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Mohamed Salah’s first start in Trabzonspor colours ended in deep disappointment.

The Turkish heavyweights suffered a damaging 1-0 home defeat to Ferencvaros in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off tie.

After coming off the bench against Kasimpasa in the Super Lig last weekend, the former Liverpool star was given his full debut at Papara Park, but even the Egyptian’s presence could not stop his new side from slipping up.

Trabzonspor controlled possession for long spells and posted a higher Expected Goals (xG) figure in the match, but they found it difficult to break down a disciplined Ferencvaros side.

Playing in his familiar role on the right wing, Salah produced a few glimpses of his trademark quality, cutting inside early in the second half and forcing the goalkeeper into action with a curling strike.

But the Hungarian champions held their shape well, frustrating the home side and then showing their cutting edge when the chance came.

Former Bristol City and Cardiff City winger Callum O'Dowda featured for the visitors, operating on the same flank as Salah.

With a 1-0 lead secured away from home, Ferencvaros return to Budapest as favourites to reach the Europa League league phase.

For Trabzonspor, the defeat could have implications far beyond the result itself. If they fail to overturn the deficit in Hungary next Thursday, the club will drop into the UEFA Europa Conference League, dealing a possible financial blow.

Qualification for the main stage of the Europa League guarantees clubs a base starting fee of around €4.3m, with further income available through broadcast revenue and performance-related bonuses. By comparison, dropping into Europe’s third-tier competition cuts guaranteed entry payments to about €3.17m, along with significantly lower television market shares.

For a club that spent heavily to bring Salah to Turkiye, missing out on Europa League income would represent a shortfall they can scarcely afford.