Besiktas faces Bodo/Glimt in critical Europa League match
Players of Besiktas celebrate after their team’s victory in the Turkish Super Lig week 15 football match between Besiktas and Fenerbahce at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Turkiye, on December 07, 2024. (AA Photo)
Besiktas will face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in a critical Europa League group-stage match on Thursday at 11 p.m. (local time) at Aspmyra Stadium in Norway. The match will be broadcast live on TRT 1 in Türkiye, with Slovak referee Filip Glova officiating.
Squad changes, key challenges
After a crucial 1-0 victory against Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, Besiktas hopes to secure a win that could improve their chances of advancing to the knockout stages of the Europa League. With six points from five matches, the Black Eagles are in 22nd place in their group, while Bodo/Glimt leads with seven points.
However, the Turkish team faces several key absences for the match. Gabriel Paulista, Felix Uduokhai, and Ciro Immobile will not travel to Norway, and Arthur Masuaku is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Milot Rashica is on personal leave and will miss the match, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been left out of the club’s UEFA roster.
Tactical setup and key players
Despite these challenges, head coach Serdar Topraktepe remains confident in his squad’s ability to compete. In defense, Tayyip Talha Sanuc and Emirhan Topcu are expected to play vital roles. Up front, Semih Kilicsoy will step in for Immobile. Other important players like Rafa Silva, Salih Ucan, and Gedson Fernandes will play key roles in Besiktas’ efforts to secure a strong result.
Predicted Lineups
Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3 formation):
- Goalkeeper: Haikin
- Defenders: Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan
- Midfielders: Evjen, Berg, Saltnes
- Forwards: Zinckernagel, Hauge, Hogh
Besiktas (4-3-3 formation):
- Goalkeeper: Mert Gunok
- Defenders: Svensson, Tayyip Sanuc, Zaynutdinov, Emirhan Topcu
- Midfielders: Al Musrati, Salih Ucan, Gedson Fernandes
- Forwards: Rafa Silva, Muci, Semih Kilicsoy
Bodo/Glimt’s strengths and Besiktas’ European record
Bodo/Glimt is known for its attacking play and strong performances in European competitions. Black Eagles, however, has had mixed results against Norwegian teams in the past. The two sides have met four times before, with Bodo/Glimt winning both encounters last season in the UEFA Conference League, including a 3-1 victory at home and a 2-1 win in Istanbul.
Besiktas’ strategy, statements
Serdar Topraktepe emphasized the team’s determination, saying, “We’re here to win. We know that Bodo/Glimt is a disciplined, high-energy team, but we trust our players to rise to the occasion.”
Jonas Svensson, the Norwegian defender for Besiktas, acknowledged the challenge of playing at Bodo/Glimt’s home stadium but expressed confidence: “It will be tough, but we are ready. Our goal is to secure three points.”
With their European future on the line, the Black Eagles are determined not to repeat the disappointment of last season and aim to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
