Trabzonspor secured a 1-0 victory against Basel in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League knockout playoffs on Thursday.
The match was notable for the team’s touching tribute to the victims of the devastating earthquakes that recently occurred in southeastern Türkiye.
Jens Stryger Larsen’s second-half goal was the difference between the two sides, as the Danish defender pounced on a rebound to break the deadlock in the 65th minute at the Şenol Güneş Sports Complex Akyazı Stadium.
After the goal, several Trabzonspor players celebrated by holding up a Türkiye T-shirt. Before the game, the stadium was filled with a poignant atmosphere as fans paid tribute to the victims of the earthquakes that struck southeastern Türkiye last week, causing massive destruction and leaving over 38,000 people dead.
The emotional choreography displayed by the fans depicted a search and rescue responder saving a child, accompanied by a German Shepherd named Proteo who tragically died during search and rescue efforts.
The banner in the stadium conveyed a powerful message of unity, with both teams showing their support for the victims of the disaster. The match’s proceeds will be donated to help the victims of the earthquake.
The second leg of the tie will take place in Switzerland on February 23, with the winner advancing to the Round of 16.