Beşiktaş shall be seeking to reverse their fortunes as they journey to face a resurgent Lyon on the Groupama Stadium on Thursday night time, at the moment sitting on the backside of the Europa League standings.
Despite a stellar begin to their home marketing campaign, the Turkish facet has struggled to search out their rhythm in Europe, struggling a heavy 4-0 defeat in opposition to Ajax and a disappointing dwelling loss to Eintracht Frankfurt.
While Beşiktaş have shined within the Süper Lig – highlighted by a powerful 5-0 Super Cup victory over rivals Galatasaray and a powerful haul of 20 factors from 24 out there – their European performances have left a lot to be desired.
Coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst is aware of that overcoming Lyon, who’re using excessive on a five-game profitable streak, shall be a formidable problem.
The French facet has undergone a outstanding turnaround beneath coach Pierre Sage, recovering from a gradual begin that left them teetering within the relegation zone.
Lyon have gained each their Europa League matches, starting with a strong victory in opposition to Olympiacos and following it up with a shocking 4-1 overcome Rangers, the place striker Alexandre Lacazette scored twice and climbed to fifth on the all-time Europa League scoring record with 24 targets.
Beşiktaş’s current kind presents a blended image; they boast sturdy home outcomes however have failed in European competitors, at the moment sitting on the foot of the group standings.
However, there’s purpose for optimism.
Van Bronckhorst led his Rangers facet to the Europa League closing within the 2021-22 season regardless of dropping their first two video games, demonstrating {that a} gradual begin might be overcome.
Historically, Beşiktaş has struggled in away matches on this competitors, dropping 4 straight on the highway and conceding 15 targets throughout that stretch.
Furthermore, their earlier visits to France have yielded disappointing outcomes, with 4 losses in 5 makes an attempt.
In phrases of personnel, Beşiktaş shall be with out winger Milot Rashica, who’s sidelined because of damage.
However, the return of Rafa Silva, who ended a seven-game scoring drought of their current 2-0 victory over Konyaspor, supplies a glimmer of hope.
Al Musrati has recovered from a thigh damage, whereas Necip Uysal and Gabriel Paulista stay unavailable.
Goalkeeper Ersin Destanoglu, who made his debut within the loss to Frankfurt, has been out of motion since because of damage.
Source: www.dailysabah.com