Besiktas significantly boosted their chances of reaching the UEFA Europa League play-offs thanks to a 4-1 over Athletic Club at the Besiktas Stadyumu, which marked just a fourth win in their past 14 games in this competition.
Following an emphatic, unbeaten start to the 2024/25 UEL league phase, Athletic entered this encounter needing just two points from their remaining two games to guarantee progression to the round of 16.
Besiktas meanwhile, found themselves out of the top 24 altogether, and their urgency was clear during the first 45 minutes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign.
Milot Rashica’s well-hit strike from outside of the area that flew wide of the post proved to be a sighter, as shortly after the quarter-hour mark, he fired an effort into the top corner from a similar position to give Besiktas a precious lead.
Ernest Muci subsequently saw an effort comfortably saved by Julen Agirrezabala, but the hosts’ initial intensity faded.
In contrast, Athletic recovered from their poor start to slowly gain a foothold in the clash.
And while they struggled to trouble Mert Gunok between the Besiktas sticks, they drew level on the stroke of half-time, when Unai Gomez volleyed into the corner from close range.
Frustratingly for Besiktas, that was the Spanish side’s first shot on target and an equaliser that was subject to a lengthy VAR review before being ratified.
Within 60 seconds of the restart, Ciro Immobile forced Agirrezabala into an important stop as the Turkish outfit looked to restore their advantage.
At the other end, Alex Berenguer headed well over, but Besiktas looked far more likely to net the next goal which they did with around an hour on the clock.
Another quick move allowed Rafa Silva to round Gunok, but instead of going for goal himself, he put the ball on a plate for Rashica to hammer into an empty net.
The game was effectively sewn up with less than 15 minutes left to play when Silva tapped in after his initial attempt was saved by Gunok, making Rashica a provider rather than goalscorer on this occasion.
In injury time, Joao Mario netted a penalty after Semih Kilicsoy was fouled by Nico Serrano in the box to add extra gloss to the scoreline.
Overall, it was an impressive display from Solskjaer’s men, who have moved to 18th in the league phase standings ahead of the remainder of the Matchday 7 fixtures and their visit to Twente next week.
Athletic, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result, but with a five-point buffer over ninth and a home game against Viktoria Plzen to come on Matchday 8, they will remain confident of getting over the line.
