Changing the coach is always the easiest option when a team is not playing well, simply because you cannot sack the entire team. And unless you are the new manager of Manchester United, a new coach always brings a positive change, for the first few games anyway. It‘s a positive ‘shock‘ for the players, who are shaken up by the arrival of the new coach and also had to put in more effort, knowing that their place in the team is also on the line. The Turkish Super League Besiktas did just that and hired Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. His appointment was an instant success as the former Manchester coach debuted on the Besiktas bench with an impressive win against Athletic Bibao 4-1 in the Uefa League.⚽️ GOAL: Rashica🇪🇺 Beşiktaş 1-0 Athletic Clubpic.twitter.com/TXZUJA6BUX— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) January 22, 2025 Besiktaş outperformed the pride of the Basque Country in every aspect, especially in terms of energy. The home team did not have a good track record against Spanish clubs, having won only three out of 16 encounters, and they were eager to improve that negative statistic. From the very first second of the match, the atmosphere at the Tupras Stadium felt like being inside a volcanic crater. The home fans jumped at every referee’s decision and went into a frenzy after every good move by their beloved team. In such an environment, the visitors did not feel comfortable at all, and it was evident on the field. Besiktaş crowned their superior play with a beautiful goal by Milot Rashica, sending the stadium into an eruption.⚽️ GOAL: Rafa Silva🇪🇺 Beşiktaş 3-1 Athletic Clubpic.twitter.com/rPHXXqGjHy— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) January 22, 2025 Despite Bilbao managing to equalize late in the first half through Unai Gómez, nothing could stop the home team from attacking even more fiercely in the second half. Bilbao’s defense had only conceded two goals before this match, but they struggled under the relentless pressure of the highly motivated hosts almost every time the ball crossed midfield. The cauldron of Istanbul melted Basque steel tonight, and that is no exaggeration. Given the situation, it was no surprise that Besiktaş pressed even harder to capitalize on the nervousness and disorientation of Ernesto Valverde’s squad. Milot Rashica’s second goal signaled the start of the celebration, and the goals from Rafa Silva and João Mário from the penalty spot sealed the knockout of a great rival. Ole Gunnar Solskjær succeeded. The shock therapy worked. Besiktaş is still alive, and in the final round against Twente, they will play for a place in the next stage.##NAJAVA_MECA_8650550##
