Aykut Kocaman declares "new chapter" for Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce coach Aykut Kocaman has stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet against Benfica this evening.

The Turkish side welcome Jorge Jesus's men to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final - the first time they have contested a European tie at this stage.

Kocaman said that there is now much to choose between the four semi-finalists and believes that it will be the team who throws caution to the wind who will reach the final.

"This game will be a new chapter in our history," Kocaman told reporters. "After beating Plzen to reach the quarter-finals I said there was little to choose between the last eight - it is the same now.

"It will come down to the teams that force the issue, force differences between them and their opponents. It is those sides that will reach the final.

"Benfica are one step ahead of us when you look at their experience and recent success. We should be aggressive but retain our balance across the pitch – the supporters have to be patient too. We must not concede."

Basel take on Chelsea in the night's other semi-final.