Get ready for a thrilling encounter as Beşiktaş takes on Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round in Istanbul! This match is undoubtedly the most exciting and challenging fixture of this early stage of the competition.
A Battle of Titans
Shakhtar Donetsk, a regular contender in the UEFA Champions League, will face off against Beşiktaş, a Turkish football powerhouse. While the Europa League might not offer the same financial rewards as the Champions League, it remains a prestigious tournament and a crucial platform for both clubs to showcase their talent and compete on the European stage.
Solskjaer's Vision for Beşiktaş
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is embarking on his first full season as Beşiktaş manager after taking the reins in January. He inherited a team in seventh place and masterfully guided them to a fourth-place finish. Impressively, his team defeated both the champions, Galatasaray, and the runners-up, Fenerbahce. Solskjaer acknowledges the challenges of joining a club mid-season, drawing parallels to his experience at Manchester United.
This season, however, the Beşiktaş team truly reflects Solskjaer's vision, with significant changes made during the summer transfer window. While not as drastic as the departure of 22 players last season, key players have left, including veteran striker Ciro Immobile and former England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
New Faces and High Hopes
The arrival of new players has ignited excitement among the fans. English striker Tammy Abraham has joined on loan from Roma, and Turkish international Orkun Kokcu, a lifelong Beşiktaş fan raised in the Netherlands, has also arrived on loan. Kokcu's impressive performances at Feyenoord led to a €25 million move to Benfica, making him a record signing for a Portuguese club. The club also has high hopes for players returning from loans.
Will Solskjaer's new-look Beşiktaş team be able to overcome the challenge posed by Shakhtar Donetsk? Tune in to find out!