Tuesday, 28 July 2015

PRE SEASON 2015: Fenerbahce 0-0 Shakhtar Donetsk


Luis Nani Fenerbahce Shakhtar Donetsk 28072015

Robin van Persie and Nani both made their competitive debuts for Fenerbahce in their Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, but could do nothing to prevent a 0-0 draw in Istanbul.

Van Persie came on as a late substitute for his new side, having completed a £4.2 million move from Manchester United earlier this month, while Nani began the game on the wing, though their toil was not rewarded with a victory.

Fenerbahce began the game well, and went close after just six minutes, new signing Nani stinging the palms of Andriy Pyatov with a low drive.

However, it was Shakhtar who created the best early opportunity, as a high ball over the top of the defence found Alex Teixeira, but his resulting shot flew wide of the post.

The Ukrainian side continued to press, and Volkan Demirel was called into action in the 28th minute, with Taison testing the goalkeeper following a fine cross from Darijo Srna.

Fener then looked to counter and Nani created the best opportunity of the match just after the half-hour mark, as the former Manchester United winger delivered a cross from the right for Fernandao, but he could only send the ball over the bar.

The home side improved after the break, with the crowd responding in kind by ratcheting up the noise levels in Istanbul.

However, an error from Mehmet Topal almost gave Shakhtar the lead, as his loose ball allowed Taison to break before firing a shot just wide.

In search of greater potency, Fener introduced their second former Manchester United man, with Van Persie replacing Moussa Sow in the 68th minute, and he was right into the thick of the action, as he held the ball up on the edge of the box before playing in Diego, though the midfielder's effort flew wide of the post.

Van Persie continued to inspire his new team-mates and was only denied by a brilliant Ivan Ordets challenge 20 minutes from time, though he only had himself to blame for his 89th minute miss.

A fine ball from Miroslav Stoch found the Netherlands international in the box, but he could not connect with his attempted volley, the final chance of a goalless draw. 

No comments:

Post a Comment