2026-2027 Europa League: Midtjylland vs. Besiktas, Probable Lineups

The MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark, will host the second-leg match of the Europa League second qualifying round between Midtjylland and Besiktas at 7 p.m. on Thursday, with the Turkish side, coached by Vincenzo Italiano, holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Istanbul, thanks to a goal scored in the 26th minute by Orkun Kokcu while his team had a man advantage following Friday Etim’s red card in the 15th minute.

Last year, the Danes played a leading role in the main phase of Europe’s second-tier competition, finishing third in the 36-team League Phase, behind Lyon and Aston Villa with a record of six wins, one draw, and one loss. They were eventually eliminated in the round of 16 on penalty kicks against Nottingham Forest. This year, however, they’ll need to overcome a one-goal deficit against Besiktas; otherwise, they’ll advance to the third qualifying round of the Conference League.

The Turks, for their part, are aiming for a return to the Europa League after last year’s run ended at this very stage of the competition (Shakhtar prevailed back then). The Istanbul “Black-and-Whites” didn’t even manage to reach the group stage of the Conference League, due to their defeat in the two-legged tie against Lausanne. Their last appearance in the main phase of a competition dates back to the 2023–2024 season: that year, however, Besiktas failed to advance past the group stage in the Conference League.

Probable Lineups

MIDTJYLLAND (3-5-2): Olafsson; Kristensen, Erlic, Sorensen; Osorio, Billing, Bravo, Byskov, B Junior; Dju, Cho. Coach: Tullberg.

BESIKTAS (4-1-4-1): Nubel; Yilmaz, Djalo, Topcu, Murillo; Ozcan; Cerny, Olaitan, Kokcu, Fakili; Oh. Coach: Italiano.