Donetsk ‘Shakhtar’ secures crucial victory in a goal-filled shootout against Turkish ‘Beshiktaş’ in the first leg of the Europa League qualification
In a historic European qualification match held at ‘Beshiktaş Park’ stadium in Istanbul, Donetsk’s ‘Shakhtar’ confidently claimed victory in the first leg of the second qualifying round for the Europa League.
The game was filled with tension and dramatic moments, capturing the attention of hundreds of fans from both sides, as every opportunity could have shifted the outcome.
The visitors from Donetsk started the match with remarkable energy, scoring two goals within the first 30 minutes, boosting their morale and confidence.
The hero of these early episodes was goalkeeper and experienced player Alisson, who brilliantly executed two key moments — a stunning long-range shot and a precise cross from the right flank, setting up head of engineer Eginaldo.
The first half saw the Ukrainians appear in full control, but a minor mistake near the end — Konoplya’s careless handball in the penalty area — led to a penalty calmly converted by seasoned striker Abraham.
After the goal, the Turkish side stepped up their pressure and launched a more aggressive attack on ‘Shakhtar’s’ goal, yet the Ukrainian team held firm and counterattacked, culminating in a third goal by Kevin in an empty net after shaking the defense.
In the closing minutes, Beshiktaş tried to claw back, scoring through Mário and pressing intensively on the defence, yet ‘Shakhtar’ caught their opponents on a decisive counterattack, with Kevin delivering an important strike, sealing the score at 2:4.
The return match is scheduled to take place in Poland on July 31, which will determine which side advances further into the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
The winner will face the stronger team between ‘Rangers’ from Scotland and Greek club ‘Panathinaikos’.
Progressing to the next stage opens the path toward the Europa Conference League, where the teams will face the victors of the tie between ‘St.
Patrick’s’ from Ireland and ‘Nõmme Kalju’ from Estonia.
It is also worth noting that other Ukrainian clubs like ‘Oleksandriya’ and ‘Polissya’ already suffered defeats in their first matches of the Conference League qualification.
Earlier, it was reported that ‘Dynamo Kyiv’ comfortably beat the Maltese team in the Champions League qualification round.