Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed a perfect start to life in the Besiktas dugout, as he led the side to a 4-1 Europa League victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Solskjaer, who was sacked by United in 2021, finally made his return to football management as he was named Besiktas boss last Friday.
The Norwegian’s first assignment was preparing his players for Bilbao’s visit – a game they needed to win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Europa League alive.
Before Wednesday, Besiktas had won only two of their opening six fixtures in the competition. They lost the other four.
However, there were no problems for the Turkish side as they clinched all three points against Bilbao, courtesy of a brace from Milot Rashica and strikes from Rafa Silva and Joao Mario.
Rashica put the hosts in the lead just 17 minutes in as he fired an effort into the top corner from outside the area.
Bilbao restored parity moments before the break as Unai Gomes volleyed into the corner from close range. The shot was Bilbao’s first one on target all half and was subject to a lengthy VAR check before it was given the green light.
Whatever Solskjaer told his players in the dressing room worked, as they came out guns blazing for the second period. Rashica completed his double after Silva rounded the Bilbao goalkeeper and unselfishly teed it up for him to tap into the back of an empty net.
Silva would go on to get on the score sheet in the 77th minute after Mert Günok saved his initial attempt.
Portuguese midfielder Mario scored a fourth in stoppage time after calmly converting from the penalty spot, to ensure the victory was guaranteed.
Besiktas have now moved to 18th position in the league phase standings ahead of the remainder of the Matchday 7 fixtures and their visit to Dutch outfit Twente next week.
The win is even more impressive, considering Bilbao were on an unbeaten run in the Europa League.
The next assignment for Solskjaer and his players is against Antalyaspor, who are currently in 14th place in the Super Lig.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
