Connexion Istanbul : Besiktas – Athletic en live | Europa League

The Athletic returns to Istanbul, a city that increasingly seems to have a place reserved for lions. Last December, Valverde and its players had dominated the Fenerbahce in a setting which, beyond the opposition, was also marked by the fervor of a city imbued with football on every street corner. On this occasion, the Rojiblanca team embarked on the path to direct qualification for the round of 16 of the Europa Leaguea dream that is about to come true.

This time they are heading towards the Stade Tuprashome of Besiktas, with a similar objective: accumulate points to eliminate any doubt and validate their place without fear. A draw would be enough to secure that coveted ticket, and even a defeat might not be fatal, depending on other results. However, Athletic, aware of its quality and the historic moment it is going through in Europe, does not wish to leave room for the unexpected. In a Europa League that he dominates masterfully, with victories against teams such as the THE Alkmaarthe Slavia Prague or the Fenerbahcethe rojiblanco club presents itself as the favorite.

The author of these lines fondly remembers a match in Istanbul, 21 years ago, when Athletic faced Besiktas at the İnönü Stadium. A duel engraved in the memory of those who had the privilege of witnessing it. Not because of the result – a 3-1 defeat to the team then managed by the renowned Vicente del Bosque –, but for the experience of this trip which went well beyond a simple football match. The contrast of the streets, the bustle of the markets and the passion of the Turkish supporters created a spectacular atmosphere. This match, just like this one, had the taste of a distant challenge, but also an opportunity to prove that, no matter where in the world, lions know how to make themselves heard.

A rival in full uncertainty

The Besiktas approaches this meeting with more questions than certainties. With the arrival of the Manchester United legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaerthe Aigles Noirs club is in the middle of a reconstruction phase. After changes of coaches which failed to calm the turbulence, a team in search of identity is struggling to find its way. 20 points behind the leader of the Turkish championship, with a Europa League complicated and a defense more permeable than that of its opponent, the Ottoman club does not seem to represent an insurmountable obstacle. However, their ever-vocal crowd will demand a reaction at home, as is often the case when major Turkish clubs play in front of their supporters.

For its part, Athletic, far from relaxing, arrives with a collective full of optimism, but also realism. The only uncertainty lies in the choice of goalkeeper and some rotations in the lineup, in a strategy which, with the key elements available – except Jungle Sancet recovering from a worrying injury – will look to once again weave the web that took them to the top in Europe.