Fenerbahce 1-3 Molde: Turkish giants suffer surprise defeat despite Nani strike in Europa League tie

  • Fenerbahce's star-studded squad were upstaged in their opening Group A game in Istanbul
  • Tommy Hoiland scored a Panenka-style penalty to put Molde ahead but Nani equalised with fine volley
  • Mohamed Elyounoussi and Martin Linnes scored in second half to seal victory for Norwegian champions

Norwegian champions Molde claimed a memorable win in Turkey and ended a seven-match winless streak on the road in Europe by beating Fenerbahce on Thursday night.

Tommy Hoiland put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot in the 36th minute but former Manchester United winger Nani equalised six minutes later with a cool finish..

Mohamed Elyounoussi made it 2-1 for Molde early in the second half and Martin Linnes added a third goal in the 65th minute.

Former Manchester United winger Nani equalised in the 42nd minute with a clinical volley

Former Manchester United winger Nani equalised in the 42nd minute with a clinical volley

Nani celebrates with his team-mates Robin van Persie (centre) and Sener Ozbayrakli after scoring

Nani celebrates with his team-mates Robin van Persie (centre) and Sener Ozbayrakli after scoring

Fenerbahce winger Nani takes on Molde midfielder Eirik Hestad on Thursday night

Fenerbahce winger Nani takes on Molde midfielder Eirik Hestad on Thursday night

Fenerbahce's star-studded squad were upstaged in their opening Group A game in Istanbul.

The hosts created some decent chances for Robin van Persie in the first half-hour, but were stunned on 36 minutes after visiting captain Daniel Hestad was fouled in the box. 

Tommy Hoiland stepped up to send a cool, Panenka-style penalty into the centre of the goal as goalkeeper Fabiano dived to his right.

Nani equalised six minutes later, providing a delicate first-time volley to send Raul Meireles's lofted ball into the net, but Molde did not despair.  

Fenerbahce striker Robin Van Persie was unable to add to his single goal since joining from United

Fenerbahce striker Robin Van Persie was unable to add to his single goal since joining from United

Fenerbahce winger Nani equalised with a first-time volley just before half-time

Fenerbahce winger Nani equalised with a first-time volley just before half-time

Van Persie shows his frustration as Turkish league leaders Fenerbahce suffered surprise defeat

Van Persie shows his frustration as Turkish league leaders Fenerbahce suffered surprise defeat

Eight minutes into the second half, Høiland sent in a wicked cross from the right and Mohamed Elyounoussi evaded his marker to power the ball past Fabiano.

Høiland almost put the game to bed on 64 minutes, but his low-shot from the right clattered into the post. 

However, the Erling Moe's side did not have to wait too long for their third, right-back Martin Linnes cutting inside from his flank to send a long-range effort low into the bottom corner with his left foot. Elyounoussi's dismissal for a second booking late on took none of the gloss off a startling result

Tommy Hoiland (left) put Molde ahead in the 36th minute from the penalty spot

Tommy Hoiland (left) put Molde ahead in the 36th minute from the penalty spot

Hoiland coolly converted from the spot to put the Norwegian champions ahead in Turkey

Hoiland coolly converted from the spot to put the Norwegian champions ahead in Turkey

Molde celebrate after going ahead against Fenerbahce in the Europa League tie

Molde celebrate after going ahead against Fenerbahce in the Europa League tie

Molde's Mohamed Elyounoussi was sent off late on for a second bookable offence

Molde's Mohamed Elyounoussi was sent off late on for a second bookable offence

Fenerbahce's Nani celebrates after scoring against Molde at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul

Fenerbahce's Nani celebrates after scoring against Molde at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul

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