Everton's Champions League preparations suffered a heavy blow as they slumped to a 5-0 defeat by Fenerbahce in Turkey.

The Merseysiders, who finished fourth in the Barclays Premiership to secure a place in the Champions League qualifying stages, never looked like putting up a fight against their superior hosts.

And poor defending gave the Istanbul outfit - who are already guaranteed a place in the Champions League - a comfortable evening.

Brazilian schemer Alex was the main threat for the Turkish side, creating problems for Everton early on.

And after 24 minutes, Tuncay gave Fener the lead when his shot was deflected off Tony Hibbert and past Richard Wright.

And 10 minutes later - after Lee Carsley was withdrawn with an ankle knock - it was 2-0, Marcio Nobre heading in at the near post to take advantage of slack defending at a set-piece.

James Beattie had a chance to reduce the arrears before the break but could only scuff Kevin Kilbane's cross horribly wide.

After 55 minutes and three Everton substitutions, Mehmet Yozgati rifled home a superb effort to make it 3-0, leaving Wright with little chance.

It got worse for Everton soon after, Alex grabbing a goal after playing an integral role in the preceding 62 minutes. The midfielder bent his free-kick over the wall to leave David Moyes' men even further behind.

Onder Turaci headed home from another set-piece, this time is was Mehmet's free-kick which caught the Toffees cold again.

A solid performance capped by five goals against one of the Premiership?s Champions League contenders Everton in a friendly boosted morale six days before the start of the 2005-2006 season. Some fantastic goals were on show as well as an impressive debut display from Stephen Appiah as a holding midfielder.