Istanbul: Fenerbahçe began their Europa League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday at the Skr Saraçoglu Stadium. The match saw both teams reduced to 10 men by the final whistle, as Fenerbahçe took the upper hand in their group stage opener.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Fenerbahçe defender Çaglar Söyüncü scored the opening goal in the 26th minute with a close-range half-volley. The home side doubled their lead in the 82nd minute when Union Saint-Gilloise’s Christian Burgess scored an own goal. Union SG’s Ross Sykes managed to pull one back in stoppage time, but it was not enough to alter the outcome.

The win puts Fenerbahçe in a strong position as they continue their revamped Europa League campaign.