Beşiktaş 0-5 Chelsea
Besiktas Park, Istanbul — Attendance: 39,638
Chelsea produced a masterclass of attacking football in Istanbul, brushing aside Turkish giants Beşiktaş with a thumping 5-0 win in the UEFA Champions League League Phase. The result not only solidifies Chelsea’s status as favourites to top the group but showcases the depth and attacking variation that manager Calin Dimario has crafted into this team.
⚽ Goalscorers:
- Netanel Sahar (11′, 23′)
- Jairzinho (29′)
- Shon Mishpati (44′)
- Alan Kardec (51′)
📋 Match Summary
Chelsea wasted no time imposing themselves, dominating both territory and possession from the first whistle. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when a defensive lapse from Mürsel Okay allowed Netanel Sahar to fire home from close range. A second followed soon after with Sahar again on hand to head home a cross, taking his Champions League tally to four goals in as many games.
Jairzinho added a third with a sharp finish, before Mishpati struck just before half-time. Then Alan Kardec capped a brilliant team move with a low finish to make it five early in the second half. Chelsea dominated every phase of the game — 64% possession, 489 passes completed, 19 shots on target, and a total xG of 4.08.
🌟 Player of the Match: Nabil Lahyane (9.2)
Making the most of a rare start ahead of regular left-back Luther Banton, Nabil Lahyane was simply sensational. He notched 2 assists, completed 57 passes at 86%, and made 5 key passes. His relentless overlapping runs and pinpoint delivery dismantled the Beşiktaş right side throughout the game.
The 25-year-old has often played second fiddle to Banton, but with performances like this, Dimario has a real selection dilemma on his hands going forward. Lahyane is making a strong case to take over as first-choice in one of the most competitive squads in Europe.
🧠 Tactical Breakdown
- Formation: Fluid 4-2-3-1 with wide overloads and inverted movements from full-backs
- Midfield Link: Kardec and Franco controlled transitions; Kardec added his name to the scoresheet as well
- Front Three: Sahar, Mishpati, and Jairzinho kept rotating roles, dragging Beşiktaş’s shape apart
📊 Group Update
| Position | Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Chelsea | 4 | 12 |
| 2nd | Arsenal | 4 | 12 |
| 3rd | Juventus | 4 | 9 |
| 4th | Valencia | 4 | 9 |
| 5th | Aston Villa | 4 | 9 |
With four wins from four, Chelsea sit atop the League Phase and are now virtually guaranteed qualification. More importantly, they’re building the kind of momentum and squad form that could take them deep into the competition.
🗣️ Fan Reactions
“Chelsea were absolutely superb today. Lahyane just edges it for my MOTM.” — Frank Wright
“We were brilliant. Lahyane especially, hope he keeps it up!” — Trevor Perkins
🔚 Final Word
With Lahyane pushing hard for Banton’s starting role and Dimario managing rotation superbly, Chelsea look more complete than ever. This five-star showing away from home puts them firmly among the favourites for European glory.