Besiktas Perfect Start in Europe as Nübel Shines

Besiktas under Vincenzo Italiano are wasting no time. Six games, six wins, zero goals conceded. The latest step in this flawless opening came with a commanding 3-0 first-leg victory over FK Kauno Zalgiris in the Europa League play-offs, a result that has one foot already planted in the league phase of the 2026/27 competition.

Fast start, ruthless edge

The tie in Istanbul was effectively broken open before the visitors had settled. Hyeon-Gyu Oh struck in the 6th minute, setting the tone with an early finish that underlined Besiktas’ intent. Six minutes later, Michael Amir Murillo doubled the advantage, punishing the Lithuanian side again and turning the night into a damage-limitation exercise for the underdogs.

Any faint hope of a second-half response vanished on the hour. In the 59th minute, Orkun Kökcü made it 3-0, tightening Besiktas’ grip on the tie and underlining why the club were so determined to keep him in Istanbul on a permanent basis.

The scoreline flattered no one. Besiktas were sharper, stronger, and far more clinical. Yet the most telling story of their season so far stood at the opposite end of the pitch.

Nübel the “wall” behind a perfect record

Alexander Nübel has walked into Istanbul and shut the door. The German goalkeeper made his sixth competitive appearance for his new club against Kauno Zalgiris. He kept his sixth clean sheet.

Not a single goal conceded since he pulled on the black-and-white shirt.

The Turkish press have already found their headline. “Nübel is a wall – he does not concede any goals,” wrote daily newspaper Hürriyet, hailing the 27-year-old’s impact and noting how he has “caused a stir with his performances in the black-and-white shirt.”

For a goalkeeper whose Bayern Munich spell never truly ignited, this is a striking reset. Under contract in Munich from 2020 to 2026, Nübel managed just four competitive appearances for the record champions. His loan at Stuttgart revived his reputation; Besiktas are now reaping the benefits.

Italiano’s perfect start and a squad rebuilt

The win over Kauno Zalgiris not only tightened Besiktas’ grip on their European fate, it also extended Italiano’s dream opening in charge. Six games, six wins, all without conceding. The numbers are brutal.

Next up is a domestic test: an away trip to Alanyaspor on matchday two of the Süper Lig before the second leg in Lithuania next Thursday. With momentum surging and confidence high, Besiktas travel expecting to extend this early-season surge.

That surge has not come cheaply. Club officials have already invested just under €67 million in new players, reshaping the squad with a mix of star names and targeted signings.

Nübel’s arrival from Bayern Munich in July, for just under €6 million, looks like one of the bargains of the window if his form holds. But he is far from the only headline addition.

Big-money moves and one early setback

Orkun Kökcü, who had impressed on loan from Benfica, was tied down permanently for €30 million, a clear statement that Besiktas intend to build their midfield around him. The club also pulled off a major coup by landing Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer from Juventus, adding a marquee name to their forward line without a transfer fee attached.

Leandro Trossard arrived from Arsenal for €18 million, another move that underlines the ambition in Istanbul. The Belgian’s creativity and experience were expected to add an extra layer to an already dangerous attack.

But the night against Kauno Zalgiris brought a sting. Trossard suffered an injury during the match and had to leave the pitch early, an unwelcome interruption to what had been a smooth, relentless start to the season.

Besiktas have built a squad to compete on multiple fronts. They have a coach whose ideas are taking hold instantly. They have a goalkeeper who has yet to be beaten. The question now is simple: how long can they keep this perfect run alive?