece’s Olympiakos or Scotland’s Rangers in the next round.
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