Before the match

“Besiktas” is holding a home match in the Kemal Mustafa Ataturk stadium in western part of Istanbul. The team of Slaven Bilic will overcome 1/16 final of Europa League in case of beating “Liverpool”. “Besiktas” lost 0:1 in “Anfield” and now needs to score goal.

Fans of “Besiktas” are singing together at the metro station and are heading to the stadium.

There is smell of fried meat near the stadium. Old Turks are frying meat and trying to get benefit. You can rarely notice women in the stadium.

The Ataturk stadium is in outskirts part of Istanbul. High grey buildings can be seen away from the stadium. The fans are sitting on the field and drinking beer. Barbecue and beer before European football and the Turks are feeling comfortable.

During the match

At the beginning of the match Mario Balotelli managed to argue with one of the players.

The fans of “Besiktas” supported their team but they more tried to create discomfort for their rival team. They were whistling all the time.

The first match finished with scoreless draw. Neither team dominated, score reflected the match. “Besiktas” could not score goal and “Liverpool” was pleased with the score.

Daniel Sturridge had a chance to score goal but Gonen parried the ball.

Sturridge’s shot was followed by Sahan’s active play. He kicked the ball but the goalkeeper played well.

Demba Ba was one of the best organizers of offence from “Besiktas”. Arslan, Kavlak and Hutchinson played well behind him. Sahan and Tore were the best on wings.

Balotelli played well from “Liverpool” but made some mistakes against the Turk defenders.

The football players of the Croatian coach controlled ball at the beginning of the second half. The host turned out to be a favorite. “Liverpool” played in its penalty area. The team of Rodgers could not control the ball.

“Besiktas” controlled situation. Demba Ba’s assisted was followed by Arslan’s goal. The stadium started cheering and “Liverpool” was in tough situation.

During the whole match Bilic and Rodgers were standing near the stadium. They were more active after Arslan’s goal, gave instructions and advices to the players.

The second half was quite different from the first one. “Besiktas” gained advantage. In extra time “Liverpool” started playing better. The teams did not make mistakes at the end of the match.

“Liverpool” won penalty shoot-out in the 2005 Champions League final. The players scored penalties. Lovren made the only mistake and the Turk players made through to 1/8 final.

After the match

The fans and the players were expressing happiness emotionally. The players of “Besiktas” were celebrating victory with the fans.

After the match one of the Turk journalists went up to the table of the press box and started jumping on it.

Brendan Rodgers looked sad. He patiently answered questions of journalists. In the end he thanked the Turks for the brilliant atmosphere and left the press conference hall.

According to Rodgers, this match gave important experience to some players of “Liverpool”. He named mistakes and lack of luck the reason of failure.

“Besiktas” made through to the next round and is among 16 best teams of the tournament. Slaven Bilic was not put critical questions. His team beat the representative of world’s one of the best championships, England Premier League.

Dima Sharikadze, specially for worldsport.ge from Istanbul