Sow frustrated as Valbuena lauds OM spirit

Leading 2-0 with seven minutes to go, Fenerbahçe SK looked set to steal an early march in UEFA Europa League Group C until they were stung by quick-fire strikes from Olympique de Marseille duo Mathieu Valbuena and André Ayew. The result left Moussa Sow reeling from a "huge disappointment", as Valbuena paid tribute to his team-mates for showing "fighting spirit" and earning a draw which felt just as good as a victory. 

Moussa Sow, Fenerbahçe forward 
We were leading 2-0 with ten minutes left so it's annoying to have let them come back that way. For us, it is a huge disappointment. It's annoying, especially because we should have won. Congratulations to Marseille, who played well. It's up to us to work hard and not let this happen again.

I don't know whether a draw was a fair result. We gave them the point and we are the only ones to blame. We want to go far in this competition but if we start like this, it's going to be difficult. Our second game is in Germany and it's up to us to prepare well for it. Before that there will be some league games where we can attempt to right some of our wrongs. 

Mathieu Valbuena, Marseille midfielder 
I may have played well but I have to thank my team-mates for their efforts. It was a draw but it has the taste of victory and it was very much the result of great team work. Tonight's outcome proves this team has fighting spirit. In the second half we created most of the chances without scoring. To come back at a place like Fenerbahçe, where the crowd are very intimidating, is a great achievement. It was a memorable evening but now we have to recuperate because the games are coming thick and fast. 

Nicolas N'Koulou, Marseille midfielder 
It was a very tough match but we fought all the way to the end. At this level anything is possible and we believed. We came here to win and we showed that from the first whistle. Playing in such an environment is extremely difficult but this is why I like being a footballer. The home crowd were inspiring and Fenerbahçe should not be unhappy because they have a great team who can achieve great things. 

Joey Barton, Marseille midfielder 
It was very exciting. The atmosphere was incredible, and this is one of the reasons why I came to Marseille, to play in matches like this. It was a very exciting game and I think we were very unlucky not to win. I got thrown in at the deep end and that's what it's all about. I really enjoyed the challenge, I really enjoyed playing with my team-mates and getting to know them and how they play football. The team were fantastic, we played really well.