Ten-men Russia suffer first Nations League defeat at Turkey

UEFA Nations League
League B, Group 3
Turkey 3-2 Russia
Sunday, 15 November, Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul

Goals: Turkey - Karaman (26), Under (32), Tosun (pen, 52); Russia - Cheryshev (11), Kuzyaev (57)

Sent-off: Russia - Semenov (24)

Stanislav Cherchesov’s team extended its winless streak to five games in a row, which includes both Nations League and friendly matches. But things started well for the Russians in Istanbul, when Denis Cheryshev opened the score at the 11th minute.

Later Andrey Semenov was shown a red card after breaking down Cenk Tosun’s spurt to the net. Having one-man advantage the hosts scored twice before the half-time thanks to Kenan Karaman header and Cengiz Under left-foot shot. After the break Tosun extended the lead from the penalty spot, but the ten-men visitors answered with Vyacheslav Karavaev running into the box and finishing by Daler Kuzyaev.

Having more ball possession in the second half Russians could not tie the game and lost to Turkey for the first time in the head-to-head meetings. This is also the first defeat for Cherchesov’s team in the Nations League.

Russians top the group B3 with eight points, while Turkey stay third on six points.

Next Nations League fixtures: Wednesday, 18 November - Serbia vs Russia, Hungary vs Turkey