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Mohamed Salah scored his eighth league goal of the season as Trabzonspor defeated Besiktas 2-0 at Papara Park on Monday, securing their fourth consecutive victory under head coach Thomas Reis and moving into fourth place in the Turkish Super Lig.
Ozan Tufan opened the scoring in the first half before Salah doubled the lead after the break, helping Trabzonspor overcome their Istanbul rivals despite Besiktas controlling much of the possession.
The result lifted Trabzonspor to 16 points, one ahead of fifth-placed Besiktas, while Salah moved clear at the top of the league's scoring chart with eight goals and three assists in eight matches.
Besiktas made the stronger start, creating several early opportunities as Trabzonspor goalkeeper Andre Onana denied Olaitan's close-range header before keeping out Vaclav Cerny's deflected effort.
However, the hosts took the lead in the 21st minute when Ernest Muci broke into the penalty area and forced goalkeeper Alexander Nubel into a save, allowing Ozan Tufan to turn in the rebound with a half-volley.
Trabzonspor nearly extended their advantage before halftime after Salah launched a counterattack that eventually released Franculino, but Nubel came out on top in the one-on-one encounter.
Besiktas responded with another dangerous attack as Onana pushed away Leandro Trossard's powerful strike, only for Murillo to hit the woodwork from the rebound.
Despite holding nearly 65% of possession, Besiktas struggled to find a way through Trabzonspor's defense in the second half, with Trossard sending an effort narrowly wide in the 70th minute.
Just a minute later, Salah doubled the hosts' advantage after Franculino collected a lofted pass from Aral Simsir and sent a low cross into the penalty area, where the Egyptian forward finished first time from close range.
The goal brought Salah's league tally to eight, strengthening his position as the competition's leading scorer.
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Trabzonspor continued to create chances on the counterattack, with Nubel denying both Noah Saviolo and Salah in quick succession before the Egyptian narrowly missed another opportunity.
Besiktas made a late attempt to pull a goal back through substitute Ilhan Fakili, but Onana preserved the clean sheet as Trabzonspor wrapped up their fourth straight victory in all competitions under Reis.
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