Besiktas eyes first semifinal showing in Europa League

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's Besiktas will take on Olympique Lyon Thursday in UEFA Europa League's quarterfinal second-leg matchup.

Lyon managed to beat Besiktas 2-1 last Thursday on their home turf, thanks to an error by Besiktas goalkeeper Fabricio in the match’s final minutes.

Besiktas need to win the match by a score of at least 1-0, or beat his opponent by more than two goals. The Istanbul club have yet to close in their home turf in European competitions, but a draw would not be useful.

Besiktas striker Vincent Aboubakar and defender Marcelo are serving suspensions along with Lyon's Rafael.

The quarterfinal appearance by the Istanbul club is their first showing at this level since the 2002-2003 season. If the Black Eagles manage to eliminate their opponent, it will be the first time that the club advances to the semifinals in the tournament.

The Thursday evening fixture in France saw the game delayed by 45 minutes as people spilled onto the pitch after fighting broke out between the rival fans and missiles were thrown.

There was also violence outside the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium before the game.

- Gunes to match Lucescu's record

Besiktas manager Senol Gunes will equalize former manager Mircea Lucescu's record with the match, making his 18th appearance in European competitions with the club.

Lucescu, in his 18 showings with the club in European competitions, won 6 matches, drew 4 times, and lost a total of 8 times.

Besiktas boss Gunes' record is slightly better, as the team won 6 times, drew 8 times, and lost three times in 17 showings.