Arda Turan leads his Shakhtar Donetsk squad into a critical Europa League second qualifying round match against Besiktas on Thursday, marking his first major test since taking the managerial position at the Ukrainian club. The Turkish coach will face a familiar atmosphere when he returns to Istanbul, where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's "Besiktas" awaits at their home stadium.
"We've demonstrated our attacking principles in the previous round, but this will be a completely different challenge," Turan might say about facing the Turkish giants in their fortress.
The stakes couldn't be higher for this two-legged tie. The winner advances to face either Rangers or Panathinaikos in the third qualifying round, while the loser drops down to Conference League competition. Both sides enter the contest with something to prove after mixed pre-season results.
Solskjaer's "Besiktas" has shown vulnerability in recent friendlies, conceding six goals across four matches including losses to Wolfsberg (2-3) and Petržalka (1-2). The Turkish side has strengthened their squad this summer, purchasing Udokhay and João Mário while securing Tammy Abraham on loan from Roma.
Interestingly, Shakhtar begins this campaign riding the momentum of Turan's explosive debut - a 6-0 demolition of Ilves in their previous qualifying round first leg, followed by a calculated 0-0 draw in Finland with heavy rotation. The Ukrainian side has demonstrated high-tempo football with quick transitions through the flanks under their new manager.
The visitors claim their physical conditioning is near peak levels - a potential advantage early in the season when many teams are still finding their rhythm. Shakhtar also holds an unbeaten record against Turkish clubs, including previous friendly victories against Besiktas itself.
The Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov will oversee proceedings at Besiktas Stadium, where the home crowd's passionate support could play a decisive role. Bookmakers slightly favor the hosts with odds of 2.28 compared to Shakhtar's 3.25.
Expected lineups reveal both teams at near full strength. "Besiktas" likely field Günok in goal with a defensive line of Svensson, Gabriel, Udokhay and Jurasek. Their midfield should feature Kekçü, Tiknaz and Yılmaz supporting an attack of Rafa Silva, Abraham and João Mário.
Shakhtar will counter with Riznyk between the posts, protected by Konoplya, Bondar, Matviyenko and Pedro Henrique. The midfield trio of Marlon, Bondarenko and Sudakov will support attacking options Alisson, Elias and Kevin.
Can Turan's high-pressing philosophy overcome the experience of Solskjaer's squad in the heated Istanbul atmosphere? Every goal could prove crucial before the return leg in this compelling European qualifier.
