Besiktas just got past LASK Linz in their Europa League third round qualifying first leg match thanks to a goal from former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel. The Dutchman’s sixth minute goal was enough as LASK were unable to carve out an away goal.
Now, the Austrians host Besiktas with the away side needing just an away goal to seal their progression to the Europa League playoff round.
LASK hammered Lillestrom in the second qualifying round by a 6-1 scoreline. The Austrians have goals in them, but against Besiktas it may be difficult to find those strikes. The quality within the Besiktas squad is far superior to that of the LASK team.
The Turks boast forwards Babel, Vagner Love, Alvaro Negredo, and Atiba Hutchinson. The squad also has defensive players that should keep LASK out of goal during the 90-minute fixture. Gary Medel, Pepe, and Domagoj Vida all provide a solid defensive spine to the team. LASK will have difficulty getting through Besiktas’ rearguard.
With the talent at Senol Gunes’ disposal, it is amazing that Besiktas only managed a 1-0 victory at home. LASK was able to soak up Besiktas pressure in the first leg and hit the Turks on the counterattack. Besiktas registered 68 percent of the possession during the fixture along with 81 attacks. LASK only tallied 36 attacks against the Turks with 27 of those being dangerous. Despite LASK’s attacks, they managed just one shot on target during the 90 minutes. LASK’s feisty defensive play also resulted in three yellow cards compared to Besiktas’ zero.
Besiktas are the sportsbooks’ favourites going into Thursday’s fixture. The club should have no difficulty easing through to the next round. A single away goal means LASK must tally three goals to go through. Besiktas’ defence is too talented and difficult to breakdown for LASK to get that many goals. LASK’s only hope may be to nick a goal at home and hold out for penalties. Besiktas have goals in them, unlike they showed in the first leg. The Turks tallied eight goals in their second qualifying round match against B36 Toshavn. Although LASK are a step up in talent, Besiktas should get goals in the second leg.
LASK will push forward to get an equaliser. Their need for a goal will open the team up at the back. It will allow Besiktas to open up the scoring. Once Besiktas get their first goal, LASK will push forward further giving the Turks more opportunities to score goals.