Milot Rashica’s standout performance, scoring twice, allowed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to start his tenure as new Besiktas coach on a positive note, leading to a decisive 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Solskjaer, appointed on January 18, takes up his first coaching role here since leaving Manchester United in 2021.
After a goalless draw against Samsunspor, which marked the end of Serdar Topraktepe’s brief tenure as caretaker manager, new coach Solskjaer oversaw a revitalized display with three second-half goals, significantly improving their chances in the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Rashica opened the scoring for Besiktas in the 17th minute, but Unai Gomes responded for Athletic Bilbao, equalizing just before half-time, as the visitors looked to maintain their unbeaten start to the competition.
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However, Rashica found the net again to give Besiktas the lead again. Late in the match, Rafa Silva scored an additional goal, and a penalty converted by Joao Mario in added time sealed the victory for the home team.
The victory propels Besiktas to 18th position in the league standings, as they prepare for next week’s crucial match against FC Twente.
