Istanbul Basaksehir prepared for Thursday night’s Europa Conference Leagu e Group A opener against Hearts by going top of the league.
And they ran out 2-0 winners shortly after Robbie Neilson ’s team had gone down 1-0 at Livingston, Emre Belozoglu’s men hosted their Turkish Super Lig rivals Alanyaspor at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium. They knew beforehand that victory would see them leapfrog city rivals Besiktas - who play tomorrow - and return to the summit ahead of their trip to the Scottish capital next week.
The hosts broke the deadlock after 27 minutes. Great play by Mounir Chouiar on the angle of the box was key. The Frenchman threw in several stepovers to wrongfoot his man and get a shot in on goal. Runar Runarsson got down well to save, but couldn’t divert the ball away from danger. Serdar Gurler took full advantage, pouncing on the rebound to fire Basaksehir ahead from close range.
Basaksehir had further chances, notably through Phelipe Keny, but he failed to increase their advantage initially. Former Rangers winger Daniel Candeias tried to make things happen for the visitors, but it was the home side who remained the most dangerous throughout on the break.
Emre made five second half changes in a bid to keep the legs fresh ahead of facing the Jambos. Aston Villa loanee Bertrand Traore was introduced alongside Daniel Aleksic. It was Keny who made the points safe, latching onto Traore's pass and somewhat clumsily rounding Runnarson before squeezing the ball into the empty net from a tight angle.
Traore slammed home into the top corner in stoppage time for what he thought was 3-0. But his celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.
Traore's assist has done his chances of starting at Tynecastle no harm. He could be up against Craig Halkett if he does. Neilson said after his side’s defeat that the defender was touch and go for Saturday's fixture, but should be fit in order to face the Turks.
Halkett lasted just six minutes of Hearts’ 2-1 Europa League playoff first leg defeat away to FC Zurich. The defender was forced off with a hamstring strain and hasn't played since.
Unlike Hearts, their opponents are in good form heading into the Euro clash. They've won three of their opening four league matches, drawing one. They've ’managed eight goals in that period and are yet to concede domestically.
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