Fenerbahçe Struggles to Keep Clean Sheet in Europe, Faces Setbacks in Europa League
In the UEFA Europa League fourth round, Fenerbahçe faced Dutch side AZ Alkmaar away and left the pitch with a 3-1 defeat.
In the first half at AZ Stadium, the yellow-navy team didn’t allow their opponent any chances but failed to capitalize on clear opportunities through Dzeko.
In the second half, Fenerbahçe conceded a goal in the 59th minute, and then En-Nesyri missed a penalty in the 62nd minute.
Fenerbahçe equalized in the 70th minute with En-Nesyri’s goal, but fell behind again in the 75th minute with a goal from Smit. Kasius’s goal in the 87th minute sealed the match’s outcome.
This was Fenerbahçe’s first loss in the UEFA Europa League, keeping them at 5 points.
Mourinho Managed from the Stands
Suspended due to a red card in the match against Manchester United, head coach Jose Mourinho watched the AZ Alkmaar game from the stands.
The Portuguese coach, accompanied by Fenerbahçe Vice President Acun Ilıcalı, stayed in constant communication with the bench. In Mourinho‘s absence, assistant coach Salvatore Foti led the team.
En-Nesyri Contributes to Score in 4 Consecutive Games
Fenerbahçe’s Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in the last 4 matches.
Entering in the 57th minute against AZ Alkmaar, the 27-year-old took a penalty in the 62nd minute but missed. However, he scored the equalizer in the 70th minute, heading in a close-range pass from Dzeko. This marked his third goal in the last four games, including goals against Manchester United and Sipay Bodrum FK, and an assist in the Trabzonspor match.
Becao Faces Suspension
Fenerbahçe’s Brazilian defender Rodrigo Becao received a yellow card against AZ Alkmaar and will miss the next game.
Becao was booked in the 63rd minute for a foul on Parrott by referee John Beaton and will be unavailable for the away match against Slavia Prague. He previously received yellow cards in the matches against Union Saint-Gilloise and Twente in the first and second weeks of the UEFA Europa League, respectively.
Once Again Fails to Keep a Clean Sheet
Fenerbahçe has conceded goals in all eight European matches this season.
Despite defeating Swiss team Lugano in both matches during the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Fenerbahçe conceded goals. They then lost 2-1 to Lille in the first leg of the next round and drew 1-1 in the second leg, exiting the Champions League.
Continuing in the UEFA Europa League, Fenerbahçe beat Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 in the first week, drew 1-1 with Twente away in the second week, and tied 1-1 at home against Manchester United. Against AZ Alkmaar, they picked the ball out of their net three times.
No Wins Against AZ Alkmaar
This was Fenerbahçe’s third match against AZ Alkmaar without a win.
The yellow-navy team lost 3-1 this time and previously drew 3-3 at home and 2-2 away against AZ Alkmaar during the 2006-2007 UEFA Cup season.
