Dream of home final shattered: Besiktas must relegated to the Conference League

The dream of a home final for Besiktas Istanbul was dashed in the second qualifying round. IMAGO/Newspix

A dream can be shattered so quickly. Besiktas Istanbul failed to qualify for the Europa League and thus had to abandon their dream of a final in their own stadium very early on. When the Europa League final kicks off at Besiktas Park in Istanbul on May 20, 2026, one thing is already clear: Besiktas Istanbul will not be on the pitch. The Turkish giants were eliminated in the second qualifying round by Shakhtar Donetsk and will now have to seek their luck in the Conference League.

In the end, it was a clear-cut affair. Besiktas traveled to Poland for the second leg against the Ukrainians with a heavy 2-4 deficit from the first leg – and ultimately were eliminated without a trace at Krakow's Henryka Reymana Stadium.

Some might have already suspected that it wouldn't happen in the twelfth minute, after Kevin, set up by Pedrinho, cut into the box from the left and gave Shakhtar the early lead. And the Ukrainians remained the more dangerous side, and Vinicius Tobias' cross was converted by Kaua Elias to make it 2-0 for Turkey (45+1). After the break, the Black and Whites increased the pressure a bit and even created a few chances, but they were unable to score on the night.

With the 0-2 defeat, Besiktas are now relegated to the Conference League and will face St. Patrick's Athletic of Ireland in the third qualifying round. Meanwhile, Donetsk faces top Greek team Panathinaikos Athens in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.