17 August 2017•Update: 17 August 2017
By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA
Sevilla defeated Medipol Basaksehir 2-1 in Istanbul on Wednesday in a Champions League playoff round first leg match.
The Spanish chalked up two away goals for the win and gained the upper hand ahead of the second leg match next week.
The pouring rain and Basaksehir’s defense were unable to hamper Sevilla as they found their first goal in minute thanks to a powerful low shot from the left side of the box by Sergio Escudero.
Although participating for the first time in the Champions League, Basaksehir did not seem intimidated by their opponents as winger Eljero Elia raced past defenders and fired a powerful low shot underneath goalkeeper Sergio Rico, for the equalizer in the 64th minute.
But prolific striker Wissam Ben Yedder finished a cross from Jesus Navas to restore his team's lead.
The final whistle gave the advantage to Sevilla heading into the second leg match on their home turf next week.
Basaksehir now needs to defeat their opponent in Spain on Aug. 22 by at least 2-1 to stay alive for time.
The loser of the series will continue their European journey from the UEFA Europa League while the winner will carry on with the group stages the Champions League.
