Basaksehir advances to UEFA Conference League group stage with 2-0 win over St. Patrick’s Athletic
Referee Balazs Berke (2nd R) shows a red card to Aaron Bolge (4th L) of St. Patrick's Athletic during the UEFA Conference League play-off second leg match between RAMS Basaksehir and St. Patrick's Athletic at Fatih Terim Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye on August 28, 2024. (AA Photo)
Basaksehir secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League group stage after a decisive 2-0 victory over St. Patrick’s Athletic in the play-off round’s second leg. The Turkish side advanced with an aggregate score of 2-0, following a goalless draw in the first leg.
The match, played at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium, saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock in the first half. However, Basaksehir took the lead in the 64th minute. A right-wing attack led by Deniz Turuc resulted in a deflected ball landing at the feet of Omer Ali Sahiner. After skillfully evading St. Patrick’s defender Joe Grivosti, Sahiner calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
The Istanbul-based club doubled their lead in the 82nd minute. Lucas Lima delivered a precise cross from the left flank, which found Kemen at the far post. The midfielder rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, sealing the victory at 2-0.
St. Patrick’s Athletic, who had managed a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Dublin, struggled to find opportunities throughout the match. Their situation worsened in the 81st minute when Chris Forrester was shown a red card, reducing the Irish side to ten men.
Basaksehir’s lineup included key performances from Muhammed Sengezer in goal and Omer Ali Sahiner, who was instrumental in the team’s opening goal. Despite early substitutions due to injury, including Duarte being replaced by Kemen in the 7th minute, the Turkish side maintained control of the game.
St. Patrick’s Athletic made several substitutions in an attempt to change the game’s momentum, but they were unable to break through Basaksehir’s solid defense. The visitors also received three yellow cards throughout the match, further complicating their efforts.
