Champions League: Fenerbahçe is an opponent of good memory

Fenerbahçe is the opponent of Benfica in the 3rd Qualifier of the Champions League. That was imposed this way by the draw held this Monday morning, in Nyon. The Turkish team brings good memories to the Benfica Universe.

The first time Benfica and Fenerbahçe met was in 1975/76 for the European Champion Clubs' Cup (current Champions League) and ended with a conclusive red victory, a 7-0 rout over the Turkish.

In the first leg of the 1^st Round, Benfica was overwhelming, especially on the offensive line. Shéu scored the first at 22’. Nené scored a hat-trick (33’, 43’ and 72’) and Jordão did the same, at 60’, 75’ and 84’. In the second leg, Fenerbahçe won, by 1-0, but was already out of the competition.

Cardozo

CLASHES AGAINST FENERBAHÇE

Season and competition	Match	Result	Scorers
1975/76 - ECCC	Benfica-Fenerbahçe	7-0	Shéu (22’), Nené (33’, 43’ and 72’) and Jordão (60’, 75’ and 84’)
1975/76 - ECCC	Fenerbahçe-Benfica	1-0	Verel (75’)
2012/13 – Europa League	Fenerbahçe-Benfica	1-0	Korkmaz (72’)
2012/13 – Europa League	Benfica-Fenerbahçe	3-1	Gaitán (9’) and Cardozo (35’ and 66’); Dirk Kuyt (23’)

More balanced and exciting was the second encounter between the clubs. In 2012/13 they were fighting for the Europa League final. The Turkish played home the first leg and won 1-0. The goal was scored by Korkmaz.

In the second leg, Estádio da Luz was a true hell for Fenerbahçe. Benfica beat the opponent by 3-1 with goals by Nico Gaitán, at 9’ and Cardozo, at 35’ and 66’. Dirk Kuyt still equalized the match at 23’, with a penalty. The presence at the 2012/13 Europa League final was there for Benfica.

The matches between Benfica and Fenerbahçe are scheduled for August 7 or 8 (first leg, at Estádio da Luz) and August 14 (second leg, at Sükrü Saracoglu Stadium).