Zachariassen header gives Ferencvarosi first-leg edge over Mohamed Salah’s Trabzonspor

Mohamed Salah’s European hopes suffered an early setback as Ferencvarosi took a 1-0 half-time lead against Trabzonspor in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.

Christopher Zachariassen scored the only goal of the opening 45 minutes, heading Ferencvarosi in front in the 17th minute after meeting a cross inside the penalty area.

The effort beat Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was in goal for Trabzonspor as the Turkish side hosted their Hungarian opponents.

The match marks Salah’s first start for Trabzonspor since he moved to the club this summer. The Egypt forward had made his official debut as a substitute in the opening game of the Turkish league season, when Trabzonspor drew 1-1 with Kasımpasa.

Salah began the European tie in the starting line-up, but his side went into the interval behind after Zachariassen converted Ferencvarosi’s early opportunity. The result leaves Trabzonspor needing to overturn the deficit in the second leg if they are to reach the league phase of the Europa League.

Trabzonspor qualified for the play-off round after finishing third in the Turkish league last season. They also won the Turkish Cup, securing the opportunity to compete for a place in the Europa League.

The return match between the Turkish and Hungarian clubs will be played on 27 August at the Groupama Arena in Budapest.

Ferencvarosi’s goal came from a well-delivered cross, with Zachariassen timing his run to meet the ball and direct his header beyond Onana. It gave the visitors the advantage before half-time and provided the decisive moment of the opening leg.

For Salah, the match is his first start since joining Trabzonspor, following his introduction from the bench in the 1-1 draw with Kasımpasa. The forward will now be looking to help his new club respond in the remainder of the tie and keep their European campaign alive.

Trabzonspor’s position in the play-off round reflects their domestic achievements from the previous season, when they finished third in the Turkish top flight and lifted the Turkish Cup. Ferencvarosi’s lead means the Hungarian side will carry an advantage into the second meeting in Budapest on 27 August.