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Besiktas opened its competitive season with a 1-0 home victory over Denmark's Midtjylland on Thursday, taking a narrow advantage into the second leg of its UEFA Europa League second qualifying-round tie.
Captain Orkun Kokcu struck the decisive goal in the 26th minute, curling in a well-taken effort from the left side of the edge of the penalty area. The Türkiye international also registered Besiktas' first goal in an official match this season.
Despite controlling much of the game and creating several opportunities, Besiktas could not add to its lead. The Istanbul club will now look to protect its one-goal advantage when the teams meet again in Denmark on July 30.
Should Besiktas progress, it will face either Norway's Tromso or Czech side Hradec Kralove in the third qualifying round. Hradec Kralove won the first leg of that tie 1-0 away from home.
New head coach Vincenzo Italiano picked up a win in his first competitive match in charge of Besiktas.
The Italian coach remained highly involved from the technical area throughout the contest, regularly calling out instructions and reacting to developments on the pitch as his team held on to its narrow lead.
Midtjylland played most of the match with 10 men after Friday Etim was sent off in the 15th minute.
Spanish referee Ricardo de Burgos showed Etim a straight red card following a forceful challenge on Besiktas defender Tiago Djalo near midfield.
Besiktas made its numerical advantage count 11 minutes later when Kokcu broke the deadlock. The midfielder carried his scoring form into the new season after recording 10 goals across all competitions during the second half of the previous campaign.
Amir Murillo nearly doubled the advantage in the 29th minute, but his effort from inside the penalty area was pushed onto the crossbar by Midtjylland goalkeeper Olafsson.
The Panama international also made an important defensive contribution shortly before halftime, stepping in to prevent Franculino from finishing a clear opportunity.
Midtjylland remained within reach of an equalizer and produced its best chance in the 79th minute. Alexander Nubel rushed out to close down Billing and turned the midfielder's close-range attempt behind for a corner.
Summer signing Kassoum Ouattara made his first official appearance for Besiktas when he replaced Ridvan Yilmaz in the 73rd minute.
Djalo, meanwhile, was unable to complete the match after appearing to pick up an injury following a long-range shot. Emmanuel Agbadou came on in his place in the 78th minute.
Besiktas supporters maintained strong vocal support throughout the game, particularly after the second half got underway, as the hosts saw out the 1-0 victory.
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