Beşiktaş save one point with late header

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Beşiktaş players congratulate Hugo Almeida (2L) after the Portuguese forward scored a late equalizer against Istanbul BB during a Spor Toto Super League game. AA photo

Beşiktaş salvaged one point with a late goal against Istanbul BB in its first match of the new Spor Toto Super League campaign.

Hugo Almeida sealed the score as Beşiktaş rallied from defeat to secure a 1-1 draw against Istanbul BB on Aug. 19.

Istanbul BB took the lead with veteran midfielder Cihan Haspolatlı in the 59th minute. Five minutes after, Pierre Webo had the chance to double the lead for Istanbul BB, but the ball hit the post and went out.

Beşiktaş increased the pressure and finally found the goal thanks to a header by Portuguese forward Almeida in the 83rd minute.

The opening day slump was not a surprise for Beşiktaş, who has won just twice in its 12 meetings with Istanbul BB.

Beşiktaş has failed to win in any of its seven matches with Istanbul BB at Atatürk Olympic Stadium.

Beşiktaş is also suffering a general away-day drought, failing to win in its last 11 matches away from İnönü Stadium in all competitions, to continue a negative streak that began the previous season.

Beşiktaş coach Samet Aybaba said losing midfielder Veli Kavlak to injury early in the game changed the course of the game.

“We started the game well, but Veli was injured in the 20th minute and that hurt the way we played,” Aybaba said. “We have some young players, and our seasoned players will be added to the team. We will get better in coming matches.

“For now, coming back from defeat to secure a 1-1 draw makes us happy,” he added.

Beşiktaş will host Galatasaray next week in the first big derby of the new season.