Alisson opened the scoring for Shakhtar Donetsk as the Ukrainian side claimed a stunning 4-2 away victory against Besiktas in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The match at the intimidating Besiktas Park stadium saw Ardi Turan's men silence the passionate Turkish crowd with a performance that gives them a significant advantage ahead of next week's return leg.
"Coming back to Turkey so early in my Shakhtar journey was unexpected, but my players showed incredible character in this difficult atmosphere," – Turan might reflect after guiding his team to victory in his homeland.
The "Miners" weathered early pressure from the hosts before Alisson struck in the 7th minute, catching Besiktas goalkeeper Günok off guard with a shot from the right flank. The goal immediately reduced the intensity of the home support.
Kevin and Ocheretko created further chances before Eginaldu doubled Shakhtar's lead in the 28th minute, heading home from Alisson's cross to the far post. The Turkish fans could hardly believe what they were witnessing on their home turf.
Besiktas found a lifeline before halftime when Konoplya handled the ball from a corner, allowing Abraham to convert from the penalty spot in the 40th minute. Riznik in the Shakhtar goal was finally beaten after making several important saves.
The second half began with renewed pressure from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, but Shakhtar held firm before extending their lead in the 67th minute. Kevin finished off a brilliant one-and-a-half-minute team move that frustrated the home supporters who were hoping to inspire a comeback.
Interestingly, just when the game seemed settled, Besiktas reduced the deficit again in the 87th minute when João Mário pounced on a rebound after Riznik parried Rafa's shot.
Do the Turkish giants still have hope? Not much. Kevin extinguished any chance of a dramatic comeback by scoring his second goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, finishing off Bondarenko's cross with a sublime shot into the near corner.
The return leg will take place in Krakow on July 31, with "Shakhtar" now firmly in control of the tie. Can Besiktas pull off a miracle in Poland? The four away goals for Turan's team suggest they've already got one foot in the next round.
