Besiktas storm into second round

European experience
A fortnight ago, the first leg in Istanbul ended 2-2 rather surprisingly, but in truth, simply reaching this stage of the competition was already a historic achievement for the Bosnia-Herzegovnian Cup winners. Tonight’s game proved to be a step too far, as the Turkish side’s European experience allowed them to comprehensively outplay their opponents.

Early goal
Besiktas struck a crucial early blow, Romanian international Daniel Pancu scoring in the fifth minute and handing his side a crucial psychological boost in the process. Sarajevo were shaken by the early setback, and the away side never allowed their hosts to settle. However, although Besiktas continued to press forward in search of more goals, the home side were not out of the game, and both Mirzet Krpinac and Adnan Osmanhodzic missed the target from promising positions.

Important goal
However, two minutes before the half-time interval it was 2-0 to Besiktas, Ibrahim Uzülmez capitalising on some uncertain defending from Sarajevo to give his side a 4-2 aggregate lead and leave the home side with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Sarajevo fight back
The Turkish side refused to let up after the break, and much of the early part of the second half was spent in the midfield third as Sarajevo refused to accept defeat and fought hard for a way back into the game. 

Paying the penalty
However, Ahmet Dursun’s penalty killed off all hope the home team had of rescuing their European hopes, and further strikes from Yasin Sülün in the 83rd minute and Ali Begecarslan a minute later confirmed a comfortable victory for the away side and sealed their passage through to the second round.