
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer marked his debut as Beşiktaş manager in style, guiding his side to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Athletic Club, who had been undefeated in the Europa League this season. The Norwegian tactician couldn’t have asked for a better start as his team delivered a statement performance in front of a jubilant home crowd.
The match began with Beşiktaş on the front foot, and their early dominance was rewarded when Milot Rashica struck the opener in the 17th minute. Rashica’s clinical finish set the tone for the game, with Beşiktaş looking sharp and confident in their attacking play.
Athletic Club managed to draw level just before halftime, with Unai Gómez scoring a well-taken equalizer in the 45th minute. Despite the setback, Solskjaer’s men returned for the second half with renewed determination.
Rashica restored Beşiktaş’s lead in the 60th minute, completing his brace with a composed finish after a swift counterattack. The momentum firmly shifted in Beşiktaş’s favor, and the Turkish side began to assert control over the match.
Rafa Silva added to the tally in the 78th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to extend the lead to 3-1. The icing on the cake came in stoppage time when Joao Mario converted a penalty in the 90+2 minute, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
The win not only ends Athletic Club’s Europa League unbeaten run but also sets the tone for what Beşiktaş fans hope will be a successful era under Solskjaer. The Norwegian manager, known for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen, will look to build on this strong start as Beşiktaş aims to make waves in both domestic and European competitions.