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Besiktas aim to extend perfect home record against Crystal Palace in Europa League

Besiktas players greet the fans after winning the UEFA Europa League playoff round first-leg match between Besiktas and Kauno Zalgiris at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye on August 20, 2026. (AA Photo)
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Besiktas players greet the fans after winning the UEFA Europa League playoff round first-leg match between Besiktas and Kauno Zalgiris at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye on August 20, 2026. (AA Photo)
October 22, 2026 08:42 AM GMT+03:00

Besiktas will look to maintain their unbeaten home record this season when they host English Premier League side Crystal Palace in the third round of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, Oct. 22, with captain Orkun Kokcu ruled out through injury.

The match at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul will kick off at 10 p.m. local time (7:00 p.m. GMT) and will be broadcast live on TRT 1. Dutch referee Danny Makkelie will officiate, assisted by Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries.

Under Italian coach Vincenzo Italiano, Besiktas have won both of their opening Europa League league-phase matches and will seek a third consecutive victory to strengthen their position in the standings.

Orkun Kokcu (R) of Besiktas competes for the ball against Denil Castillo (L) of Midtjylland during the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round first-leg match between Besiktas and Midtjylland at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 23, 2026. (AA Photo)
Orkun Kokcu (R) of Besiktas competes for the ball against Denil Castillo (L) of Midtjylland during the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round first-leg match between Besiktas and Midtjylland at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 23, 2026. (AA Photo)

Besiktas defend perfect home record despite Kokcu absence

Besiktas has won all eight competitive home matches this season, recording four victories in the Turkish Super Lig and another four in European competitions.

The Istanbul club has scored 21 goals and conceded just four during that run, which includes a 4-1 victory over Marseille in their Europa League league-phase opener.

Their European campaign has also been impressive, with seven wins in eight matches across qualifying rounds and the league phase, alongside 15 goals scored and four conceded.

However, Besiktas will be without captain Orkun Kokcu, who sustained an injury against Hoffenheim in the previous Europa League round and subsequently missed the domestic league match against Trabzonspor.

Dusan Vlahovic (28) of Besiktas in action during the Turkish Super Lig week 7 match between Besiktas and Kocaelispor at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, on October 11, 2026. (AA Photo)
Dusan Vlahovic (28) of Besiktas in action during the Turkish Super Lig week 7 match between Besiktas and Kocaelispor at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, on October 11, 2026. (AA Photo)

Crystal Palace seek response after difficult domestic start

Crystal Palace arrives in Istanbul following an inconsistent start to the season.

The London club, which won last season's UEFA Conference League, has recorded one victory and one defeat in their opening two Europa League matches.

Their Premier League campaign has proved more difficult, with two wins, one draw and four defeats from seven matches, leaving them 14th with seven points.

Palace also suffered a 5-0 defeat against Brighton, featuring Turkish international Ferdi Kadioglu, in their latest league outing.

Thursday's fixture will mark the first competitive meeting between Besiktas and Crystal Palace.

Besiktas' Ernest Poku (17) celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League Week 1 match between Besiktas and Olympique Marseille at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, on September 17, 2026. (AA Photo)
Besiktas' Ernest Poku (17) celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League Week 1 match between Besiktas and Olympique Marseille at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, on September 17, 2026. (AA Photo)

Besiktas prepare for 267th European appearance

The encounter will also mark Besiktas' 267th match in European competitions since their continental debut in 1959.

Across their previous 266 matches, the Istanbul club have recorded 104 victories, 50 draws, and 112 defeats, scoring 363 goals and conceding 399.

Besiktas has faced English opposition 22 times, securing six wins, five draws, and 11 defeats. Their home record against English clubs is evenly balanced, with four victories, four draws, and four losses.

One of their most notable results came during the 2014-2015 Europa League campaign, when Besiktas eliminated Liverpool on penalties after overturning a first-leg deficit in Istanbul.

The Crystal Palace encounter will be Besiktas' 23rd match against English opposition and their 134th designated home fixture in European competition.

October 22, 2026 08:43 AM GMT+03:00
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