Besiktas Dominates in Europe as Nübel Shines

Besiktas under Vincenzo Italiano are wasting no time announcing themselves. A 3-0 first-leg win over FK Kauno Zalgiris in the Europa League play-offs has one foot already in the league phase of the 2026/27 competition – and sent a clear message across Europe.

The tone was set almost immediately.

Hyeon-Gyu Oh needed just six minutes to break the deadlock, striking early to calm any nerves in Istanbul. Six minutes later, Michael Amir Murillo doubled the lead, and the contest already felt close to decided. When Orkun Kökcü swept in the third in the 59th minute, it stopped being a contest and became a statement.

Yet the story of Besiktas’ start to the season isn’t just about the goals. It’s about the man making sure none go in at the other end.

Nübel’s perfect start

Against the side from Kaunas, Alexander Nübel made his sixth competitive appearance for his new club. He also kept his sixth clean sheet. Six games, six wins, zero goals conceded. That’s not form. That’s dominance.

The reaction in Turkey has been immediate and loud. Daily newspaper Hürriyet summed up the mood in one line: “Nübel is a wall – he does not concede any goals.” The paper hailed the keeper for “causing a stir with his performances in the black-and-white shirt.”

It’s a remarkable turnaround for a goalkeeper whose career had stalled at Bayern Munich. Under contract there from 2020 to 2026, Nübel never truly broke through and played only four competitive matches for the record champions. His loan spell at Stuttgart reminded people of his quality. Besiktas are now reaping the rewards.

With him between the posts, Italiano’s side have opened the season with six straight victories in all competitions, all without conceding. The numbers are brutal. So is the impression they leave.

Big money, big intent

This start is no accident. It has been built on a summer of heavy spending and bold decisions from the Besiktas hierarchy. Club officials have already laid out just under €67 million on new players, reshaping the squad around Italiano’s ideas.

Nübel arrived permanently from Bayern Munich in July for just under €6 million, a fee that already looks like a bargain. Kökcü, initially on loan from Benfica, was signed outright for €30 million, a flagship move that underlined Besiktas’ ambition to compete beyond domestic borders.

The recruitment drive didn’t stop there. Dusan Vlahovic came in from Juventus on a free transfer, a heavyweight name added without a transfer fee. Leandro Trossard followed from Arsenal for €18 million, another proven top-level attacker dropped into Italiano’s system.

The result is a Besiktas side with depth, quality and a clear attacking edge – backed by a goalkeeper in the form of his life.

One setback amid the surge

The night against Zalgiris was close to perfect, but not entirely. Trossard, one of the marquee arrivals, picked up an injury during the match and was forced off early. For a club building rhythm and cohesion, losing such a versatile forward is a blow, even on a night of celebration.

There is no time to dwell. Before the second leg next Thursday, Besiktas travel to Alanyaspor on matchday two of the Süper Lig. Six wins from six have created momentum. The investment has raised expectations.

The question now is simple: can Italiano’s new-look Besiktas turn this flawless start into a season that reshapes the balance of power in Turkey – and makes Europe sit up and take notice?