Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, scored as Besiktas fought back to hold Crystal Palace to a 2-2 draw despite being reduced to 10 men in their UEFA Europa League encounter in Istanbul on Thursday.
The Turkish side took the lead through Ndidi in first-half stoppage time before Palace responded with two goals shortly after the break.
However, Junior Olaitan restored parity in the 73rd minute, and Besiktas held on for a point despite Umit Akdag’s dismissal.
Palace were seeking a response following their humiliating 5-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton on Sunday but failed to take full advantage of their numerical superiority in the closing stages.
Ndidi broke the deadlock in the 45th minute of added time, capitalising on a long pass from Yasin Ozcan to beat goalkeeper Benitez with a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Palace equalised six minutes into the second half when Yéremy Pino converted after good attacking work involving Dwight McNeil and Anan Khalaili.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside before a VAR review overturned the decision.
The visitors took the lead four minutes later through Jean-Philippe Mateta, who pounced on a defensive error before advancing towards goal and firing into the roof of the net.
Mateta was making his first start since the opening day of the season.
The striker had earlier thought he had scored in the first half, but his effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Besiktas responded in the 73rd minute when Olaitan broke through Palace’s defence and fired past the goalkeeper to make it 2-2.
The hosts’ chances of finding a winner suffered a setback four minutes later when Akdag was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Palace appealed for a penalty shortly afterwards, but their claims were dismissed.
Strand Larsen was later forced off with an injury, prompting his replacement by Eddie Nketiah.
Nketiah nearly restored Palace’s lead but fired into the side-netting from an awkward angle as the visitors pushed for a late winner.
Besiktas remained resolute despite playing with 10 men, denying Palace a winning goal and forcing the English side to settle for a draw.
