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Besiktas defeated Kocaelispor 2-1 at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul in week 7 of the Trendyol Super Lig, lifting their tally to 15 points and moving up to second place in the table. Orkun Kokcu opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a first-time finish from Cerny's cutback, before Show levelled for the visitors from a goalmouth scramble in the 27th minute. Dusan Vlahovic restored the lead from the penalty spot in the 31st after Djalo was brought down.

Vlahovic has now scored in his last four league appearances, taking his season total to six, while Kokcu notched his second league goal of the campaign. Coach Vincenzo Italiano called it an important victory after the international break, saying the team had earned the result despite limited preparation and fatigue, and praising a display that gave Kocaelispor few chances. He also criticised officials over incidents in recent matches, saying he was surprised that what he described as punches had gone unpunished.

Besiktas have won every home match this season and have taken four wins from four in both domestic and European competition during that run, scoring 21 goals and conceding four. Czech winger Vaclav Cerny was forced off with an injury in the 38th minute and is not expected to play on Thursday. Italiano said a demanding stretch of seven matches lies ahead and that squad rotation will be needed.

Key Takeaways

• Orkun Kokcu and Dusan Vlahovic scored as Besiktas beat Kocaelispor 2-1 to reach 15 points.
• Vlahovic has scored in four straight league matches, taking his total to six goals this season.
• Vaclav Cerny went off injured in the first half and is not expected to feature on Thursday.