Besiktas kicked off their 2026-27 UEFA Europa League league phase campaign in dominant fashion on the 17th, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Marseille at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul. Following a competitive opening period that saw the teams level, the Turkish powerhouse seized total control after the break. A relentless offensive display produced three second-half goals to break the deadlock and put the match out of reach, handing the hosts a stellar start to the continental tournament in front of their home crowd at Vodafone Park.
With the victory well in hand, Besiktas turned to their bench in the 82nd minute, sending on South Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu to replace Junior Olaitan. Oh logged roughly 13 minutes on the pitch, including five minutes of stoppage time. While he didn’t record a goal or an assist during his brief cameo, the forward made a tangible impact through his energetic work rate, constantly pressing Marseille’s backline and offering sharp movement in the attacking third to keep the visitors pinned back until the final whistle.
Oh’s aggressive play off the bench reflects the form he’s displayed since making the switch from Belgian side Genk to Besiktas in February. The South Korean international has quickly established himself as a reliable threat for the Turkish club, recording eight goals and two assists in official matches, a tally that includes six goals and one assist in league competition. His knack for finding the net was showcased during a Türkiye Kupası Group C fourth-round fixture against Çaykur Rizespor at Tüpraş Stadium, where he started and played the opening 45 minutes, scoring in the 42nd minute to extend a 2-0 lead in another 4-1 triumph. That strike marked his fourth goal in just five appearances after joining the club.
That consistent output at club level has propelled Oh to the forefront of the competition for South Korea’s starting lone striker position. Wearing the No. 18 jersey—a shirt steeped in national team history and previously worn by iconic Korean forward Hwang—Oh has realized a personal goal born during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Having traveled to that tournament as an unnumbered reserve player, Oh famously wrote “No. 18” in his notebook as his ultimate ambition. Now established alongside national team colleagues like Cho Gue-sung of Midtjylland and LAFC forward Son Heung-min, Oh’s progression at Besiktas reinforces his growing stature on the international stage.
