Besiktas Host Struggling Marseille in Europa League Opener at Tupras Stadium

Besiktas welcome Marseille to the Tupras Stadium on Thursday, September 17, 2026, for Round 1 of the UEFA Europa League phase. The Turkish giants enter the match in superb domestic form, whereas Bruno Genesio's Marseille side travel to Istanbul looking to arrest a alarming slump in results.

In-Form Besiktas Soar Domestic Competition

Besiktas come into the continental clash riding high on momentum following three consecutive victories in the Turkish Super Lig. Vincenzo Italiano's side recently thrashed Corum FK 6-2, secured a 2-1 victory away against rivals Fenerbahce, and comfortably defeated Erzurum BB 3-0 at home. Across all home fixtures this season, the Black Eagles hold a flawless winning record.

Although Besiktas suffered a minor stumble in their Europa League qualification playoff return leg against FK Kauno Zalgiris, losing 1-0 away, their overall qualifying campaign saw them concede just one goal across three separate rounds, ensuring a smooth path into the league phase.

Marseille Struggling for Momentum

In stark contrast to their hosts, Marseille find themselves in the midst of a challenging run under head coach Bruno Genesio. After opening their Ligue 1 campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Strasbourg, Les Olympiens have suffered three consecutive league defeats against Monaco (2-0), Paris FC (3-2), and Rennes (1-0).

Sitting 13th in the early domestic table, Marseille have struggled particularly on their travels and will need a much-improved performance to contain a confident Besiktas attack in Istanbul.

Team News and Key Battleground

Besiktas are expected to remain without left-back Ridvan Yilmaz due to a thigh injury, meaning Kassoum Ouattara is set to start in defense alongside Emmanuel Agbadou, Emirhan Topcu, and Michael Murillo. In attack, Dušan Vlahović returns to lead the line after serving a domestic suspension, supported on the wings by Leandro Trossard and Vaclav Cerny. Midfield orchestrator Orkun Kokcu and Salih Ozcan will look to control the tempo from central areas.

Marseille arrive with selection problems in midfield, as both Geoffrey Kondogbia and Tochukwu Nadi are ruled out through injury. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will bear much of the defensive workload in central midfield alongside Amine Harit. Up front, forward Amine Gouiri, Igor Paixao, and Timothy Weah will aim to unlock a Besiktas defense guarded by goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel.

Match Prediction

Given Besiktas's formidable home record and the potent attacking presence of Vlahovic and Trossard, the Turkish side enter as firm favorites. Marseille's defensive frailties and recent away struggles point toward a difficult night in Istanbul, with Besiktas well-positioned to take all three points in their Europa League opener.