Goal and Penalty Open Season
Oh Hyeon-gyu scored his first goal of the season in the 6th minute of the first half, heading a corner from Levent İldem. The 25-year-old was central to two of Beşiktaș' three goals, which secured a 3-0 victory over FK Kauno Žalgiris in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League 2026-2027. In the 12th minute of the second half, he drew a penalty after a foul by Vykintas Slivka inside the penalty area. Orkun Çukur converted the penalty with a low right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner.
Statistics and Recovery from World Cup
Over approximately 60 minutes, Oh Hyeon-gyu recorded four shots, one on target, three successful ground duels, and one successful aerial duel. Footmob rated him 8.0. His recent form had not been perfect: since the match against Alanyaspor in April, he had been goalless. Although he scored in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA North Central American and Caribbean World Cup, he failed to score after returning to Beşiktaș. In post-match interviews, he emphasized his recovery from the World Cup and his goal to maintain a key position in the attack.
Competition with Vlahovic Begins
This season holds extra significance for Oh Hyeon-gyu, who must now contend with the new signing Dusan Vlahovic. Vlahovic, a Serbian top striker who previously played for Fiorentina and Juventus, was requested by new coach Vincenzo Italiano. Oh Hyeon-gyu, who moved from KRC Genk to Beşiktaș in February, started and was substituted for Vlahovic in the second half. In interviews, he acknowledged Vlahovic as the best striker in the world but emphasized his determination to maintain his position in the attack.
