Beşiktaş’s street again to European prominence formally begins.
The Black Eagles have drawn the winner of Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Ilves Tampere for the second qualifying spherical of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League, organising a probably dramatic conflict with Arda Turan’s Ukrainian aspect.
After ending fourth within the 2024-25 Süper Lig, Beşiktaş earned their ticket into Europe’s second-tier competitors.
Their marketing campaign kicks off at house on July 24 at Tüpraş Stadium, adopted by the away leg on July 31.
UEFA will verify kickoff instances by June 23.
But the drama lies within the particulars.
Should Shakhtar, the heavy favorites, dispatch Ilves Tampere of Finland of their July 10 and 17 ties, it units the stage for Arda Turan’s first European take a look at as head coach.
Turan, a Turkish legend and up to date Süper Lig winner with Eyüpspor, took over Shakhtar in May and can return to face one in all Türkiye’s “Big Three.”
His Shakhtar squad, led by midfield dynamo Georgiy Sudakov, veteran Mykola Matvienko, and Brazilian expertise Kevin, stays harmful regardless of ongoing disruptions brought on by struggle.
Shakhtar’s “home” leg will seemingly be performed in Slovenia.
If Ilves spring a shock, Beşiktaş will face a much less intimidating however well-drilled Finnish aspect.
The 2023 Finnish Cup champions at present sit second of their home league and play out of the compact Tammela Stadium.
Beşiktaş have proven indicators of hazard underneath supervisor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But they enter as an unseeded crew, reflecting their latest European inconsistency.
Samsunspor be a part of the Europa League within the play-off spherical, leaving Beşiktaş as Türkiye’s lone consultant within the early phases.
Their motivation runs deeper: The remaining of this very event can be hosted at Tüpraş Stadium on May 20, 2026. A house finale is the dream.
With three rounds to clear, the Black Eagles know the stakes. July 24 marks liftoff. Whether it’s a reunion with Arda Turan or a Finnish hurdle, Beşiktaş should fly excessive early to keep away from being grounded earlier than September’s new 36-team league part begins.
Source: www.dailysabah.com