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Fenerbahce and Benfica played to a goalless stalemate in a hard-fought match that saw both teams create chances but fail to find the breakthrough at Chobani Stadium.
The Turkish side controlled 53.5% of possession and registered 13 total shots compared to Benfica's nine, but could not convert their territorial advantage into goals. Fenerbahce managed six shots on target while the Portuguese visitors managed just three.
Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin proved instrumental for Benfica, making six saves to keep his team level. The Ukrainian keeper was forced into action multiple times, including stops against Youssef En-Nesyri's headers and efforts from Sebastian Szymanski and Jhon Duran.
The match's decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Benfica midfielder Florentino received his second yellow card for a foul on Talisca, who had entered as a substitute for Jhon Duran. Florentino's dismissal left the Portuguese side to defend their clean sheet with 10 men for the final 20 minutes.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Benfica maintained their defensive shape and limited Fenerbahce's clear-cut opportunities in the closing stages.
Fenerbahce intensified their attacking efforts in the final moments, winning four corner kicks compared to Benfica's four throughout the match. The home side's best late chance fell to Sofyan Amrabat, whose right-footed effort from outside the box sailed high and wide following a corner in stoppage time.
The encounter was characterized by robust challenges, resulting in 16 fouls for Fenerbahce and 18 for Benfica. Six players received yellow cards during the match, with Irfan Can Kahveci, Jayden Oosterwolde, Antonio Silva, Jhon Duran, Enzo Barrenechea, and Richard Rios all cautioned by the referee.
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