Besiktas drive out surprised Liverpool on penalties

             Europa leauge football

 

Turks Besiktas knocked Liverpool out of the Europa League on Thursday in a exciting Istanbul come to blows at the scene of one of the English club's greatest triumphs, clawing back their first leg shortage and then winning on penalties.
With an predictable 70,000 Besiktas fans creating a cauldron-like atmosphere, Liverpool knew they faced a tough task on a balmy February evening at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, taking a slim 1-0 lead from the Anfield home leg in the round of 32.
Besiktas levelled on comprehensive in the 72nd minute with a spectacular strike from Tolgay Arslan, assisted by a deft back heel from Senegalese striker Demba Ba, transport the match into extra time and then a penalty shoot out.
With penalties level at 4-4 and all the takers holding their nerve, Arslan dexterously slotted in. Dejan Lovren stepped up for Liverpool but his effort went high, leaving the player unconsolable and Besiktas fans running onto the pitch in joy.
The stadium had special memories for Reds fans as the scene of the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final where the team legendary pulled back a three goal discrepancy to defeat AC Milan on penalties.
But Liverpool were this time without talismanic leader Steven Gerrard, who starred on that prominent night in Istanbul but is still nursing an injury in his last season for the club.
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