Lithuanian champions Kauno Žalgiris suffered a 0-3 defeat away to Turkish giants Besiktas in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off tie. The two sides will meet again next Thursday in Kaunas, with Žalgiris already guaranteed a place in the UEFA Conference League league phase regardless of the result.
In front of more than 40,000 spectators at Besiktas Park, the hosts fielded several of their star players, including former Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard, while ex-Juventus striker Dušan Vlahovic made his debut after coming on in the second half.
The Turkish side made the perfect start, opening the scoring in just the sixth minute. Following a corner kick, South Korean striker Hyeon-Gyu Oh rose highest at the near post and headed the ball over Tomas Švedkauskas into the far corner.
Besiktas doubled their advantage only six minutes later. Another dangerous cross exposed the Kauno Žalgiris defence, allowing Panamanian defender Michael Murillo to arrive unmarked and fire home with his first touch to make it 2-0.
Željko Sopić’s side struggled to establish any meaningful possession or create attacking opportunities throughout the opening half, while Švedkauskas prevented the scoreline from becoming even more one-sided with a number of important saves.
The hosts continued to dominate after the break and eventually added a third goal in the 60th minute. After Kauno Žalgiris failed to clear the ball inside their own penalty area, the visitors conceded a penalty, which Turkey international Orkun Kokcu calmly converted to extend the lead to 3-0.
Beciktac finished the match with a commanding statistical advantage, registering 21 shots compared to just three from the Lithuanian champions.
The return leg will take place on 27 August at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas.
Besiktas vs FK Kauno Žalgiris – 3-0 (2-0)
Goals: Oh 6′, Murillo 12′, Kokcu 60′ (Penalty kick)
