Over the years, Europe has never been a happy hunting ground for Fenerbahce SK.   In fact some of the more embarrassing results came in the continent’s international club competitions.

Growing up I remember a 5-1 battering to French minnows Caen, a 2-0 home defeat to MTK of Hungary, and a 7-1 hammering to Czech side Sigma Olumouc.  Sigma Olumouc, who are they?  Exactly...!! 

Fast forward to the evening of 4 March 2008 at the venue of Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium, the ground where back-to-back UEFA Cup winners Sevilla have only lost once in a European tie.   

Fenerbahce had narrowly won the first leg 3-2 a fortnight before and any hope of hanging on to a 0-0 draw was dashed inside the first 5 minutes.  Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel made a hash of a Daniel Alves free-kick giving a dream start for the hosts.    

Before the Fenerbahce players could settle their early nerves another one went in.  This time from 30 yards after a Keita shot was parried in by the hapless keeper.   

So a quick status check:  10 minutes gone, 2-0 down and whole 80 minutes to go with Sevilla looking menacing.  Not looking good for the boys from Istanbul... 

The Fenerbahce of old would have crumbled.  Watching fans would have either changed the TV channel or discussed amongst each other what defeat margin would be ‘respectful’ enough for them to walk the streets the next day. 

"After all, weren't our opponents a good team, it's normal to lose to such a team, they won the UEFA cup 2 years on the trot...?!" 

That is not applicable to this Fenerbahce though.  The flapping keeper became the hero of the hour with 3 penalty shott out saves, whilst the "HE MUST GO!" player of last season scored both goals to take the game into extra time.

Since the days of Daum Fenerbahce are made of sterner stuff in Europe and do not surrender as easily.  Sure being eliminated to Real Zaragoza in the UEFA cup a couple of years back didn’t go down too well.  But at least a European campaign went beyond Christmas and that was something new. 

Those foundations now have the building blocks placed on them by Zico.  The European record of the Brazilian coach is the best ever. 

Last year Fenerbahce drew 5-5 on aggregate with AZ Alkmaar in a European tie played in February, but unfortunately went out on away goals.  This year they drew 5 all with Sevilla but went through on penalties in a bigger European tournament played in Feb/March... 

Goodbye Caen, MTK, Sigma and hello Manchester United, Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal...