Turkey, Russia meet face-to-face in Istanbul – on the pitch

Turkey and Russia will come face-to-face first time in Istanbul for the first time since the Russian plane was shot down, as Turkey's Fenerbahçe soccer team will host Russian opponent Lokomotive Moskva this evening.

The Turkish team has yet to keep a clean sheet in four encounters with the Russian opponent, as they look to make a positive round of 32 start against Lokomotive Moskva.

There was uncertainty as to whether the match would be played, as Russia imposed wide-ranging sanctions against Ankara and warned its citizens against visiting Turkey following the incident in which a Russian fighter jet was shot down by Turkish military near the Turkey-Syria border last November. In addition to the sanctions Russia imposed on Turkey in retaliation, Russian teams have withdrawn from joining some international tournaments held in Turkey.

The sides are meeting for the first time in UEFA Europa League competition.

Ahead of the critical match, Fenerbahçe fans were warned not to stir up political tension. UEFA said it may fine the club if any problems occur.

Fenerbahçe's record in four matches against Russian teams is W1 D2 L1 (W1 D1 L0 at home – W0 D1 L1 in Russia). Lokomotiv's record in eight games against Turkish clubs is W2 D3 L3 (W1 D1 L2 at home – W1 D2 L1 in Turkey).

Fenerbahçe are unbeaten in five European fixtures (W2 D3) since starting the group stage with a 3-1 home loss to Molde FK. Lokomotiv are undefeated in four European away games (W2 D2).

The Railwaymen faced Turkish Süper Lig opposition in the group stage, twice drawing 1-1 with Beşiktaş JK. Fenerbahçe made it to the semi-finals when they last reached the round of 32, in 2012/13.

Lokomotiv lost to Athletic Club on the most recent occasion they progressed this far, in 2011/12. Their greatest European achievement to date is making it to the semi-finals of back-to-back UEFA Cup Winners' Cups in 1997/98 and 1998/99.