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Trabzonspor back on track after Lokeren win

Trabzonspor AŞ 2-0 KSC Lokeren
Second-half strikes by Mustapha Yatabaré and Kévin Constant earned the hosts victory in Group L after the visitors dominated the first half.

Mehmet Ekici provided the assist for the opener as Trabzonspor recorded a home victory
Mehmet Ekici provided the assist for the opener as Trabzonspor recorded a home victory ©AFP/Getty Images

Kévin Constant seals victory for the hosts three minutes from time
Result leaves Trabzonspor three points off Group L summit
Mustapha Yatabaré registers his first goal in Europe this term
Next game: Lokeren v Trabzonspor (6 November)

Trabzonspor AŞ bounced back from defeat on matchday two with a 2-0 victory over KSC Lokeren OV.

Polish champions Legia Warszawa inflicted the Turkish side's first ever UEFA group stage home loss last time out in UEFA Europa League Group L but second-half goals from Mustapha Yatabaré and Kévin Constant ensured lightning did not strike twice.

Lokeren, who had lost both their previous away games in Europe this term by the odd goal, dominated the early exchanges. Giorgos Galitsios had the first sight of goal with two minutes on the clock, forcing goalkeeper Fatih Öztürk to tip over a fierce effort from distance. Three minutes later, Koen Persoons saw his left-footed attempt whistle past the post.

Fatih was called into action once more after Besart Abdurahimi cut in from the left and beat his man but his finish lacked power. The No18 might also have done better not long after when he blazed over with the keeper out of position after the hosts failed to clear inside their box.

Gradually the tide of the first half turned and Vahid Halilhodžić's side threatened through José Bosingwa's free-kick before eventually recording their first shot on target in the 34th minute. Constant's powerful left-footed strike was brilliantly tipped over by Boubacar Barry.

Constant's short corner created the first opening of the second period but Óscar Cardozo lacked accuracy. Four minutes later Yatabaré made the breakthrough after Majeed Waris's goal-bound effort was deflected agonisingly wide. Substitute Junior Dutra went close for the Belgian team but it was the hosts – and Constant – who would grab the crucial second.

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