Beşiktaş secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Ziraat Türkiye Cup with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Onvo Antalyaspor, held at the Corendon Airlines Park Stadium. This win solidified their top position in Group D, making it three victories out of three matches.
The excitement of the match was palpable as players took to the field, and it didn’t take long for things to heat up. Just ten minutes in, Beşiktaş took the lead through their new signing Keny Arroyo, who struck with precision after receiving a pass from Arthur Masuaku, making it 1-0. This was Arroyo's first goal for Beşiktaş since joining from Independiente del Valle, and it showcased his potential to be a key player moving forward.
Beşiktaş maintained their lead throughout the first half, which ended 1-0. Their defensive strategies established by coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer paid off, as they managed to contain Antalyaspor effectively until halftime.
After the break, the game intensified. Although Antalyaspor struggled to find their footing early on, they equalized at the 64th minute when Deni Milosevic headed home from Andros Townsend's cross. This goal shifted momentum and reignited hopes for the home side.
But Beşiktaş was quick to respond. Just 12 minutes later, Rafa Silva brought them back to the forefront with another impressive goal. Silva's shot hit the crossbar before finding its way to the back of the net, allowing Beşiktaş to regain the lead at 2-1.
The final moments of the match saw tensions rise as Antalyaspor searched for another equalizer, but the Beşiktaş defense held steadfast. With this victory, Beşiktaş emerged as group leaders, advancing to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Reflecting on the match, Arroyo spoke about his experience, saying, “Scoring my first goal for Beşiktaş feels amazing. I hope to contribute much more as we move forward.” The team displayed unity and resilience, components necessary for their upcoming challenges.
Meanwhile, this defeat marked the end of the road for Antalyaspor, who finished fourth with just three points, having only managed to secure one win against Kocaelispor during the group stage.
Looking onward, Beşiktaş will carry their winning momentum and the confidence gained from this match as they prepare for the quarter-finals. They will aim to continue their cup run and seek to reclaim the trophy they have targeted.
This match not only underscored Beşiktaş's dominance within the group but also highlighted the potential of young talents like Arroyo, foreshadowing what could be a significant year for the black-and-whites.