Benfica shatter Fenerbahce's Champions League hopes
Benfica eliminate Fenerbahce in Champions League qualifying round; Turkish team enters Europa League group stages
By Can Erozden
ANKARA
Portuguese football giants Benfica eliminated Turkey's Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round despite the 1-1 draw in Istanbul late Tuesday.
Visitors took the lead in the 26th minute at Ulker Stadium as Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes, 19, found the net by a close range shot.
Near the end of the first half, Fenerbahce scored the equalizer. Home team midfielder Alper Potuk's header beat Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos.
This goal encouraged Fenerbahce but the Istanbul side was unable to score any goal in the second half.
So securing the draw in the second leg, Benfica reached Champions League playoffs since the Portuguese side won the first leg 1-0 in Lisbon last week.
Benfica will face the Greek club PAOK in the next round.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce will enter the Europa League group stages.