Fenerbahce vs Anderlecht (1-0)

Fenerbahce vs Anderlecht (1-0)

Date: 15-8-2007
Wrote by: EP's webmaster

Hassan and the Mauves faced a tough opponent in the Champions League tongitht. The Turk Champions won by a single goal which came through Alex in the 32nd minute. First half was controlled by the homeside while the 2nd was for Hassan and his teammates who forced Fener to play in their own half. Anderlecht will now have to win the 2nd leg by two goals or nmore in order to qualify to the group stage.

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Anderlecht clashed with Fenerbahce in the last qualifyig round of Chmpions League. Hassan's side faced a strong opponent with many stars like Roberto Carlos, Alex, Aurelio, Tumer Metin and others.

The Turks ended the game to their favor but managed to score only once through Alex who headed home after a fine cross by Aurelio in the 32nd minute.

The first half was totally controlled by the Turks while the 2nd witnessed some good play from the Mauves who could equalize if they had more men forward.

Egyptian star Ahmed Hassan played the entire game and wasoneof the best ifnot the best Anderlecht player on the field. Hassan's control was good, had great vision and accuracy in his passes but he couldn't get in a goal scoring positions otherwise he could appear on the scoring sheet.

Anderlecht couldn't score because of the lack of forwards. Mohamed Tchite played alone at front and Hassan/Boussoufa came from behind to support but Feneralways had more defenders and so, Anderlecht couldn't create alot of real chances except in the final 30 minutes when they made a few tactical changes by introducing Mbo Mpenza to assist in attack.

The game started with pressure from Fenerbahce and Mateja Kezman powered a header at goal but it was saved by Zitka.

The pressure continued from the homeside in order to score the opening goal and it took them 32 minute to score through Brazilian Alex. The goal came through a cross from the left wing from Aurelio who managed to beat his man and crossed high to Alex at the near post and the latter headed the ball well home to make the score 1-0 for Fener.

In the 37th minute, Hassan played a fine through pass but Tchite couldn't reach the ball. A minute later witnessed a powerful header at Fener goal but it went just wide.

In the 2nd half, Anderlecht improved greatly and forced Fenerbahce to play in their own half. However, they had very little support in attacks.

In the 52nd minute, Polak sent a powerful shot from the edge of the box but Fener goalkeeper managed to parry it away.

In the 56th mkinute, Aurelio powered a heaer at goal but Anderlecht's Zitka saved it with ease.

In the 2nd half, Hassan and Anderlecht had more possession and so, the Egyptian won many fouls but none of them were in dangerous places.

In the 79th minute, Kezman controlled the ball well just outside the box and managed to beat his man, he tried to place the ball into the far corner with his left but Zitka saved his shot.

In the 81st minute, Hassan got the ball outside the box and tried a shot but it sailed over the bar.

The Egyptian also created a chance to Mpenza who crossed low in front of goal but no one was following.

Pressure fromt he Mauves continued till the final whistle. They couldn't score the equalizer but proved that they can challenge the strong Turkish opponent.

A win by more than a goal is enough to grant Hassan's side the qualification ticket to Champions League group stage.