Fatih Akyel – Fenerbahçe SK (19/10/2004)

Here is a highly rare collector's item, stemming from the volcanic atmosphere of the Champions League. This match issued (prepared for the match) jersey was allocated to Turkish international defender Fatih Akyel during the reception of Olympique Lyonnais, for the 3rd matchday of the group stage (2004-2005 season).

Match Context: OL wins in the inferno of Istanbul

Fenerbahçe hosted Paul Le Guen's Olympique Lyonnais in a deafening atmosphere at the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium. This match proved crucial for qualification to the round of sixteen, and the Turks intended to bring down the Lyonnais giants. After a locked first half, OL opened the scoring with an own goal (55th minute), before Brazilian defender Cris doubled the lead with a header (66th minute). Fenerbahçe pushed and reduced the deficit through Mert Nobre in the 68th minute, completely reigniting the end of the match. But the last word went to Lyon: well-served late in the game, Pierre-Alain Frau definitively sealed the Gones' success in the 87th minute. Lyon won authoritatively (1-3).

Fatih Akyel: Setback just before the big clash

An experienced defender and winner of the 2000 UEFA Cup, the robust Turkish international Fatih Akyel was one of the key figures in Istanbul's defense, renowned for his grit, versatility, and solidity in duels. While he was expected to be one of the defensive pillars to counter the Gones' offensive armada, fate decided otherwise. Suffering an injury just before the match, he was forced to withdraw and would not take part in the match, having to follow the clash from the stands. Specially prepared by the club's kit management for the changing room that evening, this official shirt features all the specific C1 markings and patches. A highly symbolic collector's item.