Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: BetUS
Besiktas head to Switzerland to take on Lugano at the Stockhorn Arena on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie. The stakes are high, as the winners of this two-legged clash will earn a spot in the new 36-team Europa League, while the losers will have to settle for a place in the Conference League.
Both teams will be eager to seize a good result in this opening leg, with Besiktas looking to build on their strong European pedigree and Lugano hoping to make the most of their home-field advantage.
Lugano
After competing in the Conference League group stage last season, Lugano are now aiming to reach the Europa League proper for the third time in their history, with their last appearance coming five years ago. The Bianconeri enjoyed a strong Swiss Super League campaign last season, finishing second, and began the 2024-25 season with three consecutive league victories. However, they suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Luzern just under two weeks ago.
Mattia Croci-Torti’s side face the challenge of balancing their domestic campaign with continental fixtures. They initially participated in the Champions League qualifiers but were eliminated by Fenerbahce in a 6-4 aggregate defeat at the end of last month. Now, avoiding further disappointment against another Turkish team, Besiktas, is a priority for Lugano.
After dropping down to the Europa League, Lugano saw off Partizan Belgrade 3-2 on aggregate in the third qualifying round, following up a 1-0 first-leg win away from home with a 2-2 draw in the second leg at home. They come into Thursday’s clash with Besiktas in high spirits after thrashing lower-league side Bruhl 7-1 in the first round of the Swiss Cup on Sunday, a morale-boosting win that has them in good shape for their upcoming European test.
Team News
Lugano will have to cope without suspended defender Albian Hajdari, who was sent off in the previous round against Partizan Belgrade. In his absence, Ayman El Wafi or Lukas Mai are expected to fill in at centre-back alongside Antonios Papadopoulos.
Midfielder Mattia Bottani, who recently returned to the squad after overcoming a muscle injury, could play a role in Thursday’s match, potentially adding experience and creativity in midfield.
Meanwhile, Kacper Przybylko will look to build on his recent form after scoring a hat-trick against Bruhl, bringing his season tally to five goals in eight games. He will be vying for the central striker role alongside Ignacio Aliseda and Shkelqim Vladi.
Besiktas
After a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig last season, Besiktas have bounced back in style at the start of the 2024-25 campaign. They began with an emphatic 5-0 win over Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Cup, laying down a marker for the season ahead.
In the league, the Black Eagles have maintained their strong form, securing victories in both of their opening fixtures. A 2-0 win over Samsunspor was followed by a 4-2 triumph against Antalyaspor at home last weekend. Despite conceding within the first 23 seconds, Besiktas responded brilliantly with a 23-minute brace from new signing Ciro Immobile, alongside goals from fellow newcomer Rafa Silva and Ernest Muci, ensuring a perfect start to the season.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who took charge in June, has had a promising beginning to his tenure and will now shift his attention to Thursday’s Europa League playoff against Lugano. Besiktas are determined to secure a spot in the group stage of the competition for the first time since the 2019/20 season.
Team News
Besiktas will be without Emrecan Terzi (knee) and Arda Kilic (ankle) for their Europa League playoff first leg against Lugano, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Daniel Amartey, Oguzhan Akgun, and Abdullah Aydin have been left out of the squad for the competition.
In terms of the starting lineup, Arthur Masuaku could be reinstated at left-back, replacing Emirhan Topcu. Gabriel Paulista and Omar Colley are expected to continue as the central defensive pairing.
Up front, Besiktas’ new signings Ciro Immobile and Rafa Silva, who have combined for seven goals in just three games, are both set to start. They will likely be joined in attack by wingers Milot Rashica and Semih Kilicsoy, providing further firepower as the Turkish giants look to gain an advantage in Switzerland on Thursday.
Conclusion
Given both teams’ impressive form in front of goal early in the season, this could be a high-scoring affair with plenty of action in the final third. However, Besiktas’ quality across the pitch, combined with their strong recent performances under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, gives them the edge.
Despite Lugano’s determination and home advantage, the Turkish side should find a way to secure a positive result in the first leg.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: BetUS
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