Beşiktaş has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Turkish Cup after securing a 2-1 victory against Antalyaspor. The pivotal match took place at Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya, where the Beşiktaş team showcased their impressive form as they triumphed over their competitors on February 25, 2025.
The match started on a high note for Beşiktaş, with 19-year-old Keny Arroyo opening the scoring. Within the first ten minutes, Arroyo finished expertly after connecting with Rafa Silva's initial setup, putting Beşiktaş up 1-0. This goal marked Arroyo's first since his transfer to Beşiktaş from Independiente during the winter transfer window and helped set the tone for the match.
Antalyaspor, undeterred by the early setback, continued to press for opportunities. Their efforts paid off when Milosevic equalized with a well-placed header off Townsend’s cross just after the hour mark, leveling the score at 1-1. The crowd's energy surged, and hopes were high for the home team.
But Beşiktaş was not finished yet. After several exchanges and chances, Rafa Silva found the net again for the visitors, scoring the decisive goal at the 76th minute with the help of Kosovo striker Milot Rashica's assist. Silva's clinical finish sealed the match at 2-1, giving Beşiktaş not only the victory but also the top position in Group D with 9 points after three matches.
Following the match, Beşiktaş's head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expressed pride over the team's performance, stating, “We achieved five consecutive victories,” showcasing confidence heading forward. This success highlights Beşiktaş's upward trend under Solskjaer’s management and raises hopes among supporters for strong performances as they move forward.
Antalyaspor, on the other hand, had their president Sinan Boztepe reflecting on the game with mixed feelings. He acknowledged the challenges they faced, saying, “It was a fun match, but we didn’t get the score we wanted. We are focused on the league as it is more important for us.” His comments indicate the club's shift toward improving their league standing, which is becoming increasingly important as the season progresses.
The defeat solidified Antalyaspor's position at the bottom of Group D, where they now hold three points. Borun FK also succeeded, meaning Beşiktaş and them are the only two teams to advance past group play.
The Turkish Cup's competitive nature continues to infuse excitement among fans, with teams vying to secure their share of glory. Beşiktaş's ability to navigate the group stage successfully places them among the favorites as they move to the knockout rounds, eagerly anticipating what’s next for the historic club.
The strategic gameplay, combined with fresh talent like Arroyo and contributions from experienced players like Rashica, paints a promising picture for Beşiktaş as they aim for silverware this season. The quarterfinals will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, considering Beşiktaş’s upward momentum and maintaining consistency on the pitch.