ISTANBUL: A double from Josef de Souza gave Fenerbahçe a great lead in their Europa League round of 32 clash with Russia’s Lokomotiv Moscow last night.
The Turkish giants were well worth the victory in the first leg and look well placed to reach the last 16.
Souza scored once in each half for the Turkish giants, the first the result of a superb cross from Gokhan Gonul that paid off strong and immediate pressure from the home side.
The second saw Souza side-foot home from close range after being supplied by Caner Erkin to give Fener the clear lead that their play deserved, with the Russian outfit rarely having been able to mount any real attacking pressure of their own.
The game had been moved forward to yesterday on account of Galatasaray’s home match against Lazio in the competition tomorrow and they would do well to win in similar comfort to their local rivals.
Lokomotiv goalkeeper Guilherme made a fine reaction save in the 12th minute when Robin van Persie flicked Volkan Sen’s left-wing cross towards goal.
The opener arrived from the opposite flank six minutes later, Gokhan Gonul clipping a superb ball towards the six-yard box where an unmarked Souza nodded home.
Fenerbahce dominated the rest of the action until half-time, with Guilherme called upon to deny the impressive Nani and Sen, while Van Persie headed over.
A stinging drive from Petar Skuletic was uncomfortably saved by Fenerbahce goalkeeper Fabiano and skipper Aleksandr Samedov misjudged a header as Lokomotiv threatened a revival but they were kept on their toes as Van Persie almost converted Nani’s flick-on and marauding full-back Caner tested Guilherme.
Fenerbahce duly gave themselves breathing space as Sen mesmerised the Lokomotiv defence and teed up Caner for a first-time cross which Souza converted with a cushioned volley.
Van Persie appeared disgruntled when he was replaced by Fernandao, although the powerhouse forward made his presence felt by glancing wide in the 88th minute and forcing Guilherme to push a header against the woodwork.
The second leg will be played at Stadion Lokomotiv in Moscow on Feb. 25.
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