Fenerbahce 0-0 Benfica result - Jose Mourinho's side fail to break down stubborn 10-man Benfica in UEFA Champions League play-off

Jose Mourinho's side were unable to sneak a late victory despite a quick-fire double yellow disaster from Benfica's Florentino Luis, which left the Portuguese side on the brink.

Benfica started the better of the two sides, forcing an early save from Fenerbahce's Irfan Can Egribayat.

Amar Dedic's physical battle with Archie Brown down the left flank gave promise for an exciting contest to come. But this anticipation was ultimately unfulfilled as 'first-leg syndrome' set in and both sides settled in, refusing to take any risks that could be punished by the other.

A baffling chance from a corner proved the best of the first half, as Antonio Silva's header careened off the back of Can Egribayat's head, who unwittingly saved his side from going down just before the half-time break.

Mourinho leaving for the tunnel three minutes before the end of the first period said it all, as neither team truly threatened to pull ahead.

The second half continued much in the same vein, until Mourinho turned to his bench three quarters of the way through.

Brazilian maestro Anderson Talisca changed the game with his direct drives and impressive distribution. It was his cute spin that caught Luis seconds after he received his first booking, forcing the referee to reach back into his pocket moments later and send the Portuguese midfielder for an early bath.

With Bruno Lage's side down to 10, Mourinho pushed his side up the field, seeking an advantage to take into the second leg in Lisbon.

Fenerbahce came close, their chances headlined by a disallowed goal from Youssef En-Nesyri who was ruled offside after he nodded in Talisca's spilt effort from distance.

Nevertheless, Benfica held fast, and will try again in front of their home fans with a level scoreline and equal numbers.

Benfica survive Florentino's late sending off and head to Lisbon level with Jose Mourinho's side.

Fenerbahce probably had the better chances of the two clubs, but this was a cagey affair with little by way of quality.

Nelson Semedo's cross is deflected for a corner, and this will be the last chance of the game for Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce work the ball to the edge of Benfica's box with purpose, Talisca, again, playing a key role.

Amrabat's effort is deflected over the bar.

Will there be enough time for a breakthrough?

The fourth official's board reads four minutes more to play as Fenerbahce look to take the lead.

Fenerbahce are knocking on the door as Jose Mourniho's men look to make the most of their numerical advantage.

Sebastian Szymanski goes to ground in the Benfica box after what looked to be at least some small degree of contact.

The referee deems it a fair challenge, to his dismay and Fenerbahce will have to come again

Benfica are sitting very deep here after the red card to Florentino, and understandably so.

Fenerbahce have their tails up, sensing blood in the water. They are finding joy down both flanks, sending dangerous balls into the box and narrowly missing En-Nesyri, who is the danger-man tonight.

Bruno Lage is no doubt playing for the draw, so he can take Jose's side back to Portugal, but it remains to be seen whether he'll get his way.

GOAL FOR FENERBAHCE BUT ITS OFFSIDE
Talisca has loomed dangerously since he was brought on by Jose Mourinho.

A minute after he broke through and played a cross close to the head of Youssef En-Nesyri, Talisca picked the ball up on the edge of the box and rocketed an effort towards the top-centre of the Benfica net.

Trubin can only get his fingertips to it, but flicks it down and out of his reach.

En-Nesyri is alive to the mistake and nods the ball into the back of the net. Nevertheless, the linesman's flag is up, and after a short VAR check, he is proved to be ahead of the defence by a whisker.

This is much better from the hosts.

Kerem Akturkoglu and Pavlidis make way for Tiago Gouveia and Leandro Barreiro.

Benfica create their first chance since going down to ten men.

Pavlidis finds some space on the edge of the box and tries to work it to Kerem Akturkoglu, streaming towards the Fenerbahce goal.

Archie Gray gets back well and puts it back for a corner, however.

Benfica head coach Bruno Lage sees yellow for his grumblings on the touchline.
He felt aggrieved that a small piece of contact from Skriniar didn't result in a yellow card.

It's been a frustratingly dull affair here in Istanbul, but after Florentino's moment of madness, could we see a break from the gloom?

The hosts might be encouraged to come out of their shell as their opponents fall to 10.

He's only just been booked, and the referee is already reaching for a second.

Fenerbahce work it into Talisca in the middle of the park, who turns smartly to beat the Portuguese midfielder.

Florentino knows he's beat, but grabs the shirt of Talisca anyway, and is sent for an early shower as a result.

He can have no complaints.

Benfica's Florentino is booked for an accumulation of fouls.