Amir Murillo hurts OM: Besiktas' decisive goal in Europa

Under the lights of the Vodafone Stadium, the 30‑year‑old full‑back Amir Murillo headed in a corner from Orkun Kökçü in the 59th minute, giving Besiktas their third goal against their former club, Olympique de Marseille, on the opening day of the Europa League.

A transfer that returns in the heart of Europe

After two and a half years in France, Murillo left Marseille in February, the club having sold him for €5 million. The Panamanian said on Wednesday evening that he was happy to reunite with former teammates, even though this time they were opponents.

The corner, taken by Turkish captain Orkun Kökçü, found Murillo who steered the ball into the back of the net, making the score 3‑1 in favour of Besiktas. This goal ended the hopes of Marseille supporters, who had seen their team level to 1‑1 thanks to the young Keyliane Abdallah in the first half.

Marseille supporters expressed their bitterness, the goal being described as particularly painful. They criticised the defence that allowed the corner to be taken too close to the penalty area.

This performance highlights the challenges Marseille faces in Europe, raising the question of their ability to compete at the highest level. The Turkish club thus hopes to consolidate its place in the knockout phase.

The match, played on Thursday evening, was the group’s opening fixture, giving Besiktas an early advantage in the competition. The group’s upcoming games will see Besiktas face Italian and German sides, testing the consistency of their play.