Ankara: Gen§lerbirligi pulled off a major upset in the opening round of the Turkish Super League, defeating Fenerbah§e 2-1 in a match played last night at the Eryaman Stadium in Ankara.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fenerbah§e, last season’s runners-up, started perfectly, taking an early lead in the 13th minute through their Brazilian striker Anderson Talisca, who unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from inside the penalty area after a cross from Levent Mercan.

The home side responded with an equalizer in the 37th minute through Italian midfielder Franco Tunga, who broke free and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Tarik €¡etin with his right foot from inside the box, capitalizing on a pass from Malian Sekou Koita.

In the second half, Gen§lerbirligi turned the game around and took the lead in the 56th minute. Olcan Olgun rose to meet a cross from his teammate Abdurrahim Dursun and headed it into the net after a well-organized attack and a series of passes between the home side’s players.

Fenerbah§e tried to get back into the game and pressed hard for an equalizer, but the Gen§lerbirligi goalkeeper was in fine form. Talisca almost leveled the score in the 62nd minute with a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Irfan Can tipped the ball over the bar for a corner.

Fenerbah§e threatened again in the 77th minute when Kosovar Vedat Muriqi rose to meet a cross and headed it towards goal, but the goalkeeper made a brilliant save to preserve his team’s lead until the final whistle.

With this victory, Gen§lerbirligi achieved a perfect start to their new season, while Fenerbah§e suffered an early blow in their quest for the title, which has eluded them since the 2013-2014 season.