-Xenon-

After the exciting news from Nyon we were brought back down to earth with a visit to the Saracoglu from Ankaragucu. Fabio Luciano was nearing full fitness but i wanted him match fit for the game against Lyon so he was rested.

Fenerbahce vs. Ankaragucu

This game was dissapointing due to the fact that both teams were extremely lethargic in possesion and passing, with hardly any shots on goal. The fans were starting to get restless when Pierre van Hooijdonk tapped in from Alex's cross those two combining yet again. That was the only high point of a game that lacked any excitement. On a sour note Aurelio picked up an injury and was stretchered off while Tuncay picked up a small knock.

Final Score: Fenerbahce 1-0 Ankaragucu

-Xenon-

Next we faced a trip to Trabzon to play fellow title contenders Trabzonspor. Like Galatasary they had had a bad start to the campaign. Unlike Galatasaray however, they were starting to turn it around and were in buoyant mood upon our arrival. Fabio Luciano who had recieved a call up to the Brazil national team made his return for this match. Trabzonspor were worthy oppenants and had missed out on the Champions League because of a narrow defeat to Juventus in the qualifiers.

Trabzonspor vs. Fenerbahce

By far the most exciting game of the season so far. Within 10 minutes Serkan glanced a header past the keeper to give us 1-0 lead, this left me feeling really optomistic. However things would take a turn for the worse after a Gokdeniz (a player I had been tracking all pre-season) cross failed to be claimed by Rustu. As a resulted Hasan fired into a empty net, our first breach all season. Things were to get worse as Cafercan slotted the ball past Rustu to make it 2-1. The game settled down for much of the second half until Pierre van Hooijdonk sent a terrific curling 20 yard shot thundering past the keeper to grab a late equaliser on 88 minutes. I was hoping we would go on to get the three points but the complete opposite happened. Augustine who had been playing brilliantly all game fired home what should be goal of the month past Rustu on 92 minutes to give them the win.

Final Score: Trabzonspor 3-2 Fenerbahce

A disappointing result and not the best build up to a champions league clash but we are still on top and will look to bounce back.

-Xenon-

The stage was set for a big night in Istanbul, the crowd was the largest i'd seen at the Saracoglu all season with not a ticket to spare a complete sell-out. Lyon were in great shape with Juninho a major threat. We'd also have to watch Wiltord.

Fenerbahce vs. Lyon

We dominated from the word go and it was no surprise when Akin Serhat who had attracted interest from Barcelona and Milan scored inside 10 mins rewarding my faith in the 23 year old. I began to enter a dream-like state when number two went, Pierre van Hooijdonk converting from close range. I was a little surprised that my midfielders and defenders were taking Juninho, Essien and Malouda compltely out of the game leaving no service for Wiltord. The final whistle went and I knew it should have been 3 or 4, but all in all it was everything I could of hoped for and more.

Final Score: Fenerbahce 2-0 Lyon

This has given the team belief for the rest of the competition.

-Xenon-

However it wasn't all good news the following morning.........

It was like waking up from a nightmare, I refused to believe that a few fans were responsible and I also refused to accept that the actions of others would get in the way of my objective of European glory. I sent my personal condolences to the families. I can't imagine what they must be going through, I remember a similiar thing happening in the EURO qualifiers when England beat Turkey a bomb hit the British embassy but now was worse. Two people were dead and we were supposed to be responsible or at least our fans. Tomorrow we begin to compile our case to UEFA, to try and convey our innocence.

-Xenon-

Off the pitch incidents aside we had to concentrate on our football. Our next opponents were mid-table Kayserispor who had a good defensive record and were notoriously hard to break down.

Fenerbahce vs. Kayserispor

Things started brightly with Alex scoring on 10 mins, for the rest of the game Kayserispor had a fair amount of possesion and created some decent chances but we were always on top with Tuncay and Alex on top form. However, Rustu's concentration lapsed and he was adjudged to have pushed Uluzoy Fazli who promptly converted the spot-kick to equalise with just nine minutes left. Pierre van Hooijdonk came close to grabbing a winner but this poor result saw us slip to third.

Final Score: Fenerbahce 1-1 Kayserispor

-Xenon-

In Nyon, we were completely cleared of any wrongdoing and we left positive about the future. The whole turn of events has obviously had a detrimental effect on the players and our performances show this. I wasn't sure they were ready but there was not a lot I could when Gencerbirligi turned up for a top of the table clash. Alex was suspended and Kaslan took his place.

Fenerbahce vs. Gencerbirligi

The match was over in a flash, neither team working hard enough for the three points, Pierre van Hooijdonk shattering the crossbar late on was the closest either team came.

Final Score: Fenerbahce 0-0 Gencerbirligi

We move above Besiktas into 2nd on goal difference but they have a game in hand so I would expect to move back down to 3rd soon.

-Xenon-

btw guys some feedback would be nice.......

-Xenon-

Dagoberto ended up signing for Dortmund which is a real shame. However we are in adavanced talks with Trabzonspor over their skilful winger Gokdeniz, who I'm hoping will join us in January. After a disapointing run of form in the league it was time for Champions League action again. This time it was a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. I was hoping for a draw..........

Liverpool vs. Fenerbahce

We gave a good account of ourselves but Liverpool were just too strong and when Xabi Alonso fired home on 8 minutes, I wasn't disapointed because I knew it had been coming. They wouldn't score again until late in the game but before that Alex had our best chance, hitting the bar. Cisse headed home with 10 minutes to spare to give them the win.

Final Score: Liverpool 2-0 Fenerbahce

A scraped result against Inter could make this group interesting

-Xenon-

Thanks for the advice! Dagoberto was on the verge joining us, he had accepted a contract. 4-4-2 wasn't working that well but since the last update I have been using a 3-4-3 formation which has worked well.

Brian of Nazareth

don't worry about feedback - it will come and I was about to comment on the sad news of that terrible bombing :p but good luck fighting for the title - picking up some form would help . I think you can grab 3rd at least in that group btw. God luck.