Beşiktaş return to Istanbul with a 1-0 advantage over Hradec Králové as the sides contest the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying-round tie on Thursday.

Semih Kılıçsoy scored the only goal in the Czech Republic despite Beşiktaş finishing the match with 10 men, leaving Vincenzo Italiano’s side within one victory of the playoff round. Hradec created enough opportunities in the first leg to suggest the tie is far from over, but they must now find a way through a defence that has yet to concede in European qualifying this season.

The winners will advance to the Europa League playoffs, while the defeated side will continue their European campaign in Conference League qualifying.

Beşiktaş building their European campaign on defensive strength

Beşiktaş may only have a one-goal advantage, but there has been plenty to like about their European performances so far.

The Black Eagles eliminated Midtjylland 3-0 on aggregate in the previous round before winning 1-0 away to Hradec, meaning Italiano’s team have now gone three Europa League qualifiers without conceding.

Last week’s victory was particularly impressive given the circumstances. Kassoum Ouattara was dismissed after receiving his second yellow card in the 71st minute, but rather than simply holding out for a draw, Beşiktaş found the winner nine minutes later when substitute Kılıçsoy struck.

Kılıçsoy’s contribution could earn him a starting place on Thursday after he replaced Václav Černý shortly before scoring. Wilfred Ndidi is another option for Italiano after coming off the bench in place of Orkun Kökçü in the first leg.

Ouattara is suspended following his dismissal, but Beşiktaş have otherwise emerged without any fresh injury concerns. The Turkish Super Lig season does not begin until August 14, so there has been no domestic distraction between the two legs. With a packed Beşiktaş Park behind them and a defence that has given opponents very little in Europe so far, the hosts have put themselves in a strong position to complete the job.

Hradec Králové must make their chances count

The 1-0 scoreline did not tell the full story of Hradec Králové’s performance in the opening leg. David Horejš’s side registered nine shots on target and created four big chances, only to find Alexander Nübel in outstanding form. The Beşiktaş goalkeeper made eight saves, ensuring that the Czech side received no reward for an encouraging attacking display.

Hradec responded well to that disappointment by beating Baník Ostrava 2-1 at the weekend, with Tom Slončík scoring both goals. They have collected seven points from their opening three Czech First League matches, so their domestic form offers some encouragement before the trip to Istanbul.

Slončík should retain an important attacking role after his weekend brace, with Mick van Buren and Ondřej Mihálik also expected to feature.

Horejš has fewer options available than his opposite number, though. Tomáš Wiesner and Jakub Kučera remain sidelined with knee problems, Tomáš Petrášek is struggling with a calf injury, while Adam Binar, Viktor Zentrich and Juraj Chvátal are also unavailable. Adam Vlkanova remains a doubt following illness.

Hradec are attempting to reach the main stage of a UEFA competition for the first time since their appearance in the 1995-96 Cup Winners’ Cup. Their performance last week showed they are capable of troubling Beşiktaş, but missed opportunities in the home leg have left them with a much more difficult task in Istanbul.

Verdict

Hradec created enough in the Czech Republic to ensure Beşiktaş cannot simply regard this as a formality, and the visitors will have to take more risks as they chase the goal required to level the aggregate score.

That could eventually play into the hands of the hosts. Beşiktaş have not conceded in three European qualifiers this season, possess greater individual quality and now have home advantage as they look to secure their place in the playoff round. Hradec should make them work for it, but Beşiktaş are well placed to win again and complete the job in Istanbul.

Tip

Beşiktaş to win.