AS Monaco bowed 2 goals to 1 in Istanbul (Turkey) in the first leg of the third preliminary round of the Champions League against Fenerbahce.
From the first minutes, the Turks put pressure and have purchased the first chance of the game through Uçan in the first minute, but fortunately for AS Monaco, his shot hit the post of Morgan De Sanctis. A few minutes later, on a new Turkish occasion, De Sanctis was injured on contact and was forced to leave his place to the young goalkeeper of Monaco, Loic Badiashile (12th minutes).
Monaco came slowly in his match but was caught by the opening goal of Emmanuel Emenike at the 39th minute. On a counter attack, the attacker got rid of Jemerson, dribbled Badiashile and scored into the empty net. Jardim players reacted in the process, thanks to Falcao. The Colombian striker took advantage of a scramble in the Turkish area to equalize with an acrobatic recovery.
After the break, Monaco could take the advantage, they have purchased a huge play for after a kick from Germain (48th), and Dirar hit the post after a shooting center. But at the hour of the game, Emenike has offered the double by taking a beautiful recovery a van der Wiel center. The Red & White have tried to be more offensive but failed to equalize and Fenerbahce perfectly managed the end of the game may even score a third goal at the 80th.
The good thing about this game is the away goal makes all the same good to AS Monaco. Monegasques will have to show another face to win next Wednesday at the Louis II Stadium (kick-off 8:45 pm).