By our man in Bergen
BERGEN, NORWAY – The normally atmospheric Brann Stadion in Bergen, often a fortress for SK Brann, was shockingly silenced last night as Fenerbahçe delivered a clinical and commanding 4-0 victory to book their place in the Europa League knockout stages.
The setting, tucked away in the dramatic fjords of Western Norway, was ripe for a classic European night, with the 17,500-capacity ground in the shadow of Bergen’s mountainous backdrop.
Yet, the anticipated tight contest between two teams level on points turned into a merciless display of Turkish footballing dominance.
Brann Stadion, the historic home of SK Brann since 1919, is famed for its tight, residential location and the passionate support that usually creates a hostile environment for visitors.
However, the Norwegian side, hoping to capitalise on their strong home form in the competition, found themselves undone almost immediately.
The Yellow Canaries from Istanbul took just five minutes to break the deadlock through Kerem Aktürkoglu.
The goal was the first blow in what became a devastating first-half onslaught that left the Bergen faithful stunned.
Midfield maestro Talisca then put the game all but out of reach before the break.
He first struck in the 36th minute, before adding his second and Fenerbahçe’s third just before the half-time whistle (44′). The quick-fire double reduced the home crowd, known as one of the most fervent in Norway, to disbelieving whispers.
The final goal in the second half simply twisted the knife, rounding off a comprehensive 4-0 rout.
The result is a brutal blow for Brann, whose dreams of a deep run in the European competition evaporated under the floodlights of their own stadium. For Fenerbahçe, it was a spectacular performance that not only secured a crucial three points but also finally ended their worrying run of poor away form in European competition this season.
The historic Brann Stadion will remember this night not for its traditional home comforts, but as the scene of one of its most comprehensive European defeats. The long journey back to Istanbul will be a jubilant one for the Turkish giants, while Brann are left to lick their wounds in the quiet, mountainous city of Bergen.
