The first leg of the UEFA Conference League 2024 play-off between St. Patrick’s Athletic and Başakşehir ended in a 0-0 draw at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin. Despite a spirited performance from both sides, neither could find the back of the net, leaving the tie finely poised heading into the second leg.
The match was characterized by missed opportunities, disciplined defending, and tactical adjustments from both managers. St. Patrick’s, playing in front of their home crowd, showed resilience but lacked the clinical edge needed to secure a victory. Meanwhile, Başakşehir, one of Turkey’s top clubs, struggled to break down a well-organized Irish defense.
St. Patrick’s Athletic vs Başakşehir First Half: Defensive Discipline and Early Misses
The first half saw both teams approach the game with caution, focusing on maintaining defensive solidity rather than taking risks. St. Patrick’s Athletic started brightly, but their efforts were met with strong resistance from Başakşehir’s defense.
- Key Moments:
- 4th Minute: St. Patrick’s forward Mason Melia had an early chance to put his team ahead, but his shot missed the target. This early opportunity set the tone for what would be a game of near misses.
- 20th Minute: Başakşehir responded with their own chance as Deniz Türüç tested St. Patrick’s goalkeeper Joseph Anang with a powerful shot. Anang was equal to the task, making a crucial save to keep the scores level.
- 31st Minute: Chris Forrester was fouled by Hamza Güreler, earning St. Patrick’s a free-kick in a dangerous position. However, the resulting effort was well-defended by Başakşehir, who cleared the danger.
As the half progressed, both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances, with most of the action taking place in the midfield. The half ended with neither side able to break the deadlock.
St. Patrick’s Athletic vs Başakşehir Second Half: Tactical Adjustments and Missed Opportunities
The second half began with renewed intensity from both sides as they sought to take control of the tie. The managers made several tactical substitutions in an attempt to find the winning formula, but ultimately, the game remained goalless.
- Key Moments:
- 49th Minute: St. Patrick’s defender Tom Grivosti received a yellow card for a foul on Berkay Özcan, marking the first booking of the match. This set the tone for a more physical second half as both teams fought for control.
- 59th Minute: The closest either side came to scoring was when Kian Leavy of St. Patrick’s struck the woodwork. His effort had the home crowd on their feet, but the ball rebounded off the post, much to the relief of Başakşehir’s defense.
- 87th Minute: Başakşehir’s Hamza Güreler was shown a yellow card for a foul on Mason Melia, further illustrating the Turkish side’s frustrations as they struggled to gain the upper hand.
In the closing stages of the match, both managers made a series of substitutions in a bid to change the outcome. Notably, Başakşehir introduced experienced forward Krzysztof Piątek in the 90th minute, hoping his presence would provide the spark needed to secure a late winner. However, St. Patrick’s stood firm, and the match ended 0-0.
St. Patrick’s Athletic vs Başakşehir Player Performances and Tactical Analysis
St. Patrick’s Athletic:
- Joseph Anang (Goalkeeper): Anang was solid between the posts, making crucial saves, particularly in the first half, to keep his team in the match.
- Tom Grivosti (Defender): Grivosti was disciplined in defense, though he received a yellow card for a late challenge. His ability to read the game and make timely interceptions was key to St. Patrick’s clean sheet.
- Chris Forrester (Midfielder): Forrester was central to St. Patrick’s play, orchestrating attacks and winning key fouls in midfield.
Başakşehir:
- Deniz Türüç (Midfielder): Türüç was one of Başakşehir’s most dangerous players, creating several opportunities and testing Anang with powerful shots.
- Hamza Güreler (Defender): Despite being booked, Güreler was a commanding presence in defense, often breaking up St. Patrick’s attacks.
- Krzysztof Piątek (Forward): Although he was introduced late in the game, Piątek’s experience and physical presence added a new dimension to Başakşehir’s attack, though he was unable to find the net.
St. Patrick’s Athletic vs Başakşehir Lineups
St. Patrick’s Athletic Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Joseph Anang
- Defenders: Tom Grivosti, Lee Desmond, Sam Curtis, Anto Breslin
- Midfielders: Jake Mulraney, Chris Forrester, Jamie Lennon, Romal Palmer
- Forwards: Mason Melia, Mark Doyle
Başakşehir Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Muhammed Şengezer
- Defenders: Hamza Güreler, Léo Duarte, Lucas Lima, Davidson
- Midfielders: Deniz Türüç, Onur Ergün, Berkay Özcan, Serdar Gürler
- Forwards: Philippe Keny, João Figueiredo
St. Patrick’s Athletic vs Başakşehir Key Stats
- Total Attempts: St. Patrick’s (8) – Başakşehir (4)
- Attempts on Target: St. Patrick’s (0) – Başakşehir (1)
- Corners Taken: St. Patrick’s (5) – Başakşehir (4)
- Offsides: St. Patrick’s (1) – Başakşehir (1)
- Yellow Cards: St. Patrick’s (1) – Başakşehir (1)
- Red Cards: None
- Fouls Committed: St. Patrick’s (12) – Başakşehir (13)
What’s Next: All to Play for in the Second Leg
The 0-0 result leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg in Turkey. St. Patrick’s Athletic will need to be at their best defensively to keep out Başakşehir on their home turf. Conversely, Başakşehir will look to capitalize on their home advantage, knowing that a single goal could be decisive in this closely-fought contest.
For St. Patrick’s, the challenge will be to replicate their solid defensive performance while finding a way to score on the counter. Başakşehir, with the likes of Krzysztof Piątek and Deniz Türüç, will be expected to take the initiative and press for a win.
This first leg has set the stage for an intriguing return fixture, where both teams will have everything to play for in their quest to reach the group stages of the UEFA Conference League 2024.
With this result, both teams will now prepare meticulously for the return leg, knowing that their European campaign hinges on the outcome of the next 90 minutes.
