Solskjaer Returns as Besiktas Hosts Athletic Bilbao in Europa League Clash

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Besiktas will host Athletic Bilbao in a crucial Europa League group stage match on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Vodafone Park. The game marks the managerial debut of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who recently signed an 18-month deal with the Turkish club. Both teams are vying for advancement in the competition, with Besiktas needing a strong finish to secure a knockout spot, while Athletic Bilbao has already guaranteed progression.

Solskjaer, returning to football management for the first time since his departure from Manchester United in 2021, takes charge of a Besiktas side sitting sixth in the Turkish Super League. The team has struggled in Europe, winning only two of their six group stage matches. Despite recent domestic form, including a five-game unbeaten run, Besiktas faces an uphill battle against an in-form Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, has been dominant in the Europa League, winning five of their six matches and securing a place in the knockout rounds. The Basque club boasts the best defensive record in the competition, conceding just two goals. Their recent 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga further highlights their strong form heading into Wednesday’s clash.

Historically, Besiktas has faced Athletic Bilbao three times in European competition, with mixed results. The Turkish side lost both legs of a UEFA Cup tie in 1985 but secured a 3-1 victory in the group stage of the same competition in 2004. This time, Besiktas will rely on striker Ciro Immobile, who has scored 14 competitive goals this season, to lead their attack.

Athletic Bilbao will be without key forward Inaki Williams, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. However, manager Ernesto Valverde has depth in his squad, with players like Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta expected to feature prominently. The visitors are determined to secure a top-eight finish in the group stage, which would grant them direct entry into the last 16.

With both teams eager to make a statement, Wednesday’s match promises to be a tightly contested affair. Besiktas will look to capitalize on home advantage, while Athletic Bilbao aims to maintain their unbeaten run in the competition.