Sturm Graz leave Istanbul empty-handed
Sturm are overrun early by "Fener", and a much improved second half is not enough for the Graz side to score a consolation goal.
Fenerbahce beat SK Sturm Graz 2-0 in Istanbul in the first leg of the third qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League.
Fenerbahce proved to be the clearly stronger team from the start and immediately put Sturm under pressure. As early as the tenth minute, the hosts scored the opening goal through Talisca: The Brazilian, although surrounded by four Graz players at the edge of the penalty area, was not challenged and precisely placed the ball into the far corner.
Fenerbahce Control the First Half
Apart from a few crosses behind the Fenerbahce defence, which Jatta could not reach (16th, 33rd minute), Sturm remained harmless offensively.
Shortly before the break, the Graz side conceded another goal. Asensio played the corner kick low into the back to Greenwood, and the Englishman was not challenged about 18 meters from the goal. Without a direct opponent, he was able to find a gap in the crowd inside Sturm's penalty area and shot into the near corner, making it 2-0 through Greenwood in the 45th minute.
Sturm Show Endeavour Until the End
Only in the second half did Sturm slowly find their way into the game and create a few attacking opportunities. For example, Jatta got past Guendouzi and Ake after a pass from Heil and was only stopped by Skriniar at the very last second.
On the other side, Sturm goalkeeper Khudyakov made two brilliant saves against Talisca (67th, 68th minute), thus keeping the Graz side in the game.
However, Weiper's bicycle kick (71st minute) was not enough for a consolation goal, just like their spirited late offensive. Sturm take a two-goal deficit into the second leg.
Next Tuesday at 8:30 PM, Sturm will host Fenerbahce in Graz for the second leg. The match is about reaching the Champions League playoff round.
