Norwegian club Molde have opened their Europa League Group A campaign with a shock away win against Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Robin van Persie proved to be a threat early on for the Turkish giants, having a shot blocked before seeing another effort saved by Ethan Horvath.

Instead, the Norwegian outfit took the lead on 36 minutes after they were awarded a penalty following Ozan Tufan's foul on Daniel Hestad.

Tommy Hoiland duly stepped up and sent a Panenka-style spot kick down the middle as Fabiano dived to his right in vain.

Fenerbahce equalised before half time as a ball over the top from Raul Meireles was met by fellow countryman Nani, who beat Horvath with a first-time volley.

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However, within minutes of the restart, Molde had taken the lead again as a menacing cross from Hoiland allowed Mohamed Elyounoussi to get around his marker before sending a diving header beyond Fabiano.

Hoiland then struck the woodwork and Harmeet Singh forced a save out the Fenerbahce stopper on 64 minutes as Molde threatened to score a third.

By the 65th minute, the visitors had extended their lead as Martin Linnes ran down the right flank before cutting inside and striking a low drive past Fabiano.

Molde suffered a late setback as Elyounoussi was sent off for a second bookable offence with six minutes to go, but the Norwegians managed to see out a surprise win in Istanbul and top the group ahead of Ajax and Celtic.