Trabzonspor unable to find winning formula in Europe

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish football team Trabzonspor were having bad times in the European campaign, recording one draw and four losses in the UEFA Europa League.

The Black Sea club lost to Spain’s Getafe 1-0 in Thursday's Europa League week five match to bottom the Group C.

Trabzonspor, who have already been eliminated from the tournament after losing to Krasnodar 3-1 in Russia on Nov. 7, were looking for a consolation.

Visitors Getafe broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when Spanish forward Jaime Mata's close range shot beat Trabzonspor goalkeeper Erce Kardesler.

It was the only goal in the match as Mata brought to victory for Getafe.

Meanwhile several Trabzonspor regulars were among the substitutes.

Goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, forwards Anthony Nwakaeme and Alexander Sorloth, and midfielder John Obi Mikel didn't play against Getafe as Trabzonspor manager Unal Karaman didn't want to risk these players before a critical Turkish Super Lig match against Galatasaray on Sunday.

Three teams are currently fighting for winning the Group C.

Swiss club Basel are leading the group with 10 points.

Krasnodar from Russia and Getafe have 9 points each in five matches.

Group C underdogs Trabzonspor could earn only 1 point to come last.

The group phase will end after the match day six.

In the next Europa League fixture on Dec. 12, Trabzonspor will face Basel at St. Jakob-Park.

Meanwhile Getafe will meet Krasnodar in Spain.

Getafe would be in the next round even if the Spanish team had a draw in the week six.

Top two teams from each group will advance to the Europa League Round of 32.