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.
© Getty Images
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.
Chris O'Keefe
