With SL Benfica standing between Fenerbahçe SK and a maiden European final, explosive forward Moussa Sow spoke to UEFA.com about the value of victory and the fervent passion for football that permeates Istanbul.

"It would be great for Turkish football, for the club and for the fans. What we are achieving is huge," said the 27-year-old, whose side hold a slender 1-0 advantage going into Thursday's semi-final decider in Lisbon. "To face Benfica at this stage is exceptional and we will do everything to reach the final. Why can't we win it?"

Sow has made a seamless transition to life in Turkey, plundering 23 goals in 40 Super League outings since joining Fenerbahçe from LOSC Lille in January 2012. The move from France was made easier by his arriving into a multicultural dressing room in a proud city deeply impassioned with their football teams.

"People really love football [in Istanbul], they live for it. You can see it in everyday life," said Sow, a Senegalese international. "When I go for a walk or for dinner, I see that people love football and support us. They are true football fans, you can feel it and it's a great thing."

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