Solskjaer's Besiktas Secure Impressive 4-1 Win Over Athletic Club

Read about Besiktas's emphatic 4-1 triumph over Athletic Club, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side boosted their chances of advancing in the Europa League.

Besiktas significantly revitalized their UEFA Europa League play-off aspirations with a resounding 4-1 victory over Athletic Club at the Besiktas Stadyumu. This triumph marked only their fourth win in the last 14 Europa League games.

Athletic Club entered the match needing just two points from their remaining two games to secure a spot in the round of 16, following an impressive unbeaten start to the 2024/25 UEL league phase (W6, D1). In contrast, Besiktas found themselves outside the top 24 and displayed evident urgency in the first 45 minutes under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's guidance.

Milot Rashica's initial attempt from outside the area, which sailed wide of the post, proved to be a precursor to his subsequent goal. Shortly after the 15-minute mark, Rashica unleashed a powerful strike from a similar position, finding the top corner to give Besiktas a crucial lead. Ernest Muci's effort was later comfortably saved by Julen Agirrezabala, but Besiktas's initial intensity gradually dissipated.

In contrast, Athletic Club recovered from their sluggish start and gradually gained momentum in the clash. Although they struggled to test Mert Gunok in the Besiktas goal, they managed to equalize on the stroke of half-time, courtesy of Unai Gomez's well-placed volley from close range.

Besiktas's momentum was temporarily halted when Athletic Club equalized just before halftime, with Unai Gomez scoring from close range. Frustratingly for Besiktas, this was the Spanish side's first shot on target, and the goal was only confirmed after a lengthy VAR review.

The Turkish outfit quickly regained their composure after the restart, with Ciro Immobile forcing Julen Agirrezabala into a crucial save within a minute. At the other end, Alex Berenguer squandered a headed opportunity, but Besiktas looked more likely to score the next goal. They did just that, with Milot Rashica netting his second of the match around the hour mark.

Rashica's goal was set up by a swift counterattack, which allowed Rafa Silva to round Mert Gunok before selflessly providing Rashica with a simple tap-in. The game was effectively sealed with less than 15 minutes remaining, as Silva scored from close range after his initial attempt was saved by Gunok.

In injury time, Besiktas added further gloss to the scoreline when Joao Mario converted a penalty, awarded after Semih Kilicsoy was fouled by Nico Serrano in the box. This emphatic victory propelled Besiktas to 18th in the league phase standings, with a crucial visit to Twente looming next week.

Despite this setback, Athletic Club remains confident of advancing, boasting a five-point cushion over ninth place. With a home game against Viktoria Plzen on the horizon, they are well-positioned to secure their spot in the next round.