Red card and chances cost Besiktas a point loss in the Europa League

Besiktas suffered its first point loss of the Europa League season on Thursday evening at its own stadium, a 2‑2 draw against Crystal Palace, while the Turks had earlier enjoyed a strong start with two victories – 4‑1 over Olympique Marseille and 2‑3 over TSG Hoffenheim.

First wins and recent setback

Crystal Palace began the group stage with a convincing 4‑0 victory over Lech Poznan, but then lost 3‑2 to Olympique Lyon. Besiktas missed Orkun Kökçü due to an injury and left Ernest Poku on the bench, who ultimately was not used.

In the first half it seemed Jean‑Philippe Mateta would open the scoring, but the ball was disallowed for offside. Shortly before halftime Wilfred Ndidi sent the ball into the far corner and gave Besiktas a 1‑0 lead.

After the break Yeremi Pino, after a low cross from Anan Khalaili, levelled for Palace, after which Mateta quickly made it 1‑2. Junior Olaitan scored the equaliser fifteen minutes before the end, resulting in a 2‑2 draw.

The match ended with ten men for Besiktas when Ümit Akfag was immediately shown a red card by referee Danny Makkelie after a hard foul on substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen. The red card underscored the Turks' frustration after the missed point.