Besiktas triumphs over Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in UEFA Europa League
Rafa Silva of Besiktas celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League 7th week match between Besiktas and Athletic Bilbao at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Jan. 22, 2025. (AA Photo)
Besiktas secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Spain’s Athletic Bilbao in their seventh match of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Besiktas wrote in its victory post on social media, “This one’s for you #Bolu.,” referring to the fire tragedy at a hotel in Bolu on Tuesday that claimed the lives of 76 people.
In his debut as head coach in the competition, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer guided Besiktas to a strong performance. Milot Rashica was the star of the match, scoring twice, while Rafa Silva and Joao Mario also found the back of the net. Athletic Bilbao’s lone goal came from Unai Gomez.
Besiktas’ goals came in the 17th and 60th minutes from Rashica, 77th minute from Silva, and Mario sealed the win in stoppage time (90+2′).
Rashica’s brace, along with an assist, made him one of the standout performers, while Silva contributed one goal and two assists, adding further flair to the win.
With the three points, Besiktas now sits on 9 points, keeping their hopes alive for advancement to the next round. Bilbao, who suffered their first loss of the campaign, remain atop the group with 16 points.
The Spanish side’s sole goal came from Gomez Etxebarria in the 45th minute.
Besiktas will wrap up their group stage with an away fixture against Twente.
