Turkish football’s heavyweights experienced contrasting nights in the UEFA Europa League playoffs on Thursday, as Fenerbahçe cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over Anderlecht while Galatasaray suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat away to AZ Alkmaar.
Fenerbahçe Take Command
At Ülker Stadium, Fenerbahçe wasted no time imposing their will, dismantling Belgian visitors Anderlecht to take firm control of the tie heading into the second leg.
Dusan Tadić opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving the Yellow Canaries a deserved early lead. Edin Džeko then doubled the advantage just before the break, finishing off a rapid counterattack in the 42nd minute.
The second half saw more of the same, with Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri continuing his prolific form, slotting home the third in the 57th minute. Midfielder Yusuf Akçiçek nearly added a fourth just two minutes later, but his strike rattled the post.
Fenerbahçe now travel to Belgium for the second leg on February 20 with a commanding aggregate lead.
En-Nesyri extended his hot streak with his fifth European goal this season. The 26-year-old has scored 14 goals in his last 11 appearances across all competitions, including 13 in the Süper Lig and three in the domestic cup.
Veteran striker Edin Džeko added his seventh goal in European competition this campaign, further underlining his value at age 38. Meanwhile, Tadić continues to pull the strings in midfield, notching his 10th goal of the season.
Galatasaray Crumble in Alkmaar
In stark contrast, Galatasaray endured a nightmare in the Netherlands, falling 4-1 to AZ Alkmaar in a match that leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread.
The Lions fell behind early to a sensational free-kick from Sven Mijnans in the 10th minute. Hungarian midfielder Roland Sallai briefly leveled the score in the 20th, but Galatasaray’s defensive frailties were exposed throughout.
Troy Parrott restored AZ’s lead from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, and the visitors’ hopes unraveled completely after Kaan Ayhan was sent off early in the second half.
Reduced to 10 men, Galatasaray struggled to cope as Jordy Clasie and David Møller Wolfe added two more goals in the 57th and 66th minutes, respectively.
The second leg at Nef Stadium on February 20 now demands a three-goal comeback to force extra time—an uphill task for Okan Buruk’s men.
Ayhan, already booked in the 11th minute, received his marching orders in the 51st, and will miss the return leg through suspension.
Despite the heavy defeat, Roland Sallai’s debut in European competition for Galatasaray was a bright spot. The January signing, previously ineligible for continental play, made an immediate impact with a composed finish to open his account in Europe.
Buruk’s Tactical Tweaks Fall Short
Coach Okan Buruk made multiple tactical shifts in a bid to stem AZ’s dominance down the left flank. Berkan Kutlu was initially pushed into midfield with Ayhan dropped into the backline, before the team transitioned into a back four after halftime. However, Ayhan’s red card quickly rendered any strategic adjustments ineffective.
Bardakcı’s Efforts Not Enough
Defender Abdülkerim Bardakcı was among the few bright performers, making two critical goal-line interventions. In the 19th minute, he denied Ernest Poku after the winger had rounded Muslera, and later cleared a dangerous shot in the 35th minute. Still, his heroics couldn’t prevent a lopsided loss.
Galatasaray have now gone six European away matches without a win. Their last road victory in the competition came in the group stage, with recent away results including defeats to Young Boys, Ajax, and AZ Alkmaar, and draws against RFS, Malmö, and Alkmaar in group play.
As the second leg looms, the Lions will need nothing short of a miracle in Istanbul to salvage their Europa League campaign.