The Istanbul Cup 2014 started with two exciting matches with Milano and Besitkas coming out on top over Lokomotiv and Al-Ahli
Favourites lose opening thriller
The 3-2 win for Milano BS was a surprise to some but never to the Italians. The Russian and former European club champs played a tight match but were unable to build on their early lead as Milano took a two goal lead and then suffocated the Russian clubs´ offense. The Moscow based team will face Al Ahli from UAE on Saturday. Milano will take on the host club, Besitkas JK on Saturday.
The first period began with a defensive struggle but late in the frame both teams solved the defensive puzzle and scored late goals to end the period tied at one. The second period was controlled by Milano as they scored scored the frames´ only goal and took that lead and momentum into the last period. The Italian clubs´ confidence was evident as they scored first in the final frame to go up two and although they allowed a goal to the Russian club in the middle of the period, they did just enough to stay on top.
Goals: 1-0: Shosnin, min. 3 (1); 1-1: Maiorano, min. 2 (1); 1-2: Eudin, min. 2 (2); 1-3: Ahmed, min. 8 (3); 2-3: Rafinha, min. 7 (3).
Besitkas JK wins wild opening match
The 6-5 win for the hosts, Besitkas JK, over Al-Ahli FC was back and forth and was in doubt for the entire, even as the clock wound down. The Turkish club won their opening in front of their raucous home crowd and will face another tough game against fellow opening day winner, Milano BS, on Saturday. Al-Ahli could have very well have won the match had a few things gone differently but they will have the chance to rebound on Saturday against FC Lokomotiv.
Three opening period goals were struck as both teams exchanged blows and scores, though the visiting team from the UAE took a 2-1 lead into the first break. The middle frame saw both teams add to their goal tally, with four goals in total being scored, but this time the table had been turned and the hosts took a one goal advantage, 4-3 into the final period. The goals did not stop flowing in the final period, though Besitkas was able to maintain the one goal lead and the exciting final few minutes saw the Turkish club score the deciding goal.
Goals: 0-1: Diego, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Baris, min. 2 (1); 2-1: Baris, min. 0 (1); 2-2: Diego, min. 7 (2); 3-2: Ahmad, min. 6 (2); 3-3: Tamer Ay, min. 5 (2); 3-4: Bruno, min. 4 (2); 4-4: A. Karim, min. 9 (3); 4-5: Bruno, min. 7 (3); 4-6: Bruno, min. 6 (3); 5-6: Baris, min. 2 (3).
Match Results:
Friday, 13th of June, 2014
FC Lokomotiv 2-3 Milano BS
Al-Ahli 5-6 Besitkas JK
Upcoming Matches:
Saturday, 14th of June, 2014
14:00 – FC Lokomotiv vs. Al Ahli FC
15:15 – Besitkas JK vs. Milano BS
