Europa League results: Fenerbahce 1-0 Benfica

Egemen Korkmaz’s goal from controversial corner allowed Fenerbahce battle to a narrow 1-0 victory over resilient Benfica side at Sükrü Saraçoglu Stadium.

The Turkish side entered the Europa League semi-final first leg with the hope of reaching the final for the first time in their history. It was a cagey first half, though, with both sides desperately trying to avoid mistakes. Fenerbahce could have opened the scoring seconds before the half-time whistle, however Cristian failed to score the penalty. Fenerbahce have scored the only goal of the game with 18 minutes to go, as Korkmaz headed home from a corner. The Portuguese side has been furious that the decisive moment came from a corner that has been mistakenly awarded by the referee.

It is all to play for in the second leg with Benfica being unbeatable at their home ground this season.