Ole Gunnar Solskjær guided Besiktas to a fourth-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig this season, narrowly missing out on third place on the final day of the campaign. The result marked a bittersweet end to what had otherwise been a commendable effort from one of Turkiye’s most prestigious clubs.
Besiktas Fall Just Short on Final Day
Besiktas has long been regarded as one of the elite names in Turkish football, traditionally competing just behind Galatasaray and Fenerbahce for domestic dominance. With the final round of fixtures looming, they were locked in a battle for third place with the impressive Samsunspor. Both clubs were already assured of a place in the Europa League qualification phase, but the symbolic value of finishing third was significant, particularly for Besiktas, who pride themselves on being a consistent force in Turkish football.
On the last day, Solskjær’s side took care of their own assignment in emphatic fashion. After 71 minutes, they led Bodrum 4-0, and for a brief moment, climbed into third place in the live standings. At the same time, Samsunspor were trailing at home to Kayserispor by a single goal, and hopes were high in the Besiktas camp that they would end the season on the podium.
Dramatic Twist in Added Time
However, football has a reputation for late drama, and this occasion was no different. As reported by VG, Samsunspor mounted a stunning comeback in stoppage time, scoring twice in dramatic fashion. The equaliser arrived in the 5th minute of added time, followed by a winner in the 8th minute, completely flipping the script and snatching third place away from Besiktas.
Despite the disappointment of finishing just outside the top three, Besiktas can still reflect on a positive season under Solskjær’s leadership. They showed resilience and attacking flair, especially in the final game, and have laid a solid foundation to build upon for the next campaign. While they missed out on the symbolic honour of third place, their qualification for European competition remains intact and offers an opportunity to make an impact on the continental stage next season.
