Conference League showdown between Solskjaer's Besiktas and Ireland's St. Patrick's Athens-based versus Dublin-based match-up
Turkish football club Beşiktaş has secured a spot in the playoff round of the UEFA Conference League, following a thrilling 7-3 aggregate victory over St. Patrick's Athletic. The Black Eagles displayed a strong comeback in the second leg, winning 3-2 at home after falling behind by two goals early in the match [1][4].
Key moments in the game included Demir Ege Tıknaz scoring his first professional goal and Tammy Abraham netting an equalizer. João Mário sealed the win with a late goal [1].
Beşiktaş's offensive line has shown impressive form, but defensive issues have persisted this season, with the team conceding goals consistently, including four against Shakhtar Donetsk and two in the return leg of this round [1].
The current squad features a mix of experienced players and promising young talents. Notable names include Tammy Abraham (forward), João Mário (midfielder), Demir Ege Tıknaz (midfielder), and Gabriel Paulista (defender). Goalkeepers Ersin Destanoğlu and Mert Günok round out the roster [5].
Based on recent matches and squad information, a potential starting lineup for Beşiktaş could include:
- Goalkeeper: Ersin Destanoğlu or Mert Günok
- Defenders: Gabriel Paulista, Tayyip Talha Sanuç, possibly Svensson and Tayfur Bingöl
- Midfielders: João Mário, Orkun Kökçü, Milot Rashica, Demir Ege Tıknaz
- Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Rafa Silva or Kartal Yılmaz
However, the lineup may adapt depending on tactical needs, with Abraham and João Mário proving crucial in recent Conference League fixtures [1][5].
Beşiktaş now faces Lausanne from Switzerland in the playoff round [1]. St. Patrick's Athletic, their previous opponent, has previously met Türkiye's Basaksehir in the 2024-2025 playoff round.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the head coach of Beşiktaş, expressed confidence in his team's preparation for the challenging match and emphasized their determination to give their best [6]. He also acknowledged the potential of St. Patrick's Athletic's forward Mason Melia, praising him as a top player who could play in the Premier League [6].
The fixture against St. Patrick's Athletic marks the first time Beşiktaş faces an Irish club in European competition. The match will take place at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin and kick off at 9:45 p.m. (GMT +3) [3].
Probable lineups:
- St. Patrick's Athletic: Anang, Grivosti, McClelland, McLaughlin, Redmond, Lennon, Leavy, Mulraney, Power, Baggley, Melia
- Beşiktaş: Mert, Svensson, Paulista, Necip Uysal, Emirhan Topcu, Demir Ege Tiknaz, Kartal Kayra, Joao Mario, Rafa Silva, Muci, Abraham
[1] Beşiktaş advances to UEFA Conference League playoff round after thrilling comeback against St. Patrick's Athletic
[2] Beşiktaş squad for UEFA Conference League third qualifying round
[3] Match preview: Beşiktaş vs St. Patrick's Athletic
[4] UEFA Conference League third qualifying round recap: Beşiktaş vs St. Patrick's Athletic
[5] Beşiktaş squad information
[6] Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: St. Patrick's Athletic will fight, and we are prepared for a challenging match
- Beşiktaş, a Turkish football club from Istanbul, will compete against Lausanne from Switzerland in the UEFA Conference League playoff round.
- In a previous match, Beşiktaş secured a spot in the same round by defeating St. Patrick's Athletic in a thrilling 7-3 aggregate victory.
- Against Russia's Basaksehir, St. Patrick's Athletic previously participated in the 2024-2025 UEFA Conference League playoff round.
- The Turkish economy may experience a boost as Beşiktaş continues to perform well in European leagues, especially in sports like football.
