Shakhtar Donetsk triumphs over Besiktas in a 4-2 victory during the Europa League qualifier encounter.
Beşiktaş's 2024-25 UEFA Europa League campaign started on a disappointing note as they suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the second qualifying round first leg. The result leaves Beşiktaş with a challenging two-goal deficit to overturn in the away leg, set for July 31, 2025, in Poland.
The match started with Shakhtar taking an early lead, scoring two goals in the opening minutes through Alisson and Eguinaldo. Beşiktaş responded with a penalty converted by new signing Tammy Abraham in the 40th minute, but Shakhtar continued to dominate the game, scoring two more goals before half-time.
Defensive weaknesses were exposed by Shakhtar’s quick counterattacks, leading to four goals conceded. Salih Uçan also scored for Beşiktaş, but it was not enough to prevent the defeat. The late decisive goal by Shakhtar’s Kevin in the 96th minute extinguished much of Beşiktaş's comeback hope.
Key players contributing goals in this match included Tammy Abraham, Salih Uçan, and Kartal Yilmaz, who made his first appearance for Beşiktaş in nearly three years, coming on in the 60th minute to replace Milot Rashica. Gabriel Paulista, Joao Mario, Ernest Muci, and Tıknaz are also among the key players who have scored at least once across various matches this season.
The 4-2 loss generated frustration among fans, who expressed their discontent with chants and some leaving before the final whistle. The result also marked the first victory of Shakhtar's manager Arda Turan over Beşiktaş in his fourth attempt.
The upcoming match on July 31 in Poland is critical for Beşiktaş's continuation in the Europa League, as they must overcome the two-goal deficit to advance. If successful, they would face the winner of the Rangers vs. Panathinaikos tie in the next round.
Record: 0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss (4-2 at home against Shakhtar Donetsk)
Key players: Tammy Abraham, Salih Uçan, Kartal Yilmaz, Gabriel Paulista, Joao Mario, Ernest Muci, Tıknaz
Upcoming match: Return leg vs. Shakhtar Donetsk on July 31, 2025, in Poland; must overturn 2-goal deficit to advance.
- Despite Tammy Abraham, Salih Uçan, and Kartal Yilmaz scoring for Beşiktaş, their UEFA Europa League campaign started with a disappointing 4-2 home defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk.
- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a longtime supporter of Turkish sports, including football, will be closely watching Beşiktaş's efforts to overcome the two-goal deficit in their upcoming match against Shakhtar Donetsk in Poland.
- In the upcoming crucial match in Turkey's Turkiye, Beşiktaş will aim to replicate the fortitude shown by the Turkish national football team under the guidance of their coach, who shares the same passion as Erdoğan for football success.
