Former Dortmund coach Nuri Şahin suffers shock Conference League exit to Finnish underdogs

Nuri Şahin's İstanbul Başakşehir were knocked out of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers after suffering a surprise 2-0 (3-1 in total) defeat to Finnish club FC Inter Turku.

The result ranks among the biggest upsets of the qualifying rounds, with Başakşehir boasting a squad valued at around €84.3 million (according to Transfermarkt), compared to €4.8 million for their Finnish opponents.

However, the gap in quality on paper was nowhere to be seen on the pitch. Despite falling behind and desperately needing a goal, Şahin's side struggled to create meaningful chances, looking static in possession and lacking the pace, movement and combination play needed to break down Inter Turku's defence.

Başakşehir managed just one shot on target throughout the match, capping off a hugely disappointing performance.

While FC Inter Turku celebrated a historic victory and a memorable European night, the defeat raises early questions for Şahin, whose side failed to live up to expectations in one of the biggest surprises of this season's Conference League qualifiers.