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Solskjaer makes dream debut as Besiktas manager, handing Athletic Club their 1st defeat

Norwegian named new coach last week, marking his first role since being dismissed by Manchester United in 2021

Emre Asikci  | 23.01.2025 - Update : 24.01.2025
Solskjaer makes dream debut as Besiktas manager, handing Athletic Club their 1st defeat Besiktas head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer greets the fans at the end of the UEFA Europa League 7th week match between Besiktas and Athletic Bilbao at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Turkiye on January 22, 2025.

ISTANBUL

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a dream debut as Besiktas head coach, leading the Turkish club to an impressive 4-1 victory in the Europa League.

The first match under the new management and head coach Solskjaer brought joy to Besiktas fans, as the black-and-whites delivered a strong performance following their 5-0 victory over Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Cup.

This came after the club changed its coaching staff following a decline that began in October 2024.

Solskjaer effect

Solskjaer, 51, claimed a win in his first match in charge of Besiktas on Wednesday, guiding them to a 4-1 victory over Athletic Club in the Europa League.

It also marked the first time the Black Eagles had scored four goals in a single game since August.

Following the victory, Solskjaer praised the fans, describing the atmosphere at the stadium as incredible.

"We had to fight, play very fast, and create chances against one of the top teams in Europe. Teamwork would be our main strength. It was a valuable win because it kept our qualification hopes alive. We want to continue our campaign by getting at least one point in the Netherlands," the Norwegian manager added.

Besiktas kicked off the Europa League group stage with a series of defeats and has struggled to stay near the top of the table this season.

The black-and-whites recorded three wins and four losses, accumulating nine points in their seven group matches. Despite this, they still have a hope of reaching the playoffs heading into the final week.

The Black Eagles aim to secure a spot in the top 16 and enter the playoffs as a seeded team by winning their decisive away match against Twente in the eighth and final group-stage game.

Athletic Club suffers shock 4-1 defeat in Istanbul

Athletic Club conceded four goals in a single match for the first time this season, suffering their heaviest defeat of the campaign against the Turkish club.

Until their 4-1 loss to Besiktas in the seventh week of the Europa League, their biggest defeat had been a 2-0 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals.

The Spanish side also played their most defensively vulnerable match of the season, having previously conceded a maximum of three goals in a 3-2 loss to Osasuna in the Spanish King's Cup.

Moreover, Athletic Club, who had conceded only two goals throughout the Europa League before this game, saw their strong defensive record take a significant hit.

The top eight clubs secure automatic qualification for the knockouts, while teams finishing between ninth and 24th enter the playoffs.

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