Trabzonspor ousted from Europa League after 2-0 home defeat against Juve

TRABZON

Trabzonspor's goal keeper Onur Kivrak, tries to catch the ball as Sebastian Giovinco of Juventus tries to score. AP photo

Trabzonspor’s sterling Europa League campaign came to a crashing halt Feb. 27 as the Black Sea Storm was overrun by a rampant Juventus, losing 2-0 at the Avni Aker Stadium, mirroring the score from the first leg.

The suspense ended early in the game as the Bianconeri, with goals from Arturo Vidal in the 18th minute and Pablo Osvaldo in the 33th minute, quickly disabused Trabzon supporters of any hopes of a miracle comeback.

Italian champions Juventus, who were themselves ousted by Galatasaray in the Champions League group stage, will play fellow Italians Fiorentina in the Round of 16.

Having started in the first qualification stage, Trabzonspor had one of its most successful European runs in years, going unbeaten in its 12 European matches until it met the Old Lady of Turin.

But Juventus just proved too strong for Trabzon, which has struggled to find its rhythm after the sacking of Mustafa Reşit Akçay.

Animosity was also felt in the tribunes as a group of supporters called for the resignation of the board. “Politicians, hands off of our club,” some chanted in reference to club President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu’s ties with politicians.