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Beşiktaş ground out a nervy 1-0 win over Eyüpspor in their Süper Lig season opener, with Vaclav Cerny’s 25th-minute strike proving decisive in a match where the visitors played over 20 minutes with 10 men.
The Black Eagles took flight early, Junior Olaitan dancing past two challenges before slipping Cerny through on goal. The Czech winger made no mistake, bending his finish around Horatiu Moldovan to send the Vodafone Park faithful into raptures.
Eyüpspor’s Discipline Unravels
David Costa’s evening typified Eyüpspor’s frustration – booked in the 28th minute for dissent, the Brazilian combusted completely on 68 minutes when a second yellow for dragging back substitute Ilyas Fakili saw him dismissed. Vincenzo Italiano’s side suddenly had the numerical advantage their 66% possession deserved.
Beşiktaş’s Missed Chances
Yet for all their dominance – 19 shots to Eyüpspor’s timid 4 – Beşiktaş nearly paid for their wastefulness. Trossard rattled the crossbar moments before his substitution, while Semih Kılıçsoy spurned two golden chances that had coach Italiano clutching his head in disbelief. Eyüpspor’s Moldovan stood tall with four saves to keep the underdogs in touching distance.
What This Means for Both Sides
For Beşiktaş, three points – but questions linger after failing to kill off a game where their xG (1.17) dwarfed Eyüpspor’s paltry 0.07. For Ozhan Pulat’s newly-promoted side, there were flickers of defiance in their organized shape before Costa’s madness. They’ll need more composure when hosting Kayserispor next week, while the Black Eagles travel to Antalyaspar aiming to sharpen their talons.
Key Moments
25′ ⚽ Beşiktaş — V. Cerny (assist: J. Olaitan)
68′ 🟥 Eyüpspor — D. Costa sent off
