Soccer

Fenerbahce make home advantage count against Benfica

Korkmaz’s goal gives the Turks a slim first-leg lead

Fenerbahce’s Dirk Kuyt (left) challenges Benfica’s Ola John during their Europa League semi-final first leg match at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. Photograph: Osman Orsal/Reuters
Fenerbahce’s Dirk Kuyt (left) challenges Benfica’s Ola John during their Europa League semi-final first leg match at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. Photograph: Osman Orsal/Reuters
Thu Apr 25 2013 - 22:49

Fenerbahce 1 Benfica 0: A solitary goal by Egeman Korkmaz guided Fenerbahce to a narrow victory in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Benfica in Istanbul.

Korkmaz’s goal after 72 minutes was scant reward for Fener, who could have taken a more commanding lead to Portugal after Cristian Baroni hit a first-half penalty against the post, while Moussa Sow and Dirk Kuyt also rattled the woodwork.

With the game heading into first-half injury-time, Ola John was adjudged to have brought down Gokhan Gonul. However, Baroni’s firm shot beat the goalkeeper but struck the base of the post and rebounded away from goal.

Fenerbahce finally took the lead with 18 minutes to go, although there was some controversy over the award of a corner from which the goal came. Korkmaz took advantage of Benfica’s frustration to rise highest from the set-piece, nodding in off the bar to send his side into the return leg with a deserved if slender advantage.

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FENERBAHCE : Demirel, Gonul, Yobo, Korkmaz, Ziegler, Meireles (Ucan 64), Topal, Kuyt, Baroni (Sahin 86), Sow (Krasic 87), Webo.

BENFICA : Artur Moraes, Maxi Pereira, Jardel, Garay, Melgarejo, Gomes (Carlos Martins 81), Aimar (Gaitan 46), Matic, John (Rodrigo 64), Cardozo, Salvio.

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia).