Trabzonspor returns with prized 2-1 victory from Greek Cyprus in Europa League

LIMASSOL

Trabzonspor's star signing Florent Malouda celebrates his goal against Apollon Limassol FC during their UEFA Europa League Group J qualifying football match at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia on Sept. 19. AFP photo

Trabzonspor maintained good momentum in the European campaign, earning a prized 2-1 victory against Apollon Limassol during a challenging trip in Greek Cyprus as part of the Europa League Group stage opener on Sept. 19.
 
The Black Sea side’s young recruit Yusuf Erdoğan sealed the victory in the 86th minute with a cool finish after receiveing a through pass from Adrian Mierzejewski.
 
The Cypriots stroke first with a penalty goal from their Argentinian striker Gaston Songoy in the 18th minute.
 
However, it took Trabzonspor only one minute to equalize the score thanks to the tenacity of their star signing Florent Malouda. The former Chelsea player met a right side cross from Olcay Adın with a neat and perfectly timed header over his defenders, past the goalkeeper Bruno Vale.
 
With the away victory, Trabzonspor took the second place in the Group J, with equal points and goal difference as Lazio. Meanwhile, the Italians edged Polish giants Legia Varsovia at home with a solitary goal from the Brazilian Hernanes.
 
Both winners will clash on the Black Sea shores on Oct. 3.