Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe battle to a gripping stalemate in crucial derby showdown

Galatasaray maintained their stronghold at the summit of the Turkish Super Lig after playing out a goalless draw against their fierce city rivals, Fenerbahce, at RAMS Park. The result further extended their impressive unbeaten run in the league, now standing at 20 wins and 4 draws.

In light of persistent refereeing controversies that have plagued the Turkish league in recent months, both clubs called for a change in the officiating personnel. This led to last year’s UEFA Champions League final referee, Slavko Vincic, being assigned to oversee the intense Intercontinental Derby.

Prior to the match, Jose Mourinho expressed satisfaction with this decision. His team was quick to engage the referee, drawing several fouls in a match that saw Galatasaray control possession but struggle to make meaningful attacks.

Fenerbahce almost struck first just before the 15-minute mark as Dusan Tadic’s shot deflected into the net; however, the goal was disallowed following a foul by Sebastian Szymanski on Fernando Muslera moments earlier.

After this close call, Okan Buruk’s side regained their composure, dominating possession throughout the first half, which was notably lacking in significant goal-scoring opportunities.

Remarkably, the hosts did not register a shot on target before the interval, with the primary action revolving around referee Vincic, who dismissed Galatasaray’s claims for a penalty when Victor Osimhen was brought down in the area, leaving the teams tied at half-time.

The second half started much like the first, marked by an absence of scoring threats as both teams struggled to find rhythm amid numerous fouls.

As the hour mark approached, Caglar Soyuncu tested Muslera with a header that was comfortably saved, while soon after, Fred’s shot went wide of the target, making Fenerbahce look the more likely side to take the lead.

Continuing their pursuit for a breakthrough, Alexander Djiku came close for the visitors but was denied by a superb save from Muslera.

In the final 15 minutes, Galatasaray attempted to push forward; however, despite the lacklustre first 75 minutes, they could not find a way to challenge Irfan Can Egribayat in the Fenerbahce goal. For Mourinho’s side, it was a notable achievement to hold the Lions to a draw, marking the first time this season they had kept Gala from scoring in the league.

The draw in this historic 402nd clash between the two sides sees Buruk’s team remain well-positioned in their title pursuit. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce has significant work to do, further complicating Mourinho’s quest for a domestic trophy, with his last victory on home soil dating back to 2017 during his tenure with Manchester United in the EFL Cup.

Fenerbahce now find themselves nine points adrift of Galatasaray with just 12 rounds left to play.