Ernest Poku scored after coming off the bench as Beşiktaş began their UEFA Europa League campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Olympique Marseille in Istanbul.
The Dutch-Ghanaian forward was introduced in the second half and made his mark late in the match, scoring Beşiktaş’s fourth goal in the 81st minute to complete an emphatic opening-night victory.
Beşiktaş had taken control of the match early and moved ahead in the 15th minute through lhan Fakl, who finished after being played in by Junior Olaitan.
Marseille responded before the break, with Keyliane Abdallah finding the equaliser in the 29th minute following a move involving Himad Abdelli.
The teams went into half-time level at 1-1, but Beşiktaş produced a stronger second-half display to take control of the contest.
The Turkish side restored their advantage in the 56th minute when Vclav ern scored following an assist from captain Orkun Kk. Beşiktaş then extended their lead just three minutes later.
Captain Kk was involved again, providing his second assist of the match as Amir Murillo headed home to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
Poku was brought on in the 71st minute, replacing ern, and needed only 10 minutes to make an impact.
The forward’s introduction added another attacking threat to the Beşiktaş side, and he eventually found the net in the 81st minute to complete the scoring.
Olaitan, who had earlier provided the assist for Beşiktaş’s opening goal, was involved once again. The midfielder, who was named Player of the Match, supplied the pass for Poku to score the fourth.
The goal completed a dominant result for the Turkish side and gave them three goals in the second half after the match had been level at the interval.
Beşiktaş’s 4-1 victory provides them with a positive start to their European campaign and adds momentum ahead of their return to domestic competition.
Poku’s late contribution was also notable given his role as a substitute. After entering the match in the 71st minute, he had a direct impact on the final score by finding the net 10 minutes later.
The result leaves Beşiktaş with an emphatic opening victory in the Europa League, while Marseille were unable to build on their first-half equaliser.
The hosts will now turn their attention to domestic action. Beşiktaş are scheduled to face Amed in the Trendyol Süper Lig on September 20.
For Poku, the match provided an ideal start to his involvement in Beşiktaş’s European campaign. His late goal capped a four-goal performance from the Turkish side and helped ensure their first Europa League fixture ended with a comprehensive home victory.
