Istanbul: Turkish side Besiktas qualified for the main round of the UEFA Europa League despite losing 1-0 to their Lithuanian hosts, Zalgiris, in the second leg of their playoff tie on Thursday evening. The Turkish team benefited from their 3-0 victory in the first leg in Istanbul last week, securing qualification with a 3-1 aggregate score.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Besiktas dominated the first half but failed to convert their superiority into goals, with clear-cut chances scarce at both ends. Their best opportunity came in the 32nd minute when Ilhan Fakili’s cross evaded several defenders and struck the post before bouncing back into play.

In the second half, Zalgiris scored the only goal of the match in the 64th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Besiktas defender Tiago Diallo. The attack began with a long pass from the Zalgiris goalkeeper, which Diallo failed to control, allowing the ball to reach Brazilian Renan Oliveira, who fired a low shot into the net.

The Lithuanian team tried to capitalize on the goal to reduce the aggregate deficit, but they lacked attacking effectiveness against Besiktas’ organized defense. The Turkish team maintained their aggregate lead until the final whistle, securing their place in the Europa League main round.