Sometimes, first impressions are tough. Kökçü, a talented midfielder, just joined Besiktas. He arrived from Benfica on a loan deal that includes a mandatory purchase clause worth 25 million euros. Thursday marked his very first game in a Besiktas jersey. It was a home match, and frankly, it was a brutal welcome. The Turkish giants stumbled to a heavy 4-2 defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk. This loss puts the “Black Eagles” in a tough spot for their Europa League second qualifying round tie.
Besiktas began the match in the worst possible way. They were down two goals inside half an hour. Alisson found the net for Shakhtar just seven minutes in. Then, Eguinaldo added another goal in the 28th minute. Just before halftime, Abraham scored a penalty for Besiktas in the 40th minute. This goal offered a flicker of hope, suggesting a comeback might be on the cards.
However, Shakhtar Donetsk refused to crack under pressure. They held firm against every Besiktas threat. Kevin then extended Shakhtar’s lead again in the 67th minute. This third goal came shortly after Kökçü had already been taken off the field. The drama wasn’t over yet, though. Portuguese midfielder João Mário, who came on as a substitute in the second half, pulled one back for Besiktas. His goal in the 87th minute truly narrowed the gap. It suddenly made the upcoming second leg seem much more open and exciting. Rafa and Gedson had both started the match for Besiktas.
But then, heartbreak struck for the home side. Kevin scored his second goal of the night in injury time. This late strike by Kevin sealed the deal for Shakhtar. It gave them a much more comfortable lead heading into next Thursday’s return leg. For Kökçü, it was certainly not the dream debut he had envisioned.