Europa League: Robin van Persie off to a flyer

Robin van Persie was Fenerbahce's matchwinner with his first touch in their Europa League play-off round tie away to Atromitos on Thursday night.

Greece: Robin van Persie was Fenerbahce's matchwinner with his first touch in their Europa League play-off round tie away to Atromitos on Thursday night.

The 32-year-old Dutchman, who joined the Istanbul club from Manchester United earlier this summer, came on as an 80th-minute substitute with the tie in Greece goalless and headed in the winner in the final

seconds.

The result leaves Fenerbahce well placed to qualify for the group stage of the competition with the second leg to be played at home on August 27.

Describing his goal, Van Persie said: "I used my body and my shoulder. Sometimes you need to use your body in a smart way. I think the referee made the right decision. There was no foul, I just used my body."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!