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Beşiktaş ease past Rapid in Group L

Beşiktaş JK 2-0 SK Rapid Wien
Already confirmed in second place, the Black Eagles concluded their Group L campaign with a straightforward home win.

Fabian Ernst celebrates heading in his second goal of the group stage
Fabian Ernst celebrates heading in his second goal of the group stage ©Getty Images

Ricardo Quaresma marked his first start in Group L with a goal as Beşiktaş JK rounded off their UEFA Europa League group stage campaign with a comfortable victory against SK Rapid Wien.

The Portugal winger, whose last appearance in the competition came in the reverse fixture on Matchday 2, lit up a hitherto quiet first half with a ferocious right-footed shot into the top corner on 28 minutes. Fabian Ernst added a second on the cusp of half-time, heading Guti's corner powerfully past Helge Payer.

With Beşiktaş confirmed in second spot and Rapid with just pride left to play for, it was perhaps no surprise the opening stages were lacking in openings. The only excitement was coming from the lively Quaresma, keen to showcase his expansive repertoire of skills at every opportunity.

The 27-year-old nutmegged Christopher Trimmel on the left and delivered a cross with the outside of his right foot which narrowly evaded Ali Küçik, and then put the Black Eagles ahead with a goal out of nothing, punishing the visitors for their failure to adequately clear Guti's corner.

Ernst headed in the second from another Guti delivery, rising above Tanju Kayhan, but not before Trimmel had forced Cenk Gönen into action with a snap-shot after a deep cross had dropped invitingly into his path.

The start of the second period mirrored that of the first, with the hosts in no rush to add to their tally. Ernst drew a low save from Payer midway through the half, while at the other end Cenk ensured Bernd Schuster's team would keep a clean sheet by sticking out his right hand when going the other way to deny Christoph Saurer.

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