Dream debut for Shinji Kagawa as Beşiktaş crush Antalyaspor 6-2
Shinji Kagawa scores a brace on his debut in just 3 minutes....
Theoretically that means Beşiktaş would draw an “easier” opponent, although teams like RB Leipzig will also be in pot 4.
Thanks to the elimination of AFC Ajax (2-2 vs Nice, 3-3 aggregate) and Dynamo Kyiv (2-0 vs Young Boys, 3-3 aggregate) Beşiktaş have already been guaranteed a spot in pot 3. Both games were decided by late goals, so Beşiktaş can count themeslves quite lucky.
On paper atleast this is great news for the club and should enhance their chances to reach the next round or the Europa League.
We would also like to congratulate Istanbul Başakşehir for eliminating Club Brugge tonight, 5-3 on aggregate, and earning themselves a spot in the final qualifying round. Which also guarantees them group stage football in the Europa League and possibly Champions League.