Good evening and welcome to our live text commentary of the Europa League semi-final first-leg between Fenerbahce and Benfica at Sükrü Saraçoglu in Istanbul.

Both sides still feeling their way into this. The hosts look a little nervous while the visitors are trying to come to terms with a vibrant home support.

And Benfica's record in seven games against Turkish clubs? W3 D2 L2.

STAT ALERT: Fenerbahce's record in six games against Portuguese sides is: W3 D0 L3.

A long throw causes trouble in the Fenerbahce defence and Aimar crashes a shot over from 18 yards. Decent chance.

Victor Moses on target for Chelsea.

There's been an early goal in Switzerland - and it's gone to Chelsea. Find out more here.

A misplaced back pass by Mehmet Topal sends Cardozo marauding through the middle but his run is abruptly halted by Yobo. No free-kick according to the ref. A lucky break for the hosts.

The corner is sent deep to the far post but Benfica clear their lines and surge forward.

But here come Fener and Raul Meireles' searching cross towards Webo is headed behind for a corner.

Benfica enjoying a bright start. The Eagles are keeping possession well despite the jeers and cat whistles of the home support.

Fenerbahce are on a run of six European outings unbeaten in 2013 (W3 and D3) but have averaged just a goal a game in that run.

Early chance as Eduardo Salvio gets in behind the Fener defence but sees his low shot well blocked by the advancing Volkan Demirel in the home team's goal.

Pierre Webo leading the line for Fener supported by ex-Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt on the right and Moussa Sow on the left in a 4-5-1 formation. Benfica are deploying a 4-3-3 with Oscar Cardozo taking centre stage through the middle. One surprise in the Eagles line-up is Pablo Aimar, who replaces Nicolas Gaitan.

Six of Fener's starting XI are on yellow cards tonight. Volkan, Egemen, Mehmet Topal, Meireles, Ziegler, and Webo are all at risk of suspension for the second leg.

KICK OFF! Benfica get this semi-final underway.

On Twitter European football writer Andy Brazzell is opting for Fener v Benfica over FC Basel v Chelsea. He says: "Should be two very good @EuropaLeague semis. Watching Fenerbahçe v Benfica live & Basel v Chelsea after. Enjoy!"

Kick off edging ever closer. It's sure to be an electric atmosphere inside the Sükrü Saraçoglu stadium. Can Fener take a giant step towards their first European final? Or will Benfica's experience pay dividends? We are about to find out. If this is anything like this week's Champions League matches we are in for a treat!

Of the last four, both Benfica and Chelsea are aiming to emulate Atletico Madrid, who won the 2009-10 Europa League after dropping out of the Champions League group stage.

STAT ALERT: Benfica are the only side left in the competition not to have lost a UEFA Europa League game this season.

Chelsea's Fernando Torres, Basel's Marco Streller and Benfica's Cardozo are the highest-scoring players left in this season's Europa League - see where they lie in the overall standings.

Elsewhere tonight, Chelsea travel to FC Basel in the other EL semi-final. Catch up on all the pre-match team news right here on Eurosport.