Ndidi scores in Besiktas UEL clash with Crystal Palace

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi scored on Thursday evening when 10-man Besiktas and Crystal Palace played out a 2-2 draw in the Europa League in Istanbul.

Ndidi put Besiktas 1-0 ahead in the second minute of first half added time as he raced on to a long pass from Salih Ozcan and fired past Palace keeper Walter Benitez.

It was Besiktas’ first shot on target and Ndidi’s first European goal for the club.

Palace equalised on 51 minutes thanks to Yeremy Pino who finished off Anan Khalaili’s low cross.

Four minutes later, Palace turned it around off Jean-Philip Mateta who pounced and smashed home his first goal since the Conference League final last season.

But on 73 minutes Benin Republic star Junior Olaitan got on the score sheet to bring the score to 2-2.

In the 77th minute Besiktas were reduced to 10 men as Umit Akdag was sent off for a wild challenge on Jorgen Strand Larsen, who had to be subbed off.

Besiktas, who are now in eight place on seven points in the 36-team league standing, will travel to Scotland to face Celtic, while Palace host Hoffenheim in Matchday 4.