Beşiktaş defeated Midtjylland 1-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round on July 23, 2026, according to match reports from Dolmabahçe. Orkun Kökçü scored the decisive goal in the 26th minute, securing a narrow advantage for the Turkish side ahead of the return fixture in Denmark.
Orkun Kökçü’azes Goal Secures First-Leg Advantage Against Midtjylland
Playing at home in Dolmabahçe, Beşiktaş controlled the early exchanges before breaking the deadlock midway through the first half. In the 26th minute, Cerny delivered a precise pass to Orkun Kökçü, who collected the ball on the left side outside the penalty area. Kökçü unleashed a precise curling shot into the far corner, beating Midtjylland goalkeeper Olafsson to make it 1-0, as reported by club match logs.
The visitors had already been reduced to 10 men earlier in the match. Midtjylland’s Friday Ubi Etim received a straight red card in the 15th minute following a harsh challenge on Djalo in the midfield, forcing the Danish side to play a man down for the remainder of the contest.
Missed Chances Keep Scoreline Close Ahead of Return Leg
Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, Beşiktaş failed to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities during the second half. In the 55th minute, Oh collected a pass from Kökçü near the penalty spot and fired a strong turn-and-shot, but Olafsson produced a vital save to keep Midtjylland in the game.
Did you know?
The return fixture to determine which club advances to the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round is scheduled for July 30 in Denmark.
Later in the half, Cerny tested the Danish defense in the 70th minute with a low drive from the left side of the box that sailed just wide of the far post. Midtjylland nearly punished the missed chances in the 80th minute when Bravo released Billing through on goal, but Beşiktaş goalkeeper Nübel rushed off his line to block the one-on-one effort.
Match Statistics and Starting Lineups
Beşiktaş fielded a starting XI featuring Nübel, Murillo, Djalo, Emirhan, Rıdvan, Orkun Kökçü, Salih, Cerny, İlhan, Olaitan, and Oh. Midtjylland’s lineup included Olafsson, Kristensen, Lee, Bech, Jensen, Billing, Bravo, Andreasen, Osorio, Franculino, and Etim.
Semih Kılıçsoy entered the match for Beşiktaş, testing Olafsson in the 81st minute with a shot from the edge of the box, though Kökçü’s follow-up attempt sailed over the crossbar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal for Beşiktaş against Midtjylland?
Orkun Kökçü scored the only goal of the match in the 26th minute, with an assist provided by Cerny.
When and where will the return leg be played?
The second leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round will take place on July 30 in Denmark.
Why did Midtjylland play with 10 players?
Friday Ubi Etim received a straight red card in the 15th minute after committing a foul on Djalo in the midfield.
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