Fernandao's 89th-minute header gives Fenerbahce needed victory over Ajax

Entering Thursday, Fenerbahce and Ajax failed to tally a single victory in the group stage of the Europa League.

Squaring off at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in the competition's third matchday, it looked as though both clubs would remain winless as the fixture approached the final whistle. Fenerbahce just couldn't find a way past Jasper Cillessen and Ajax wasn't able to find a reward for its excellent performance.

Then, in the 89th minute, Fernandao, who replaced Robin van Persie just over 15 minutes earlier, finally broke the deadlock, heading a corner kick from Caner Erkin past Cillessen and triggering wild scenes in Istanbul.

Of course, Fernandao's winner will serve as a strong argument for those who believe he should've started over Van Persie, who has alternated between Fenerbahce's starting XI and the bench throughout his first season in the Turkish Super Lig.

Prior to kickoff, Fenerbahce manager Vitor Pereira admitted to his squad's recent inconsistency, saying, "It's like we are two distinct teams. One is enthusiastic, ambitious and plays entertaining football, creating lots of chances and keeping pressure on opponents; the other is nervous, loses composure after conceding and throws in the towel under pressure."

Pereira will be happy the former showed up in a crucial match.

Meanwhile, Ajax, who won all eight of its previous meetings against Turkish opponents going into the game, will be forced to reflect on yet another disappointing performance in the Europa League as the club completes the 2,200-kilometre journey back to Amsterdam.