Beşiktaş fails to advance to UEFA Europa League semis
Black Eagles lose to Olmypique Lyon in penalty shootout
Beşiktaş failed to advance Thursday to the UEFA Europa League semifinals after falling to Olympique Lyon in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Vodafone Arena.
An energized Istanbul side gave the home fans a jolt as they struck first on a goal by Anderson Talisca in the 27th minute.
But soon after the French powerhouse equalized when striker Olivier Lacazette converted a chip over the goal keeper to tie the scare at 1-1.
Beşiktaş needed to score in the second half given the fact that the first leg of the home-and-home in France ended 2-1 in Lyon's favor.
Talisca sent Istanbul fans into celebration in 58th minute as he managed to beat the keeper from a corner kick.
Both teams created many chances throughout the match but failed to covert on a number of opportunities -- Lacazzette hit the woodwork in both halves and Beşiktaş missed several opportunities.
The extra period proved no different as weary legs continued to miss chances at goal.
After misses by Dusko Tosic and Matej Mitrovic for Beşiktaş and a miss by Christophe Jallet for Lyon, the stage was set for Maxime Gonalons to give his team the win.
The Lyon captain confidently stroked home the winning shot to send his team to the semifinals.
Although it was a heart-breaking loss for the home team, Beşiktaş made one of the most successful runs in club history.
In the other matches Thursday, English giant Manchester United beat Belgium's Anderlecht 2-1 in extra time to advance.
Spain's Celta Vigo managed a 1-1 draw against Belgium’s Genk and lead 4-3 on aggregate.
The semifinal draw will take place Friday in the Swiss city of Nyon at 1 p.m. local time (1100GMT).
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