After a shaky start in the Turkish league - due to a draw against Goztepe - Fenerbahçe asserted their dominance at home, defeating Kocaelispor (3-1).
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Following a home draw against Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs, José Mourinho's squad was eager to secure their first three points in the Spor Toto Super League. The match couldn't have started more promisingly.
At the 5-minute mark, following a corner, Milan Skiriniar used his physical prowess to head the ball exquisitely into the net, providing the perfect response to Çaglar Söyüncü's precise cross. Aleks Jovanovic was left rooted to the spot.
However, the visitors managed to equalize before halftime, through Bruno Petkovic. The Croatian striker perfectly executed a direct free kick just outside the box. Wearing the '9' jersey, he shot to the side where the goalkeeper was positioned, catching him off guard.
Nevertheless, Fener didn't get discouraged and managed to take the lead again after the break. In a fine offensive play, Jhon Durán set up Archie Brown, who simply had to push the ball into the empty net.
At the 66th minute, Anderson Talisca delivered the final blow. The Brazilian midfielder emerged in the penalty area, won the aerial duel, and headed in his team's third goal. The Istanbul squad controlled the game for the remaining minutes with ease.
It's worth noting that Fenerbahçe's next match is scheduled for next Wednesday (August 27), at Estádio da Luz, against Benfica, in a clash for the second leg of the prestigious tournament.
