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Türkiye's Besiktas will face Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round on Thursday.
The match is set to kick off at 21:00 local time (GMT+3) at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, and will be officiated by Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov.
The encounter marks Besiktas’ first official game of the 2025–2026 season, with the team aiming to build early momentum ahead of the second leg in Poland’s Reymana Stadium in Krakow. The Turkish side is led by newly appointed manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has set his sights on reaching the Europa League final, which will also be held at Tupras Stadium later in the season.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference alongside midfielder Orkun Kokcu, Solskjaer emphasized the symbolic motivation of potentially competing in the Europa League final at Besiktas’ home ground.
"The fact that the final will be played at our stadium gives us extra motivation," the Norwegian coach said, adding that discipline and focus will be critical across each stage of the campaign. Solskjaer stressed the importance of treating every game with equal seriousness, whether against Shakhtar or major domestic rivals.
He noted the quality of the Ukrainian side and praised the tactical approach of their manager, Arda Turan. “Shakhtar is a good team with a strong coach. Arda had a successful playing career in Europe and now steps into a new challenge,” he stated.
Solskjaer highlighted the evolution of Besiktas’ playing style, referencing both new signings and returning loanees. Among the notable additions is striker Tammy Abraham, whose presence may change the team’s attacking dynamics compared to the previous season.
“Tactical training began about ten days ago,” Solskjaer said. “Our plan is to control the game and apply pressure early.” He also praised the energy and discipline of younger squad members, including Demir Ege and Kartal Kayra, and confirmed that competition remains open for starting roles.
The coach underlined his desire to build a team that reflects the expectations of Besiktas fans—intense, energetic, and proud of the jersey. “I don’t want a team that loses the ball and runs back 50 meters,” he added. “I want us to recover quickly and strike while the opponent is unbalanced.”
Midfielder Orkun Kokcu, recently transferred to Besiktas, expressed optimism ahead of the first leg. “Shakhtar is a strong team, and Coach Arda knows how to organize them well. But we’ve prepared thoroughly and want to head into the second leg with an advantage,” the 24-year-old said.
Having joined the team shortly after his final game in the previous season, Kokcu said he feels physically ready and is awaiting final clearance from the medical staff to play. He also shared his excitement about debuting in front of home fans, describing the match as a moment he’s eagerly anticipating.
Kokcu also spoke about his ambitions with the club, expressing a long-term commitment. “If Besiktas wants me to stay, I’ll be here. I’m not focused on moving abroad—I’m happy where I am,” he said.
For Shakhtar Donetsk, the match in Istanbul will be led by head coach Arda Turan, a former Turkish international and prominent figure in European football. At a separate press event, Turan acknowledged the difficulty of playing at Tupras Stadium, especially early in the season when expectations run high.
“This is one of the most challenging stadiums in the world,” Turan stated. “Besiktas fans are among the most passionate. We will need to be brave and play our game with confidence.”
Turan emphasized the importance of “playing the moments” effectively, saying the match will likely be decided by how each team handles key phases rather than overall possession.
Shakhtar midfielder Georgiy Sudakov declined to reveal specific tactical plans but hinted at an aggressive approach. “We have a plan, and you’ll see it tomorrow,” he told reporters. He added that since Turan’s arrival, he has taken on a more advanced role on the pitch and is being asked to play closer to the penalty area.
Sudakov recognized Besiktas as a strong opponent but said the Ukrainian side is focused on imposing its own style during the match.
The second leg of the tie is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, in Krakow, Poland. The aggregate winner will progress to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
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