Solskjaer leads Besiktas to victory over Athletic in first game

Besiktas were outside the top 24 places in the standings before kick-off but moved into the knockout round berths after a brilliant second-half display. Solskjaer was back on the bench for the first time since being sacked by Manchester United in November 2021.

"Since we started working with the players, we've worked on confidence," said the Norwegian. "Football is about feeling good. We got everything we wanted tonight. We worked together as a team. It's easier to win when you work hard and work smart."

Previously unbeaten Bilbao remain second in the table, level on points with leaders Lazio. Besiktas took the lead in the 17th minute as Milot Rashica finished off a flowing counter-attack with a fine strike into the top corner. The visitors levelled on the stroke of half-time through Unai Gomez, but Rashica restored Besiktas' advantage on the hour mark.

Rafa Silva's strike with 13 minutes remaining and Joao Mario's injury-time penalty added further gloss to the scoreline. Solskjaer was named permanent Besiktas coach last weekend, replacing Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst who was sacked at the end of November.

 

January 22, 2025