Turkish Super Lig Round-Up: Galatasaray Boosts Advantage as Fenerbahçe Faces Major Setback

Could this weekend mark the moment Galatasaray claimed their 25th and third consecutive Super Lig title? While it’s premature to make such declarations with six matches left in the season, a dismal result for Fenerbahce has given their arch-rivals a significant advantage at the top of the table.

Galatasaray kicked off the weekend with a home fixture against Bodrumspor, a team in grave danger of relegation, on Friday evening. Riding the wave of two impressive victories, the team entered the match brimming with confidence and determination.

The champions demonstrated their prowess with a commanding performance, comfortably securing a 2-0 victory over their opponents.

With an astonishing 35 attempts on goal and an impressive xG of 3.50, the match was a showcase of Galatasaray’s dominance, limiting Bodrumspor to a solitary shot. Had it not been for Bodrum’s goalkeeper, Diogo Sousa, who made 12 critical saves, the scoreline could have easily escalated to five or six.

Lucas Torreira, who recently signed a new contract with the club until 2028, opened the scoring with a well-placed header from a Gabriel Sara cross, followed by Davinson Sanchez doubling the lead in the second half with a header of his own.

Torreira has been in exceptional form lately, largely thanks to the impact of Mario Lemina. The latter has been a transformative addition in midfield, providing crucial defensive cover that allows Torreira more freedom to create chaos in the rival’s penalty area. Their partnership is blossoming into a formidable one.

“Lemina is vital for us. Since he joined, our team has achieved a new balance,” said Torreira.

“With him here, we don’t have to fall back as much, meaning we can keep pushing forward. Playing alongside him facilitates better positioning and space management.”

Much credit must go to Okan Buruk and his squad. After a string of disappointing results, including their first season defeat against Besiktas, they have bounced back spectacularly, now showcasing their best football precisely when it matters most.

Fenerbahce faces heartbreak

Adding to Galatasaray’s joy, arch-rivals Fenerbahce endured a crushing 3-3 draw against Kayserispor in Kadikoy.

Kayseri struck first within the opening seven minutes through Ramazan Civelek, but Anderson Talisca levelled the score after capitalising on a mistake from goalkeeper Bilal Bayazit.

Youssef En-Nesyri squandered several opportunities in the first half, and Fenerbahce paid the price shortly after the break when Duckens Nazon’s flicked header found its way in off the fretful Dominik Livakovic.

Amidst rising tensions in the stadium, Allan Saint-Maximin, Fenerbahce’s standout performer, equalised with a sublime volley.

With around ten minutes remaining, Jose Mourinho’s side was awarded a contentious penalty. As has been the trend in Turkish football, the threshold for penalties is notoriously low; any handball in the box often results in a spot kick.

Talisca stepped up and converted the penalty, marking his seventh goal in the last four Super Lig appearances. It seemed this would secure three crucial points for Fener, until a dramatic twist unfolded.

In the dying moments of the match, wing-back Gokhan Sazdagi received the ball on the flank and delivered a stunning cross that substitute Talha Sariarslan expertly converted with a header, snatching a point for Kayserispor.

Milan Skriniar almost secured a sensational last-gasp win for Fenerbahce, but his effort hit the post. It was a devastating outcome for the home side, who now find themselves five points adrift of Galatasaray with six matches remaining this season.

The frustrated fans vented their anger post-match, sensing their hopes of clinching a first title since 2014 slipping away, though mathematically it isn’t completely out of reach.

Vice-president Acun Ilicali expressed a grim outlook following the match, apologising to supporters and acknowledging that winning the league now appears ‘very difficult.’

Serious questions will be raised about President Ali Koc and Mourinho’s futures should the team fail to deliver this season. The club invested heavily in bringing the Portuguese manager to end their trophy drought, yet he has struggled to achieve results, compounding the club’s woes.

This Week’s Highlights

Besiktas continued their miserable streak, managing only a 1-1 draw against Goztepe, which extended their record to one victory in their last seven outings across all competitions.

Former player Ismail Koybasi was the standout performer, dazzling spectators with an extraordinary scissor-kick goal that secured a point for the home team just after halftime.

Team of the Week

Bodrum’s Diogo Sousa earns a spot for his remarkable display between the sticks, while Galatasaray’s Lucas Torreira, Gabriel Sara, and Davinson Sanchez also feature in the XI.

From Fenerbahce, the exciting duo of Allan Saint-Maximin and Anderson Talisca make the cut as well.