*This content was translated by AI.
With world-class striker Doosan Blahovitch joining, predictions suggested that South Korean national team forward Oh Hyeon-gyu's position would become narrower. However, Oh Hyeon-gyu instead proved his value with a goal.
Besiktas secured a 3-0 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) playoff against Kauno Zalgiris (Lithuania) at Tüpraş Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 21st (Korea time) for the 2026–2027 season.
On this day, Oh Hyeon-gyu scored his first goal of the season and also drew a penalty kick, leading his team to a decisive win.
It started with intensity. In the sixth minute of the first half, Oh Hyeon-gyu connected with a sensory header from a corner kick delivered by Ridvan Yilmaz, shaking the opponent's net. This was his first goal in six official matches this season.
He also made his presence felt in the second half. In the 12th minute of the second half, Oh Hyeon-gyu drew a foul from the opposing defense to earn a penalty kick, contributing to Besiktas driving home the nail in the match.
Oh Hyeon-gyu recorded one goal and one drawn penalty kick today, along with an 82% pass success rate. In defense, he made one clearance by kicking away the ball and one header clearance each. He won three ground-ball duels and one aerial duel. Football statistics platform FootMob awarded Oh Hyeon-gyu a rating of 8.0.
This goal was particularly significant. Oh Hyeon-gyu played as Besiktas' starting forward last season, but this season he must face even fiercer competition. This is because Blahovitch, who has been active as a top-class striker in Italy's Serie A, has donned the Besiktas jersey.
Moreover, Blahovitch also has a connection with Besiktas manager Vincenzo Italiano from their time together at Fiorentina (Italy). For Oh Hyeon-gyu, this means a formidable competitor has emerged.
However, Oh Hyeon-gyu answered first with a goal just as the starting lineup competition officially intensified. His performance also drew attention in Turkey.
To Turkish media Medya, it was reported: "Besiktas' Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu has begun to attract attention as his recent upward trend continues," and "He demonstrated his presence in the starting forward competition by activating his goal-scoring machine in European competitions."
It continued, "Oh Hyeon-gyu is seeking playing opportunities even amid fierce competition among the attacking line," and "Recently, he has been sending signals of a comeback by improving his performance."
The media also introduced Oh Hyeon-gyu's goal and penalty-drawing scenes in detail. It then praised, "Although Oh Hyeon-gyu was substituted off for Blahovitch in the 15th minute of the second half, his performance today made him one of the most noticeable players in the match."
Coincidentally, Blahovitch, who replaced Oh Hyeon-gyu, played his debut match for Besiktas on this day. However, he managed only one shot and failed to add to his attacking points. FootMob gave Blahovitch a rating of 6.1.
To Medya, it was highly evaluated that Oh Hyeon-gyu is an attacker with various strengths beyond just goal-scoring. The media explained, "Oh Hyeon-gyu's strength lies not only in his scoring ability but also in his playing style that does not shy away from physical duels," and "He is the type of attacker who can press opposing defenders from the front."
Furthermore, it did not hastily declare one player superior in the starting lineup competition between Oh Hyeon-gyu and Blahovitch. This meant that both players have opportunities to start.
To Medya, it was forecasted: "With Besiktas acquiring Blahovitch, the options at the front have increased," and "The starting lineup competition between Oh Hyeon-gyu and Blahovitch is expected to continue throughout the season."
It continued, "Oh Hyeon-gyu also views playing on the same team as an important striker like Blahovitch as an opportunity for his own development."
It then emphasized, "For Oh Hyeon-gyu, who is still in his mid-20s, time at Besiktas is one of the important tests in his player career," and "Besiktas fans are also paying attention to what kind of performance he will show amid fierce starting lineup competition following his recent upward trend and goal in European competitions."
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
