ISTANBUL — On a vibrant Europa League night at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Turkish giants Fenerbahçe edged past France’s OGC Nice, 2-1, courtesy of a stellar brace from Kerem Aktürkoğlu in a match brimming with drama, technical skill, and a tense finale that put Fenerbahçe in the driver’s seat of their group stage campaign.

The match opened to an electrifying crowd, and Fenerbahçe wasted little time asserting their attacking intent. The home side orchestrated several early chances, with Fred and Youssef En-Nesyri forcing saves and spurning half-chances that hinted at the night’s coming fireworks. Aktürkoğlu drew first blood, capping a swift counter led by Talisca. Showing poise and precision, he finished left-footed into the bottom corner, sending the yellow-clad faithful into raptures.

Yet, Nice refused to wilt. The visitors built pressure as the first half wore on, and their persistence was rewarded just before halftime when striker Kevin Omoruyi was bundled over in the box. Stepping up coolly, Omoruyi slotted home the penalty—his strike down the middle restoring parity and shifting the momentum as the break approached.

If the equalizer rattled Fenerbahçe, it never showed. Emerging from the dressing room with renewed purpose, they pressed relentlessly. The breakthrough arrived when Ismail Yüksek picked out Aktürkoğlu in the box; the Turkish winger jinked past his marker and fired low to the far post for his second goal, restoring the hosts’ lead and underlining his match-winning credentials.

Nice responded with urgency. They carved out a flurry of chances—a stinging drive from Terem Moffi was parried by Ederson, while attempts from Morgan Sanson and Jonathan Clauss narrowly missed the target. But Fenerbahçe’s defense, marshaled superbly by Milan Škriniar, held firm amid late pressure.

The final whistle sparked jubilation in Istanbul. Aktürkoğlu’s heroic performance not only secured three vital points but also signaled Fenerbahçe’s growing maturity on the European stage. For Nice, it was an agonizing defeat despite stretches of promising play and creative endeavor.

With this victory, Fenerbahçe seize momentum in the Europa League group—poised now to push for knockout qualification, their ambitions alive and well, buoyed by home support and a star winger’s golden touch.

Key Moments:

• Fenerbahçe’s opener: Aktürkoğlu, 23’, left-footed finish after a counterattack.
• Nice penalty equalizer: Omoruyi, 37’, cool finish from the spot.
• Winning goal: Aktürkoğlu, 56’, composed finish to the far post.

Player of the Match: Kerem Aktürkoğlu — two goals, relentless movement, and the creative spark throughout.

For a visual recap, see the official UEFA Europa League highlights and the “Aktürkoğlu Brace Wins It!” feature on YouTube.