5 reasons why Besiktas are dark horses in the Champions League

Southampton FC v Besiktas Istanbul - Friendly Match
Besiktas fans will see their team in the Champions League knockout stages for the very first time

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Besiktas Fans Celebrate First Game At New Vodafone Arena
Vodafone Park is set to host the UEFA Super Cup in 2019

Playing in Turkey is an extraordinary experience for all visiting teams. They face an extremely hostile atmosphere, which always seems to be one of the main talking points during the pre-game press conferences.

The usual answers from opposing managers tend to be that they have previously played in the same conditions and it shouldn't be a problem. Some even say that they will enjoy it. But the truth is that visiting side do tend to struggle in Turkey.

After a 1-1 draw with Porto on Tuesday, Besiktas boast a 12-game unbeaten home run in Europe. From the last 20 home outings, they have lost just one. The players will be able to play every home game with confidence, knowing they are very tough to beat at home.

Opened in April 2016, the Vodafone Park is a very new stadium, but it's already turned into a fortress for Besiktas. They have lost only one game in regular time there, which was back in February, a cup tie against Fenerbahce.

In the local league, Besiktas last lost a home match in November 2015. They have gone 33 games without a defeat, a run that includes 26 wins. Nobody has it easy there and I imagine even the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City could struggle at the stadium that is set to host the 2019 UEFA Super Cup.

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Edited by Amit Mishra
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