Champions League Q3: SL Benfica vs Trabzonspor A.Ş. [July 27th]

[trapZone^61]

Hello from Austria to the friends from Benfica!

I'm a Trabzon fan and I've been reading in your forum since you were fixed as our opponent. I know that Benfica is a very good team, and i also know that you have a lot of good players. So we mustn't talk about the quality of the players of both teams

When the day of the match in Benfica came, I knew that it would be very hard for us. My only wish was to have scored a goal against you in Benfica, 'cause this would be very important for us in the second leg. Although the match ended 2-0 for you. I have to say, that i expected a much better Benfica than that. I expected a Benfica, who attack our goal for the whole match. But what I saw on last Wednesday was very very different. Very good players like Aimar, Cardozo or Gaitan played really bad, and that was the reason, that you didn't play as good as I thought.

Trabzon instead, was very good prepared by our coach Senol Günes TACTICALLY. I wrote tactically in big letters, because with that tactic, we were able to get at least a draw against you. The reasons of both goals which you have scored were concentration mistakes for one or two seconds long, from our defenders. Moreover, we also had good chances to score a goal with Burak, Henrique and Adrian. Yes, we scored two goals, but they were not applied One of them was definitely an offside, but the goal which Adrian scored wasn't one. On the other side, there was also some decisions of the refferee against you. For example the penalty, which haven't been given to you. The refferee was really bad, and he made mistakes, but for both sides, so we also can't complain against the refferee.

On nex Wednsesday, at the second leg, the revanche will be an interesting match. I expect around 50000 fans, who will come to the Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. A 2-0 result is very very hard to overtake, but it isn't impossible. I think that we well win to 80%, but if the score will be enough or not, that is the question. To score 2 goals against Benfica isn't so hard, if you do it tactically well, but don't to get a goal; that is hard. The offensive players of your team are pretty good, so it will be hard for our central defenders.

Our main advantages for the match are the fans, the fans and the fans I saw your fans in Benfica last week and they were very lazy by shouting To be for 5 minutes quiet and then to shout for 10 seconds wasn't that, what I expected from your fans. In coreography's you are one of the best in europe, especially the coreography with the devil in Da Luz was amazing, but in 'shouting support', you are not as good as I thought.

Anyway, i also believe in our coach Senol Günes. He will do it well tactically, like in the match before. Do I believe in a 3-0 result? No But a 2-0 is possible, and would be enough, to take us to the penalty shoots.

I hope and know, that it will be an interesting match.

Best regards from Austria

//everywhere is TRABZON for us*

[J_slb]

Well it´s kind of hard to have such a strong vocal support since we only had about 30 thousand spectators. In these so callled big matches we normally get about 55/60 thousand people in the stadium , but since we are in July/August most fans are on holidays, that´s why the stadium wasn´t packed otherwise we would´ve had a much bigger support, I reckon.

As for the match in Istanbul, I expect a close match between two attacking teams. Just hope our players dont get overwhelmed about the atmosphere in the stadium and  snatch a 0-1 win.

[Darkboy]

Welcome trapZone^61,

I agree with you, we performed below my expectations but still sufficiently to grab the win. Gaitan, Aimar and Cardozo looked absolutely crap as you said, but thanks to a genius moment by Gaitan we still managed a comfortable advantage to the away match at Istambul. When Nolito and Witsel went in at the pitch our team began to play attacking football much more consistently and I hope to see them in the starting 11 next time.

To be honest I don't expect you to win at all and I would be very surprised if that happens even considering the strong support your fans can and will provide. In the 1st leg our stadium was rather empty, mainly due to 2 factors: your lack of international prestige (I hope this doesn't offend you, you're not a bad team, but at international level you lack notoriety) and the period of vacations that lot of portuguese people are having at the moment.

How's the corruption scandal developing? I read that Nevzat Sakar was taken in by the police and was being investigated.

[trapZone^61]

Well it´s kind of hard to have such a strong vocal support since we only had about 30 thousand spectators. In these so callled big matches we normally get about 55/60 thousand people in the stadium , but since we are in July/August most fans are on holidays, that´s why the stadium wasn´t packed otherwise we would´ve had a much bigger support, I reckon.

As for the match in Istanbul, I expect a close match between two attacking teams. Just hope our players dont get overwhelmed about the atmosphere in the stadium and  snatch a 0-1 win.

In my eyes 30.000 fans are much enough to get the atmosphere high:) The capacity of our stadium in Trabzon is 20.000, but you can here the fans from 500 meters outside the stadium. What I mean isn't the number of the fans, but their 'art' of supporting.

[trapZone^61]

Welcome trapZone^61,

I agree with you, we performed below my expectations but still sufficiently to grab the win. Gaitan, Aimar and Cardozo looked absolutely crap as you said, but thanks to a genius moment by Gaitan we still managed a comfortable advantage to the away match at Istambul. When Nolito and Witsel went in at the pitch our team began to play attacking football much more consistently and I hope to see them in the starting 11 next time.

To be honest I don't expect you to win at all and I would be very surprised if that happens even considering the strong support your fans can and will provide. In the 1st leg our stadium was rather empty, mainly due to 2 factors: your lack of international prestige (I hope this doesn't offend you, you're not a bad team, but at international level you lack notoriety) and the period of vacations that lot of portuguese people are having at the moment.

How's the corruption scandal developing? I read that Nevzat Sakar was taken in by the police and was being investigated.

It would be better for you, if you play with experienced players. Nolito and Witsel are super players, especially Witsel, but for young players it is hard to play in front of 50.000 away fans. For a Pablo Aimar or a player like him, that isn't the biggest problem

For me, it would be a surprise, if we lose this match, because you won the first match with a 2-0 score, and you haven't to think about shooting a goal. I am sure, that your coach will let the team play with a tactic based on counterattacks. Our formation in the first match was 4-1-2-1, now it will be 4-3-3. And about the fans; like I said before, I didn't mean the number of the fans. 30.000 fans ar very much, but the support won't be enough, if you spend 80 minutes by watching and only 10 minutes by shouting. A fan in a stadium should support his team so energic, that he has to watch the match again on the television the next day 

The corruption scandal is developing very positive from our side. It is true, that our co-president Nevzat Sakar was being investigated. In that way nobody of Trabzonspor is suspected or taken in. The only thing we are waiting now, is the decision, which tiers fenerbahce to the second league and adjuticates the real champion - TRABZON! 

[Mickey_Mouse]

Turkish people are different and have a different approach. You are much more enthusiastic than most everyone, including the Portuguese fans. If the success of a team relied solely on the support of the fans, you'd be a top nation in football, but it's not so... you should probably focus more on the football on the pitch and not so much what the supporters are doing. Different cultures, people are much more impatient here and only sections of the crowd support the team vocally throughout the macth. Obviously over there people are much more used to doing that and supporting the team that way.

[winteste]

Well it´s kind of hard to have such a strong vocal support since we only had about 30 thousand spectators. In these so callled big matches we normally get about 55/60 thousand people in the stadium , but since we are in July/August most fans are on holidays, that´s why the stadium wasn´t packed otherwise we would´ve had a much bigger support, I reckon.

As for the match in Istanbul, I expect a close match between two attacking teams. Just hope our players dont get overwhelmed about the atmosphere in the stadium and  snatch a 0-1 win.

In my eyes 30.000 fans are much enough to get the atmosphere high:) The capacity of our stadium in Trabzon is 20.000, but you can here the fans from 500 meters outside the stadium. What I mean isn't the number of the fans, but their 'art' of supporting.

Different mentality.

[winteste]

Welcome trapZone^61,

I agree with you, we performed below my expectations but still sufficiently to grab the win. Gaitan, Aimar and Cardozo looked absolutely crap as you said, but thanks to a genius moment by Gaitan we still managed a comfortable advantage to the away match at Istambul. When Nolito and Witsel went in at the pitch our team began to play attacking football much more consistently and I hope to see them in the starting 11 next time.

To be honest I don't expect you to win at all and I would be very surprised if that happens even considering the strong support your fans can and will provide. In the 1st leg our stadium was rather empty, mainly due to 2 factors: your lack of international prestige (I hope this doesn't offend you, you're not a bad team, but at international level you lack notoriety) and the period of vacations that lot of portuguese people are having at the moment.

How's the corruption scandal developing? I read that Nevzat Sakar was taken in by the police and was being investigated.

It would be better for you, if you play with experienced players. Nolito and Witsel are super players, especially Witsel, but for young players it is hard to play in front of 50.000 away fans. For a Pablo Aimar or a player like him, that isn't the biggest problem

For me, it would be a surprise, if we lose this match, because you won the first match with a 2-0 score, and you haven't to think about shooting a goal. I am sure, that your coach will let the team play with a tactic based on counterattacks. Our formation in the first match was 4-1-2-1, now it will be 4-3-3. And about the fans; like I said before, I didn't mean the number of the fans. 30.000 fans ar very much, but the support won't be enough, if you spend 80 minutes by watching and only 10 minutes by shouting. A fan in a stadium should support his team so energic, that he has to watch the match again on the television the next day 

The corruption scandal is developing very positive from our side. It is true, that our co-president Nevzat Sakar was being investigated. In that way nobody of Trabzonspor is suspected or taken in. The only thing we are waiting now, is the decision, which tiers fenerbahce to the second league and adjuticates the real champion - TRABZON! 

Don't be sure of that.

[Darkboy]

It would be better for you, if you play with experienced players. Nolito and Witsel are super players, especially Witsel, but for young players it is hard to play in front of 50.000 away fans. For a Pablo Aimar or a player like him, that isn't the biggest problem

For me, it would be a surprise, if we lose this match, because you won the first match with a 2-0 score, and you haven't to think about shooting a goal. I am sure, that your coach will let the team play with a tactic based on counterattacks. Our formation in the first match was 4-1-2-1, now it will be 4-3-3. And about the fans; like I said before, I didn't mean the number of the fans. 30.000 fans ar very much, but the support won't be enough, if you spend 80 minutes by watching and only 10 minutes by shouting. A fan in a stadium should support his team so energic, that he has to watch the match again on the television the next day 

The corruption scandal is developing very positive from our side. It is true, that our co-president Nevzat Sakar was being investigated. In that way nobody of Trabzonspor is suspected or taken in. The only thing we are waiting now, is the decision, which tiers fenerbahce to the second league and adjuticates the real champion - TRABZON! 

Hum... Knowing our coach, I would say our team will be always hurrying to score. Unfortunately for us I strongly believe we will run unnecessary risks at the back due to that urge to score. You will need to score at least four times to pass to the next round, I think.

Don't be so sure, we thought the same when Porto was accused of corrupting several matches. Their penalty? 6 points loss, maintaining the portuguese title. Shameless. I hope you win that court match.

[trapZone^61]

Turkish people are different and have a different approach. You are much more enthusiastic than most everyone, including the Portuguese fans. If the success of a team relied solely on the support of the fans, you'd be a top nation in football, but it's not so... you should probably focus more on the football on the pitch and not so much what the supporters are doing. Different cultures, people are much more impatient here and only sections of the crowd support the team vocally throughout the macth. Obviously over there people are much more used to doing that and supporting the team that way.

Different mentality.

It is true that every nation have its own mentality and have a different approach. But that doesn't mean, that they can't sing or shout in their own tradition. Sitting, and watching the match 90 minutes long hasn't do something with mentality or tradition. I heard your fans 3 or 4 times shouting and singing, but not so long. If you can do that for 5 minutes, yo COULD do it also for 70, 80, 90(!) minutes. That is the best way to support your team in a stadium.

@ Mickey_Mouse

You have written that If the success of a team would rely on the support of the fans, we would be a top nation in football.

The support of fans isn't everything, but a main part of success. To your statement I can say only one thing; if the success of a team wouldn't rely on the support, Trabzon wouldn't have won against Barcelona, Liverpool, Lyon and Aston Villa in the own stadium. Or general; THERE WOULDN'T BE SOMETHING LIKE A 'HOME ADVANTAGE'

[winteste]

Barcelona is the best team in the world and their fans sucks.

[trapZone^61]

It would be better for you, if you play with experienced players. Nolito and Witsel are super players, especially Witsel, but for young players it is hard to play in front of 50.000 away fans. For a Pablo Aimar or a player like him, that isn't the biggest problem

For me, it would be a surprise, if we lose this match, because you won the first match with a 2-0 score, and you haven't to think about shooting a goal. I am sure, that your coach will let the team play with a tactic based on counterattacks. Our formation in the first match was 4-1-2-1, now it will be 4-3-3. And about the fans; like I said before, I didn't mean the number of the fans. 30.000 fans ar very much, but the support won't be enough, if you spend 80 minutes by watching and only 10 minutes by shouting. A fan in a stadium should support his team so energic, that he has to watch the match again on the television the next day 

The corruption scandal is developing very positive from our side. It is true, that our co-president Nevzat Sakar was being investigated. In that way nobody of Trabzonspor is suspected or taken in. The only thing we are waiting now, is the decision, which tiers fenerbahce to the second league and adjuticates the real champion - TRABZON! 

Hum... Knowing our coach, I would say our team will be always hurrying to score. Unfortunately for us I strongly believe we will run unnecessary risks at the back due to that urge to score. You will need to score at least four times to pass to the next round, I think.

Don't be so sure, we thought the same when Porto was accused of corrupting several matches. Their penalty? 6 points loss, maintaining the portuguese title. Shameless. I hope you win that court match.

If your coach is crazy, he can play with an offensive tactic Because that would be very very riscant, especially if you play away. But if he wants, he can. So, the match would be more exciting 

[trapZone^61]

Barcelona is the best team in the world and their fans sucks.

Come oonnn.. Please read through my message carefully

The support of fans isn't everything, but a main part of success.

[Darkboy]

I think Mickey_Mouse said that success is a bit connected to the capacity of supporting the team, but support isn't a dominant factor so you should improve what's keeping your football from reaching another level. You got enthusiasm, some money and talent, but... maybe formation isn't that good? I look at the best turkish players, and most part trained in Germany since little boys. Maybe you should invest more in youth facilities, for example?

Celtic wins a lot more when playing home, and greek and turkish are well known for their support. Undeniable. Despite that, you still make awful european competitions.

Our fans are known for their support as well, but nothing compared to the turkish. Worldwide, you are easily top3 when it comes to support. Still, we have some good support. Here's an example, at Camp Nou:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ92dacoaYg

And yes, Jorge Jesus is crazy. Good point.

Here is an example. Last year, we made it to Europa semifinal. We faced some tough teams, one of them PSV.

4-1 at home:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-diI5y5aEY

For the 2nd leg, we went all-out-attack style. PSV was 2-0, but we still got the draw. 2-2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBph4KCzcvI&feature=related

[Fearless]

It would be better for you, if you play with experienced players. Nolito and Witsel are super players, especially Witsel, but for young players it is hard to play in front of 50.000 away fans. For a Pablo Aimar or a player like him, that isn't the biggest problem

For me, it would be a surprise, if we lose this match, because you won the first match with a 2-0 score, and you haven't to think about shooting a goal. I am sure, that your coach will let the team play with a tactic based on counterattacks. Our formation in the first match was 4-1-2-1, now it will be 4-3-3. And about the fans; like I said before, I didn't mean the number of the fans. 30.000 fans ar very much, but the support won't be enough, if you spend 80 minutes by watching and only 10 minutes by shouting. A fan in a stadium should support his team so energic, that he has to watch the match again on the television the next day 

The corruption scandal is developing very positive from our side. It is true, that our co-president Nevzat Sakar was being investigated. In that way nobody of Trabzonspor is suspected or taken in. The only thing we are waiting now, is the decision, which tiers fenerbahce to the second league and adjuticates the real champion - TRABZON! 

Hum... Knowing our coach, I would say our team will be always hurrying to score. Unfortunately for us I strongly believe we will run unnecessary risks at the back due to that urge to score. You will need to score at least four times to pass to the next round, I think.

Don't be so sure, we thought the same when Porto was accused of corrupting several matches. Their penalty? 6 points loss, maintaining the portuguese title. Shameless. I hope you win that court match.

If your coach is crazy, he can play with an offensive tactic Because that would be very very riscant, especially if you play away. But if he wants, he can. So, the match would be more exciting 

Don't talk about what you don't know... The truth is, Trabzonspor is an unknown team for most of portuguese people, and at that match against Trabzonspor, were there about 37000 people, most of it families with kids... so, it's obvious the atmosphere wasn't that thrilling... but our stadium, in big matches is called "Inferno da Luz" (Hell of "da Luz or Hell of the Light), because when the oppositor is a big team, we can fill all the stadium seats ( and don't forget our previous stadium had a capacity for 120.000 people) and create an absolute hell for the other teams... the thing is, portuguese people have a mentality that they only go to the stadium when the team is playing well... in 2009/10, in all matches our average of spectators was something about 50.000 (our stadium has a capacity of 65.000) and in that season we had players like Ramires, David Luiz (now in Chelsea), Dí María and Coentrão (now in R.Madrid) and players in their top like Aimar, Saviola, Cardozo and Luisão. Unfortunatly, in that season we weren't at the Champions League, and we managed to reach Europa League quarter-finals playing a lot of times with the subs... Ithink if in that season we were at the Champions League we would be able to do fantastic things with such an amazing squad...