Fenerbahçe takes over lead in Spor Toto Super League after victory

ISTANBUL

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Fenerbahçe beat archrival Beşiktaş 2-0 in the eighth week of the Spor Toto Super League at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on Oct. 2 to take over the lead in league standings.

Visitor Fenerbahçe was off to a flying start in the third minute as it took the lead in the derby when Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike scored.

Fenerbahçe midfielder Alper Potuk reached the byline and passed the ball into the center where Emenike placed it in the back of the net: 1-0.

Beşiktaş responded by increasing the pressure and was close to equalizing in the 26th minute. Senegalese striker Demba Ba’s header was denied by Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Volkan Demirel.

In the 35th minute, Fenerbahçe’s Turkish attacking left-back, Caner Erkin, skipped past several Beşiktaş defenders and smashed the ball toward the goal from the left. However, Beşiktaş goalkeeper, Tolga Zengin, deflected the ball at the expense of a corner.

Two minutes later, Emenike made a long range drive -- but, once again, Tolga saved it.
In the 41st minute, Beşiktaş Czech center-back Tomas Sivok headed the ball from a corner kick. Evidently on good form, Volkan managed to tip it over the bar.

Shortly after, Beşiktaş midfielder Olcay Şahan was sent off by the referee after fouling Fenerbahçe central midfielder Emre Belözoğlu.

In the 66th minute of the game, Fenerbahçe’s Emenike received a deadly through ball from Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt. The Nigerian dribbled into the box, but wasted the chance while in a one-on-one position. Beşiktaş goalkeeper Tolga darted out from his goal and cleared the ball.

Fenerbahçe forward Moussa Sow’s spectacular goal was disallowed in the 78th minute. The Senegalese international found the net through a bicycle kick -- but, alas, he was in an offside position.
Sow sealed the win with a classy finish with four minutes to go in the game, capitalizing on an assist by Emenike’s through ball.

Fenerbahçe came out of the match not only as winner of the derby, but also on top of the league with 16 points. Beşiktaş, meanwhile, remained at 14 points and dropped down to fourth place in the standings.

Galatasaray, which beat Kasımpaşaspor 2-1 on Oct. 31 in the first game of the week is in second place, followed by Akhisar Belediye, which held Trabzonspor to a 1-1 draw at home thanks to a goal by Theofanis Gekas.

Bursaspor won 3-0 against visiting Sivasspor to claim the fifth spot in the standings.