In a highly anticipated clash of titans in the Süper Lig’s 14th week, Fenerbahçe faced off against Galatasaray in a gripping derby that concluded in a 1-1 draw. The match, officiated by referee Yasin Kol, saw Duran score for Fenerbahçe and Sane finding the net for Galatasaray.
The atmosphere was electric, with Galatasaray players celebrating their goal when Kazımcan sustained a facial injury from an object thrown from the stands, prompting medical attention on the field.
The match was marked by a total of eight yellow cards, a significant figure indicating the intensity of the encounter. Notably, Galatasaray’s head coach Okan Buruk received a yellow card for protesting to the referee during halftime. Furthermore, Fenerbahçe’s Oosterwolde also received a yellow card, resulting in his suspension for the upcoming match against Başakşehir.
Both teams made three changes from their previous fixtures. Fenerbahçe’s coach Domenico Tedesco made tactical adjustments, replacing Yiğit Efe Demir, Anderson Talisca, and Oğuz Aydın with Jayden Oosterwolde, İsmail Yüksek, and Dorgeles Nene in the starting lineup. Similarly, Buruk brought in Kazımcan Karataş, Mario Lemina, and Victor Osimhen, swapping them for Roland Sallai, Ismail Jakobs, and Mauro Icardi.
Notably, former Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç attended the match, watching from the stands alongside former secretary Burak Kızılhan and Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya.
Preceding the match, tensions flared as players clashed on the field during warm-ups, necessitating intervention from security to separate them.
Key moments from the match included:
– 28th minute: Sane scored, giving Galatasaray a 1-0 lead.
– 36th minute: The first yellow card for Fenerbahçe’s Semedo.
– 44th minute: Alvarez appeared to score for Fenerbahçe, only for the goal to be disallowed after VAR review for a handball.
– 90+5 minute: Duran found the back of the net, securing a vital equalizer for Fenerbahçe.
The final whistle blew in the 90+8 minute, leaving both teams with a share of the spoils and continuing their rivalry’s storied legacy in Turkish football. The draw reflects the balance of power between these two giants, with both sides likely focused on future encounters and the ongoing championship race.