Haimad Abdelli creates Marseille goal in difficult night against Besiktas

Haimad Abdelli provided an impressive assist for Marseille but could not prevent a heavy 4-1 defeat by Besiktas in their Europa League opener in Istanbul.

The Algerian midfielder started in Marseille’s midfield and produced a positive individual performance despite his side struggling to keep pace with the Turkish team after half-time.

Marseille had shown encouraging signs during the opening period and Abdelli was involved in some of their better moments before the interval. The former Angers player was active in midfield and regularly looked to move forward as his side attempted to threaten Besiktas.

His biggest contribution came when Marseille were trying to get back into the match. Abdelli produced a decisive pass for Keyliane Abdallah, who finished the move by finding the back of the net.

The assist provided a bright moment for Abdelli on a difficult European night for Marseille and highlighted his ability to create opportunities in the final third.

Abdelli’s involvement also came as he continues to settle into Marseille’s system. The Algerian international showed his willingness to make himself available in midfield while also looking to support the attack.

Against a Besiktas side lifted by its home support, Abdelli found opportunities to use his passing ability and movement to make an impact.

However, Marseille were unable to build on their encouraging first-half display.

The French side had remained in the contest for much of the opening 45 minutes, but Besiktas increased the pressure after the break. The hosts scored three further goals to turn the game into a heavy defeat for Marseille.

The final score left Marseille with a difficult start to their Europa League campaign, despite Abdelli’s contribution.

For the Algerian midfielder, however, the assist offered a personal highlight from an otherwise disappointing evening for his club.

Abdelli has been looking to establish himself more firmly within the Marseille team, and his performance against Besiktas provided another opportunity to demonstrate his technical qualities.

The midfielder will now turn his attention to Marseille’s next challenge, with Le Classique against Paris Saint-Germain coming three days after the European defeat.

Abdelli will hope to carry the confidence from his attacking contribution into that fixture as Marseille look to respond to their difficult night in Istanbul.