Dream debut for Nübel: Former Bayern star Nübel impresses in his Besiktas debut | OneFootball

Alexander Nübel could hardly have hoped for a better debut with Besiktas Istanbul. The former Bayern Munich goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in his competitive debut and became the match-winner with a spectacular save.

The 29-year-old signed a contract with the storied Turkish club just at the beginning of July, running through 2029, and he’s already made an immediate impact. In the second qualifying round of the Europa League, Besiktas defeated the Danish runner-up, FC Midtjylland, 1-0—thanks in part to a brilliant performance by Nübel.

About two weeks ago, the goalkeeper had finally left FC Bayern after never being able to permanently establish himself ahead of Manuel Neuer in Munich. After several loan stints, Nübel decided to make a fresh start in Turkey—and it could hardly have gotten off to a better start.

Spectacular save sparks excitement

Nübel provided the decisive moment of the evening in the 79th minute. Philip Billing found himself alone in front of the Besiktas goal and fired a left-footed shot from close range. But the former Bayern keeper reacted with lightning speed, flinging his right arm upward and preventing the equalizer with a spectacular save.

SPORT1 commentator Oliver Forster was also impressed: “Outstanding,” he said of the save, adding with a nod to Germany’s designated national team coach Jürgen Klopp: “Kloppo, look what he can do.”

A short time later, Forster added: “His first outstanding save since coming on. Nübel is simply outstanding.”

Beşiktaş coach Vincenzo Italiano also explicitly highlighted his new goalkeeper’s performance after the game: “Alex made a very good save.”

A successful fresh start after a difficult spell at Bayern

Photo: Getty Images

Orkun Kökcü scored the only goal of the evening in the 26th minute. After Midtjylland’s Friday Etim was shown a red card in the 16th minute, Besiktas played with a man advantage for much of the match and ultimately held on to their narrow lead with confidence. The second leg will take place on July 30 in Denmark.

For Nübel, this successful debut marks an important step forward. After three successful years on loan at VfB Stuttgart, the goalkeeper most recently served as the third-string goalkeeper on Germany’s World Cup squad in North America. At FC Bayern, however, he was unable to make his big breakthrough. Since his transfer from Schalke 04 in the summer of 2020, the goalkeeper has made only four competitive appearances for the record champions.

With his strong performance for Besiktas, however, Nübel has now clearly demonstrated that he is ready to take on a key role at his new club. If he continues to perform at this level, the 29-year-old is likely to remain a serious contender for a spot in the extended German national team squad.