Benfica and the Turks: it all started 43 years ago

Benfica is the Portuguese team that played more encounters against Turkish team in the European competitions: 13 matches. The story already has 43 years.

The first encounter between the Eagles and a team from the Turkish championship occurred on September 17, 1975. The Reds hosted Fenerbahçe at the Estádio da Luz in the first leg of the first round of the European Champion Clubs' Cup, nowadays Champions League.

The Eagles won the match by 7-0, with goals from Shéu (22’), a hat-trick from Nené (33’, 43’, 72’) and another from Rui Jordão (60’, 75’, 84’).

In the second leg, that was played on October 1st, the host Fenerbahçe prevailed, beating Benfica by 1-0.

Five years later, Benfica had once again a Turkish team in its way, Altay. On August 20, 1980, the eagles played the 1st leg of the qualifying round of the Cup Winners' Cup away from home, a match that ended with a draw (0-0). In the 2nd leg (September 3) Benfica thrashed Altay, by 4-0 (goals from Chalana, Humberto Coelho, Nené, and César), in front of 60 mil spectators at the old Estádio da Luz.

On November 6, 2008, Benfica faced Galatasaray at the new Estádio da Luz in the group stage of the UEFA Cup. The Turks won by 0-2 (goals from Emre Asik and Ümit Karan).

On July 27, 2011, a new match between Eagles and Turks at the Estádio da Luz. Benfica and Trabzonspor played the 1st leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The Eagles won by 2-0, with Nolito opening the scoring at 71’ and Nico Gaitán sealing the result at 88’.

The second leg, played on August 3 in Turkey, resulted in a draw (1-1). The goal from the Reds was scored by the Spaniard Nolito, at 19’.

Benfica and Fenerbahçe met again in 2012/13, in the semi-finals of the Europa League, with the eagles once again prevailing. After a 1-0 loss in Turkey in the first leg, a goal from Nico Gaitán (9’) and two goals from Óscar Cardozo (35’ and 66’) earned a 3-1 triumph in the second leg and the qualification for the final, that the Reds would lose to Chelsea.

In 2015/16, Benfica faced Galatasaray again, in the Week 3 and 4 of the Champions League group stage. On the 21st of October, in Istanbul, Nico Gaitán opened the scoring at 2’, but the Turks reacted and scored two goals (2-1).

At Luz, Benfica prevailed over Galatasaray. A goal from Jonas, at 52’, opened the scoring. At 58’, the Turks got the equalizer, but Benfica was determined to get the three points and reached its goal through an accurate finish from Luisão (2-1).

The last clashes against Turkish team brought together Benfica and Besiktas in the 2016/17 season. On September 13, Estádio da Luz hosted the first match of the Champions League group stage, which ended with a 1-all draw, with the single goal from the eagles being scored by Cervi at 12’.

The reverse fixture took place on November 23, 2016, in Istanbul. The two team drew again (3-3) and the goals from Benfica were scored by Gonçalo Guedes (10’), Nélson Semedo (25’) and Fejsa (31’).

At 8 pm on Tuesday, August 7, Benfica faces Fenerbahçe again, in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League. The match at Estádio da Luz is sold out.

Text: Márcia Dores

Pics: SL Benfica