Nihat Kahveci – Real Sociedad (25/02/2004)

This is an exceptionally prestigious collector's item from the golden age of Basque football and the greatest heights of the Champions League. This match-worn jersey was used by the Turkish international attacking genius Nihat Kahveci during the first leg of the competition's round of 16, pitting Real Sociedad against Olympique Lyonnais, on February 25, 2004, at the Anoeta stadium.

Match Context: The Anoeta Trap and Lyon's Masterstroke

For this very first knockout match in their Champions League history, Paul Le Guen's OL traveled to San Sebastián to challenge the attractive reigning Spanish vice-champion. In a fervent Anoeta stadium, the Basques relied on their formidable offensive armada to break through the Lyon defense.

But that night, the rigor and nascent experience of the Lyonnais worked wonders. Solid defensively, Lyon pulled off the perfect coup in the 18th minute: from a sharp cross by Florent Malouda, Basque defender Gabriel Schürrer unfortunately beat his own goalkeeper under pressure from Peguy Luyindula. Despite Real Sociedad's repeated attacks in the second half, OL held firm and won (0-1). This jersey lived every second of this suffocating tactical battle, a foundational act of Lyon's European epic in the heart of the 2000s.

Nihat Kahveci: San Sebastián's Turkish Dynamiter

An absolute legend of his national team and an idol of the Basque public, Nihat Kahveci formed at that time, with Darko Kovačević, one of the most complementary and feared offensive duos in all of Europe.

Dashing, endowed with lightning-fast execution speed, dazzling dribbling, and exceptional shooting quality, the Turkish striker was the number one danger for the Rhône defense. Lined up on the front of the attack, he tried everything during this match, constantly challenging Edmílson and Patrick Müller to try to thrill the blue and white crowd. This jersey with traditional stripes embodies all the fire, sweat, and talent of a player who marked the modern history of La Liga. A mythical collector's item for any Champions League enthusiast.