What happened in Turkish football today? 27/02/2019

Hatayspor has been very close to mark one of historical comeback against Galatasaray

Galatasaray has managed to get to the Turkish Cup semi-final stage thanks to the away goal, even through 1st league side Hatayspor has been close to make an incredible comeback during 2nd half as it has found 4 goals during 45 minutes.

As Galatasaray, did come out to this game with 2:0 aggregate scoreline and has found 2 more away goals, it has shown strong relegation to the last 40 minutes of the game and with Hatayspor giving it all and playing very brave football, it has been very close to get to the next stage. Turkish players which has played during game and doesnt recieve high amount of playing time at the title race, has learned an important lesson from this game as in whatever circumstances it is important to keep high focus to the game. It needs to be stated that attitute of Galatasaray at the start of the game has been right one and their have provided right focus towards game but as mentioned as game carried on it has provided too much relexation without doubt. In fact, if it didnt have that advantage after 1st leg we would have discussed other things. Certainly, Fatih Terim has provided an important talk towards players and showed his unhappiness after game has been over.

Meanwhile, Hatayspor has recieved high amount of praise for this high level performance nad not giving up attitute which seems to be lacking with some number of the Super League sides in fact. With winning an early stage against Basaksehirspor, Hatayspor has also found 8 goals against top 2 sides at the league.

Galatasaray Turkish players has learned an important lesson of staying focus to game all the time and this would be very useful for future of their career for sure.

Yeni Malatyaspor has got into semi-final of Turkish Cup after intense penalty kick. 

Yeni Malatyaspor has qualified to the Turkish Cup semi-final stage as it has managed to beat Goztepe during penalty kick even through it has lost game with 1:0 scoreline but due of 1st leg tie it has moved game to the penalty kick.

This tie has been started between both sides at equal chances as both sides are showing very similar level of performance even through it could be argued that Yeni Malatyaspor are showing better performance compare to their opponents. Since both sides are in similar level as sides, this has affected to the home games as both sides has got 1:0 win at the home ground. It needs to be noted that both sdies has shown very similar performance with only difference during 2nd leg has been a good goal scored by Jerome during 73rd minute which has led for a team to provide good level performance but didnt find 2nd goal to get an important score. Still, it was 1st game which it came after Tamer Tuna has returned to team and has provided some right attitute with players for rest of the tournament. Meanwhile, Yeni Malatyaspor has now drawn with Galatasaray at the Turkish Cup semi-final and if it gets to the right motivation of the game could provide some difficult time for Istanbul giants.

At the end of the day, at the tie which has been between sides which are close to its performance it has been decided by penalty kick where Yeni Malatyaspor has made 5 out of 5 and would now look forward fo Galatasaray tie.

Umraniyespor has become 1st semi-finalists of Turkish Cup since 2002 from lower division.

Umraniyespor has become 1st side to get to the semi-final stage from 1st division after 16 years as it has beaten Trabzonspor with high focus and attitute even through Trabzonspor did have some controversies regarding of referee decisions.

It needs to be stated that Trabzonspor did show some good attitute towards game and has found an important goal with Nwakaeme but it didnt manage to cary on high level performance and right organisational focus of Umraniyespor which it has shown against Fenerbahce does provide an aspect that team does have some high aims during this Turkish Cup campaign. Trabzonspor has once again has shown some arguments towards referee and VAR system especially when it has changed decision of referee twice, both against Trabzonspor but to some extension it is among sides which rather giving their focus towards referees should focus to performance of the side, as more it complains more unwanted results started coming to team. More importantly, best way to go against bad refereeing and an attempt to prevent Trabzonspor, assuming that it is case, is at the field rather than with many talks by administrators. Sadly, Trabzonspor did get into time of turbulence and at the time when best results need to be coming to end season at high note.

Umraniyespor meanwhile is having great and memorable performance at Turkish Cup and now for sure would set an eye to make into final of this season competition.

Results:
Turkish Cup, quarter-final, 2nd leg:
Hatayspor 4:2 Galatasaray (agg: 4:4, Galatasaray has got through due of away goal)
Goztepe 1:0 Yeni Malatyaspor (agg: 1:1, Yeni Malatyaspor has won penalties with 5:3 scoreline)

Schedule:
Turkish Cup, quarter-final, 2nd leg:
20:00 Kasimpasa - Akhisarspor (agg: 1:3)

In other news:

- Galatasaray has stated that their request to move Super League 24th game against Erzurumspor to an earlier time due of weather conditions, has been declined due of both by Erzurumspor and broadcaster requesting for kick-off time of 19:00 not to be changed.

- Trabzonspor has announced that recovery process of its player Abdulkadir Omur will contunue in Germany. Club added that Yusuf Yazici recovery process has started.

- Galatasaray has made deal to extend contract with its head coach Fatih Terim until 2024

- Trabzonspor considers to bring back its player Olcay Sahan back to squad.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint Slaven Bilic as club's head coach.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/02/2019

Umraniyespor has made history as it has beat Trabzonspor with 3:1 scoreline. 

Umraniyespor carries on providing suprising results at the Turkish Cup as it has beaten Trabzonspor with 3:1 scoreline during 2nd leg and has qualified to semi-final stage with same aggregate scoreline with providing organised and forward seeking performance.

It needs to be noted that Trabzonspor did come out as strong favourite for a game as it was seen as 2nd favourite to win Turkish Cup and was expected to the semi-final stage, but it has been relegated by surprising side of the season Umraniyespor. It needs to be stated however with drawing 1st leg with 0:0 scoreline it was expected that it would be having tough time at away game. Stating that Trabzonspor has been one who has scored goal thanks to Nwakaeme during 30th minute game and has managed to provide good performance in recent of 1st half and was very close to score 2nd goal. However, Umraniyespor did come out to the 2nd leg game in total different focus, and goals which has come from Umraniyespor especially after 2nd goal by Altintas from penalty has led team to lose concentration and has led to lose game. Trabzonspor meanwhile carries on providing poorer performance compare to 1st half of the season and does have risk of staying outside of Europa League zone also at the end of the season.

Umraniyespor meanwhile has provided a great performance with being surprising side and has been 1st time from lower division to be at semi-final of Turkish Cup for long time and to some extend are close to final as it would be playing with winner of Akhisarspor and Kasimpasa, which in all respect are not in same level as Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor.

Umraniyespor has marked history for sure with getting to the semi-final stage and has proved also to everyone that beating Fenerbahce didnt only come by chance and now surely would focus to the final of the tournament.

Besiktas didnt show any reaction when it started to concede goals.

Without doubt Besiktas has lost 2 important points during Turkish Super League 23rd week game against Fenerbahce, as Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes to provide any active reaction towards changes which was provided by his opponent Ersun Yanal.

Besiktas has provided dominating game during 1st half as it has found 3 goals, two of them coming during 1st 20 minutes, and as Fenerbahce was providing pretty poor performance during 1st half it was even some expectation that Besiktas would win game in a comfortable manner. One of the main mistakes of Besiktas without doubt has been relaxation during 2nd half game which has also been transferred towards supporters of the game which also believed that task has been done. Regardless in what condition is Fenerbahce and in fact how their have started game, Fenerbahce is always dangerous opponent during derby games, and both Besiktas and earlier this season Galatasaray has found out in hard-way with losing 2 points. Besiktas now finds itself 10 points between Basaksehirspor and 4 points behind Galatasaray and chances for league title has been reduced for them a lot.But it needs to get above this trauma and now focus to Kayserispor game which could be also tough for them also.

Besiktas has lost its opportunity by winning Fenerbahce which has been due of poor decisions by Senol Gunes in 2nd half and also relaxation from 3:0 scoreline.

Fenerbahce has showed incredible character during 2nd half. 

Fenerbahce in return has shown incredible comeback during 2nd half against Besiktas, and has provided totally different performance from very poor 1st half and showed great character which comes out during derby games.

Many viewers of the game during 1st half has thought that game is over and in even more crucial very difficult and stressful days would start for a team after game would be over. However, Fenerbahce head coach Ersun Yanal had different thoughts as he provided highly motivated talk towards players at changing room and more crucially has provided some very important changes at the team. Fenerbahce has started providing high level performance with finding 3 goals within 17 minutes and has been team which has lost win as their was chance with Slimani which has hit to the post. Fenerbahce has shown great performance and now has found themselves 1 point ahead from relegation zone and as been stated before at our blog, it would need to start winning games and more importantly provide similar performance for 90 minutes in upcoming games which tends to be also an issue for team for long time including during yesterday's game against Besiktas.

Fenerbahce has gained high motivation and confidence with such historical comeback but it needs to carry on showing high level performance in rest of the season.

Results:
Turkish Cup, quarter-final, 2nd leg:
Umraniyespor 3:1 Trabzonspor (agg: 3:1)

Schedule:
Turkish Cup, quarter-final, 2nd leg:
14:00 Hatayspor - Galatasaray (agg: 0:2)
20:00 Goztepe - Yeni Malatyaspor (agg:0:1)

In other news:

- PFDK referrals are:
- Goztepe, Trabzonspor, Basaksehirspor, Bursaspor and Fenerbahce have been referred for behaviour of fans.
- Kasimpasa player Strahil Popov has been referred for breaking rules
- Ankaragucu has been referred for events at field
- Akhisarspor has been referred for 6 players recieving yellow cards during game.
- Besiktas has been referred for events at field and behaviour of fans.

- Goztepe has appointed Tamer Tuna as club's head coach for 3.5 years.

- Bursaspor general secretary Ebubekir Keskin has resigned from his position.

- Galatasaray has requested to TFF and Bein Sports to move kick-off time of Super League 24th week game against Erzurumspor from 19:00 to an earlier time, due of weather conditions in Erzurum.

- Roma player Cengiz Under has become injured.

- Yearly administrative meeting of Galatasaray will take place on 16th March. If majority is not gathered, it would move to 23rd March.

- Rizespor player Aatif Chachehouhue has become injured during today's training session.

- Besiktas player Oguzhan Ozyakup doesnt consider to leave team in near future.

- Fenerbahce has offered Ozan Tufan + transfer fee for Basaksehirspor player Irfan Can Kahveci.

- Schalke04 and Wolfsburg are interested to transfer Basaksehirspor player Edin Visca.

- ClubBrugge has made transfer deal with Fenerbahce player Nabil Dirar for summer transfer window.

- CardiffCity are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Yusuf Yazici.

- Galatasaray considers to sell its player Fernandao during summer transfer window.

- Fenerbahce considers to offer 1+1 year extension contract to its player Mathieu Valbuena.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/02/2019

Fenerbahce has shown one of the memorable comebacks at the derbies in 2nd half against Besiktas. 

Turkish Super League 23rd week game between Besiktas and Fenerbahce has shown once again has shown incredible derby game between each other as Besiktas has dominated game during whole 1st half but Fenerbahce has managed to turn around game during 2nd half and at some point being closer for a victory.

As it was stated beforehand, Besiktas did come out to the game as stronger favourite both to the recent result and also very poor and dissapointing season of Fenerbahce. This factor has been case during whole 1st half, where Besiktas has dominated game with creating chances and not allowing their opponents to get into positions as game has been progressing for 45 minutes. With Besiktas showing strong attacking game at the front it has found 2 goals in 1st 20 minutes and has shown an image that it might even dominate game and go for a big difference as it has dominated game and didnt allow Fenerbahce to create any chances while Fenerbahce themselves didnt create much changes and has failed to dominate game. However, Besiktas with conceding goal on 55th minute from Miha Zajc, and afterwards from Sadik Ciftpinar from corner has lost all its control of the game and Fenerbahce has began to create many chances. One of the possibilities of Besiktas has been starting 2nd half with a belief that it has won game arleady and with this focus it has allowed Fenerbahce to comeback to the game and almost has lost game.

In other hand, Fenerbahce has shown similar performance which was presented by Liverpool during Champions League final of 2005, which incidently took place in Istanbul, as it has managed to turn around game after very poor 1st half and with finding goal with Miha Zajc has turned around game. This blog in normal circumstances would state that this game would been turning point for Fenerbahce, but it has been stated several times during this season and hence time would show if team would improve its performance. Even through Fenerbahce has shown one of its poor performances at derby game during 1st half, its comeback during 2nd half deserves all the praise as players did come out to 2nd half with strong belief that it could have turn around game. Meanwhile, this 1 point has been strong advantage for Fenerbahce as it aims to stay at the Super League and every point is important, while loss of 2 points been bad news for Besiktas as it led for team to be 10 points behind leaders Basaksehirspor. Still, Fenerbahce needs to find all its strong strenghts which it has shown during 2nd half and aim to show similar performance for rest of the season.

At short without doubt this game would be one to be remembered as Fenerbahce has managed to show one of the memorable comebacks at the derbies in recent history and this draw would provide strong motivation and confidence for upcoming games, but it needs to turn this factors into performance wise also.

Galatasaray has stayed focussed for its aim to win against Akhisarspor whole game.

Galatasaray player Kostas Mitroglou goal at the last minute against Akhisarspor during Super League 23rd week game didnt only let team to win game but also kept their chances for league title arrive strongly and has provided strong message to Basaksehirspor at title race.

It needs to be noted that Akhisarspor during whole game has provided strong and organised defensive game as being at last place getting 1 point against side which is fighting for league title could be an important addition for them both to stay at league and also for confidence. Galatasaray meanwhile has provided a very strong attacking game with keep looking for a chance to find winning goal and has tried everything and as it looked that it would end game with loss of 2 points, unexpected mistake from Akhisarspor goalkeeper Milan Lukac has led Kostas Mitroglou to find winning goal. In fact, this goal could provide also individually confidence and motivation boost as this goal would allow him to provide much more effective game in upcoming weeks. It was important to stay focussed and set to task during whole game and it did provide an image that it would be fighting for league title until last moment as it has once again reduced point difference with Basaksehirspor to 6 points. With 11 games left at the league and many clubs having an important games both at top and bottom half of the table, it could be stated that Galatasaray would have similar games upcoming game.

Galatasaray, especially at home games, has always managed to stay within game both mentally and physically and this factor would be crucial for rest of the season as it became clear yesterday.

Trabzonspor would aim to beat Umraniyespor as it sees Turkish Cup as main priority. 

Trabzonspor, with getting further for league title and also uncertainty of Europa League spot, would provide bigger aim for Turkish Cup from nowon and it would be aiming to get a win against Umraniyespor during quarter-final 2nd leg game.

Trabzonspor it needs to be mentioned has got an expected result during 1st leg game as it has got goalless draw at its home ground and taking account that Umraniyespor in previous round has got through Fenerbahce, it would be having high self-belief but would be playing with respect to an opponent. Therefore, Trabzonspor should be aware that their playing with difficult opponent even if their one division lower than them, and need to give respect if it wants to get to the semi-final stage. Its important for Trabzonspor to provide high focus to the Turkish Cup if it wants to end season with cup as it is being one of the main favourites to win competition among Galatasaray. It would be expected due of scoreline and also Turkish Cup becoming even higher, it would come out with more ideal starting 11 compare to 1st leg and aim to get to next stage.

Trabzonspor are coming out as favourites for sure, but Umraniyespor would be aiming to get another surprise after beating Fenerbahce on previous round and show great performance of Turkish Cup.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Besiktas 3:3 Fenerbahce

Schedule:
Turkish Cup, quarter-final, 2nd leg:
20:00 Umraniyespor - Trabzonspor (agg: 0:0)

In other news:

- TFF has announced referees for Turkish Cup quarter-final 2nd leg games: 
Umraniyespor-Trabzonspor: Alper Ulusoy
Hatayspor - Galatasaray: Yasar Kemal Ugurlu
Goztepe - Yeni Malatyaspor: Serkan Cinar
Kasimpasa- Akhisarspor: Arda Kardesler
- Central Referee Committee seminar for Super League referee has started in Istanbul, Turkey.

- Goztepe has appointed Tamer Tuna as club's head coach.

- Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman and Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc had organised joined live brodacast which was shown at Besiktas and Fenerbahce club channels simultaneously.

- YeniMalatyaspor has made decision to stop having training sessions at the camp and would have sessions at stadium, due of high number of injuries.

- YeniMalatyaspor player Arturo Mina will not be able to play for 1 month due of injury.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Rizespor player Gokhan Akkan

- Akhisarspor negotiations with Hamza Hamzaoglu for head coach position is having an issue due of disagreement about offered salary.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Akhisarspor player Fatih Ozturk.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Bayern Munich player Franck Ribery.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/02/2019

Kostas Mitroglou has found golden goal as he turned an opportunity from Milan Lukac mistake.

Galatasaray has managed to get an important win against last-placed Akhisarspor during Super League 23rd week game with Kostas Mitroglou scoring his 1st goal for his new club at the last minute of the game, as Akhisarspor has made unexpected mistake during great defensive game during whole game.

Galatasaray has shown forward-seeking game with looking for high amount of the game and has dominated game but couldnt pass Akhisarspor strong defensive game. It is true that Galatasaray did come out tired after difficult game against Benfica during Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game on 21st February and also field condition due of ongoing wet snow taking place at Istanbul, but great defensive game of the opponent shouldnt be reduced as its been very effective. Galatasaray has been also highly focussed of the game and has tried all of the attempts to find a goal and to some extend has scored goal in unexpected manner and time of the game. It still needs to be noted that Kostas Mitroglou has been at right place and at right time with also checking condition around and looking at position of the goal. In fact, Galatasaray didnt look very tired as it has dominated game during last 20 minutes and with that focus has found a winning goal.

Akhisarspor has shown a great defensive game and has been highly concentrated to get an important draw as it was located at last place of the table and 1 point could be very important and as it managed to achieve this task it has conceded from mistake of Milan Lukac. Stating that Akhisarspor still shown great game in defence but needs to work with attacking game to stay at league.

Galatasaray has got an important win and finding this kind of goals could provide high motivation towards upcoming games as we are entering to last 11 games of the league and has got an important win after playing 2 days after relegating to Benfica.

Besiktas are strong favourite to win derby game

Without one of the main games of the Super League 23rd week game would be played between Besiktas and Fenerbahce as both sides would be coming out to the game which their need to win, even through reasons for this are different.

Starting with Besiktas, it needs to be stated that their would be coming out to the game which their must win if their want to win league title as their current condition could mean not only losing for title but also ending league at 2nd place which would provide qualification stage at Champions League. Taking account recent performances and also motivation and confidence, it could be stated that Besiktas would be come out to a stronger favourite, and even additing to this advantage factor that their would be playing at home. Besiktas player Adem Ljajic as it is known will not be playing at game due of recieving 4th yellow card but Shinji Kagawa which would be taking his place is showing good adaptation at the team and could provide high amount of pressure to Fenerbahce. In fact, if Besiktas would provide high focus to the game and play their usual game,their are not expected to have much issues as Burak Yilmaz as always would look for goals.

Besiktas is likely to play 1st time against Fenerbahce as such strong favourite to win game, but would be this be enough to win game would become clear when game starts.

Fenerbahce chances to win game are very low. 

In similar manner, among having a very poor performance and starting game while being at relegation zone, Fenerbahce would also play a derby game where it comes as underdog which is not being case for very long time.

Fenerbahce is having nightmare season and at some times when it felt like things might turn into their hand it has provided poor performance. For instance,the win against Besiktas would be seen as strong motivation prior to game and could be seen as important turning point for the season. However, even if Fenerbahce manages to win game, which in view of this blog is unlikely, you cant even say that it could be able to turn around its season. Their is however one factor, which is Fenerbahce has always shown strong motivation for derby games and in fact it has drawn both games against Besiktas and Galatasaray, in fact interestingly Fenerbahce didnt lose game against top 3 league title contenders, but didnt also win them. However, Besiktas is being much stronger to 1st half game of the season while Fenerbahce is being more or less in same condition with addition that it would be coming to game after losing to Zenit.

Fenerbahce would certainly provide good fighting spirit for game and different motivation to players but sadly to them it could not be enough for them.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Ankaragucu 2:1 Erzurumspor
Konyaspor 0:1 Kayserispor
Basaksehirspor 3:0 Bursaspor (Game has been resumed from 5th minute as it was abandoned due of weather conditions)
Galatasaray 1:0 Akhisarspor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
21:00 Besiktas - Fenerbahce

In other news:

- Goztepe administrator Talat Papatya: Our head coach Kemal Ozdes has stated to us that with this condition it would be right for him to leave club. So we made mutual agreement. We didnt have any negotiations with coaches and would make decision in careful manner.

- Konyaspor has signed sponsorship deal with Sigorta Center Group for 1.5 years.

- Galatasaray players Diagne and Fernando have become injured during training session.

- Goztepe has made principal agreement with Tamer Tuna for head coach position.

- Besiktas player Atiba Hutchinson is expected to start against Fenerbahce during Super League 23rd week game.

- Fenerbahce are interested to loan Rizespor player Umar Aminu.

- Fenerbahce are interested to appoint Paulo Sousa as club's head coach.

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/02/2019

Basaksehirspor - Bursaspor game has been abandoned for vision at the field due of extreme weather conditions in Istanbul.

Turkish Super League 23rd week game between Basaksehirspor and Bursaspor has been cancelled due of weather conditions which has been taken place in Istanbul due of ongoing snow but even more crucial falling snow has affected vision of referee and also their are reports that VAR system has been gone out of service.

For our readers who are not located in Istanbul, it is important to note that even through it has been snowing since midday and also weather conditions has been +1-+3 degrees, the stadium field wasnt really effected by the snow and games in similar conditions has been played previously. However, the snow has been going in a way which was distractful to referee and also with reports that VAR the game could have ended with high amount of suspecious decisions which could have even more controversial circumstances during game. It also important to note that both teams players, coaches and administrators didnt provide any disagreemenet with game to be abandoned which has led for mutual decisions and both sides being aware of the circumstances could come if game could have been played. Right now, game has been scheduled for tomorrow but it is expected for snow to keep going for tomorrow also and hence it is unclear when game would would be played.

It needs to be stated that both sides would be hoping for game to be played, as it is unclear to what day game would be moved but weather condition for tomorrow is being unclear and have risk of being abandoned again.

Trabzonspor has got an important confidence boost with a win against Goztepe

Trabzonspor has managed to stop its poor performance during last 2 weeks, as it has managed to beat Goztepe with 3:1 scoreline and has shown strong improvement even through poor performance of Goztepe in recent weeks has made task either for Black Sea side.

It was important for Trabzonspor to turn around its poor condition which it is showing during 2nd half of the season to keep arrive its chances to get European spot at the end of the season as team does have plans for future as team and more crucially has been absent from European competitions for long period right now. Meanwhile, Abdurkadir Parmak who has been one of the best players of the team during 2nd half has carried good performance with finding high quality goal after 2 minutes when side has conceded from penalty as game has been turned to 2:1 thanks to his goal. Trabzonspor most importantly has provided an attacking game which to some has been lacking during last 2 weeks and as been stated at our yesterday entry it was also important for Hugo Rodallega to score an opening goal as he has recieved high amount of criticism as he didnt convert goal against Alanyaspor. With very important games coming up for Trabzonspor at Super League and also during this week against Umraniyespor at Turkish Cup it has got an important motivational and confidence boost.

In same manner as Super League, Trabzonspor without doubt does have high aims at the Turkish Cup and would now give all focus to the Umraniyespor which would be played on 26th February.

Galatasaray would aim to put Benfica trauma behind them as it would play against Akhisarspor. 

Following elimination at Europa League against Benfica, Galatasaray would be returned to its title race at the Super League with a game against Akhisarspor which has been a problematic team for a side during last season.

Galatasaray has provided unexpected poor performance against Benfica and has shown that it is very far from Portuguese side, but it is still among strongest side at the Super League and now would be playing against Akhisarspor which is showing dissapointing performance and are at relegation zone even through it has won Turkish Cup including with a win against Galatasaray. Still, with current performance at domestic Galatasaray are expected to be favourite for game and meanwhile one of the main focus of the game would be given to Mbiaye Diagne. As it is known, Diagne has been brought to the team to find goals as he had found 20 goals in 1st half with Kasimpasa but has been unsuccessful so far at Galatasaray but head coach Fatih Terim is reported to be having high hopes that Diagne would start converting goals. Meanwhile, Galatasaray has done some preparation due of heavy snow condition as it has covered football field so it wont be affected with snow. The chances of game to be played hence are being high unless it wont be heavy snowing at the moment could of course lead to different circumstances and game would be also abandoned.

Galatasaray as been noted would be coming for game as strong favourites in condition that it would be playing tomorrow but with Akhisarspor showing some good results against Istanbul giants during last season could provide some confidence for a side and it would be able to get unexpected win and might also see as chance to turn around its season.

Results
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Sivasspor 1:2 Antalyaspor
Alanyaspor 3:0 Kasimpasa
Basaksehirspor A-A Bursaspor(game has been abandoned at 5th minute due of weather conditions)

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
13:30 Ankaragucu - Erzurumspor
16:00 Konyaspor - Kayserispor
19:00 Basaksehirspor A-A Bursaspor (Game will restart at 5th minute)
19:00 Galatasaray - Akhisarspor

In other news:

- Besiktas has announced its debt to be 2,314,695,709 TL.

- Goztepe has terminated contract with its head coach Kemal Ozdes

- Bursaspor administrator Altug Gunaydin: We saw weather conditions which was expected prior to game. During pre-game, players has requested to move game. We asked our players, their said their can play. Referee said he doesnt see much and has abandoned game.

- Ankaragucu: We are contuning our sponsorship deals with Makine Chemical Industry(MKE) in this season also as their been our sponsor since formation of club. Due of good-will we also carrying on shirt sponsorship deal. Even through we would carry on this week. Currently we are waiting for response from MKE regarding renewal of sponsorship.

- AydoganCevahir has announced his Besiktas CEO candidacy for May election.

- Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman:When my team started our term at Besiktas in 2012, our debt was about double compare to our opponents. We made investments in all aspects of club. Their is election coming up, our opponents should state how their would reduce debt rather than criticise

- Fenerbahce has decided to provide bonus to its players for a win against Besiktas during Super League 23rd week game. Amount will be announced later.

- Fenerbahce are expecting to start with Ismail Koybasi during Super League 23rd week game against Besiktas.

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/02/2019

Trabzonspor has got an important win against Goztepe and have won after 2 weeks. 

Trabzonspor has stopped its 2-game defeat period during Super League 23rd week game against Goztepe as it has won game with 3:1 scoreline and has provided strong focussed game with high amount of the chances.

As Trabzonspor has got pretty far away from title race and has found themselves outside of the Europa League zone despite of starting having high aims only 2 months ago it was very important to win today's game to set back its aim at ending season at the European spots. It needs to be stated that
Trabzonspor has provided full focus to the game and even when it has got scoreline into 1:1 after goal of Goztepe, it has shown strong comeback and has turned game into 2:1 with good goal of the Abdulkadir Parmak who is showing great performance of 2nd leg. Trabzonspor has shown high focus to the game and has shown good game and with this win it could be an important turning point for the side. Meanwhile, it was important for Hugo Rodallega to find a goal after recieving high amount of criticism due of unnecesarily Panelka kick during last week game against Alanyaspor. It needs to be also stated that factor of Goztepe not having good performance during last 6 games has also played an important role with such importance as side couldnt provide enough opposition to Trabzonspor.

As been mentioned, Goztepe does show some worrying performance right now and still finds itself 1 point ahead of the relegation zone and very critical weeks are coming for Trabzonspr right now and it would need to find ways to start getting points if it doesnt want to find itself at relegation zone.

Trabzonspor has got an important win with a good scoreline and this would provide motivation and confidence for 2nd leg Turkish Cup game against Umraniyespor and also in upcoming games of the Super League.

Fenerbahce had an advantage before kick-off and once again before 2nd half, but it wasted them both.

Fenerbahce did start game against Zenit during Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg with an advantage from 1st leg and after losing that advantage, it has got an away goal and hence an aggregate win at the end of 1st half. So, with losing its advantage twice during game would mean that Fenerbahce can blame only themselves and hasnt been enough at performance.

Following game, Fenerbahce head coach Ersun Yanal has stated that the team is not weaker than Zenit and it has lost tie to opponent which is weaker than them. This talk is very dangerous, especially if Ersun Yanal and whole teams believes to this, as even through at untrained eye 2nd half of performance of Fenerbahce could have seen as fair result, it is true that Fenerbahce didnt use twice its advantage and losing game with 3:1 result could not be blamed to referee. One of the main mistakes of the team has been to be too reliant for 2:1 scoreline and not showing too much attacking game which has led for mistake to be scored as it happened from Mehmet Topal. Our blog did state that it is important to find goal as it would turn around to Fenerbahce day before game, but this would been case if it found goal first. Zenit has provided great organised game and being patient has got an important win with great performance of Serdar Azmoun.

It is true that Fenerbahce did show good performance at 2nd half, but tactically it did lose game and can only blame themselves and should not trick itself that it was unlucky and its stronger than Zenit because right now that is not case.

Galatasaray needs to be aware that its in level to win Europa League in current condition.

In similar manner, Galatasaray needs to have reality check and even through complaints about referees in both legs against Benfica at Europa League 2nd round are being legimate are on place, it cant be stated that Galatasaray has shown better performance than Benfica.

One of the advantages of this scoreline is get an important comparison of its capabilities among stronger sides at the Europe. Sadly, at Turkish clubs and especially sports media good performance of the teams during domestically does provide illusion that it can provide similar performance at the European competitions, but apart of Galatasaray winning Europa League on 2000/01, Fenerbahce semi-final at Europa League on 2012/13 among same clubs good knockout performances, this has not been case for long time. Stating that, sadly or either of bad management Turkish clubs doesnt seem to learn from this mistakes and make same errors over and over again, apart of said exceptions. Galatasaray would need to identify what it is missing from Benfica, even through the case is obvious which is having lack of younger players, which is also by the way become visible at Fenerbahce - Zenit tie. Meanwhile, even through Fatih Terim even through does make legimate note about referees of 2 legs, it would be helpful if he would focus more into team during game as it didnt manage to show an effective game.

Galatasaray can now focus domestically as it does have good chance to end season with double winning Super League and Turkish Cup, but their are areas which it needs to improve to achieve that but it is easier than winning Europa League for sure.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Goztepe 1:3 Trabzonspor
Rizespor 3:0 Yeni Malatyaspor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
13:30 Sivasspor - Antalyaspor
16:00 Alanyaspor - Kasimpasa
19:00 Basaksehirspor - Bursaspor

In other news:

- TFF Arbitration Committee has reduced fine towards Fenerbahce from 30,000 TL to 20,000 TL for behaviour of fans.

- ClubsUnion: We are wishing all good luck to newly selected Central Referee Committee. We want for football to be talked by footballers, not referees. We want referee who would make mistakes at game, but will not make wrong actions during game.

- Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim had an argument with Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game against Benfica referee Ovidiu Hotegan after game.

- Besiktas will have administrative meeting on 23rd February.

- Hamza Hamzaoglu did state that he had negotiations with Akhisarspor for appointment to head coach position but added that their is no deal made yet.

- Saudi Arabic clubs are interested to transfer Alanyaspor player Papis Cisse.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer PSV Eindhoven player Luuk de Jong.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/02/2019

Fenerbahce has been relegated from Europa League. 

Fenerbahce has been relegated from Europa League after losing to Zenit with 3:1 scoreline without using its 1st leg advantage in any way with allowing Zenit to control as their wished despite of nice goal from Mehmet Topal which was scored at right moment but mistake from 2nd half has prevented team to get to next stage.

One of the main aspects of Fenerbahce for not getting into next round has been of not starting good game during 1st half as it has provided pretty poor performance allowing Zenit to find an early goal and creating chances. After that Zenit has provided an attacking game which led them to find 2nd goal. As game, has been turning into hand of the Zenit during 1st half as it showed very attacking game. Goal prior to 2nd half of the Mehmet Topal has got an important goal as it would have provided an opportunity for 2nd half as current scoreline has been enough. However, Fenerbahce needed to find 2nd goal as the fear that Zenit could find a goal as it needed one due of either mistake or personal skill. However, Zenit has come from good chance and has found goal from Serdar Azoun. It needs to be admitted that Fenerbahce has provided a better performance during 2nd half with Tolgay Arslan providing strong passing game and has done in good manner, however once again it was important to find goal. Fenerbahce even got chance to find 2nd goal but it didnt use this advantages and has made mistakes not only of Fenerbahce, but Turkish clubs general way of being eliminated at Europa League.

Even through Zenit didnt look like it has provided very attacking game during 2nd half but it always had game in hand and has used its key opportunities. In addition and one of the main reason for last 16 ticket has been for team to find an early goal with follow-up and hence had motivation for upcoming games.

Fenerbahce wasnt able to use its advantages which it got and has been relegated from Europa League as rather finding a draw goal of 2:2 has provided good passing game but didnt manage to get into dangerous zone. With being out of Europa League, Fenerbahce would have very tough days.

Galatasaray are not at same level as Benfica.

Despite of losing to Benfica at home ground during 1st leg of the Europa League 2nd round game,
Galatasaray did come out to 2nd leg with high motivation and confidence but with taking account an aggregate scoreline of 2:1 Benfica has shown controllable game and has used its advantage to its own hand.

Galatasaray task has been arleady been difficult as it needed to find 2 goals at the Stadio de Luz which are among difficult stadiums to play at due of strong support of fans. Even through Galatasaray at some moments of the time did control ball, it didnt create many chances and has only being effective during 2nd part of 2nd half even finding 2 goals with two being disallowed as Emre Akbaba goal on 85th minute which was seen as offside does raise some questions but again it would be doubtful, to all respect towards Istanbul giants, it would have been difficult to turn around game. Galatasaray did provide some good performance at preventing Benfica to score goal which especially at 1st half did show some attacking game and this could be seen as positive side, but Benfica has been one who needs to get it and hence has provided performance. It is important for Galatasaray to be able to recognise, not counting offside goals ofcourse, why Galatasaray didnt even manage to find at least 1 goal at the 2nd leg. But as been noted previously, Galatasaray are not at same level as Benfica and it needs to be aware of that and identify ways to reach that level.

Benfica on other hand, as been mentioned beforehand even through did provide in some moments an effective game and didnt manage to find goal, has got what it was seeking during this leg as it had 2 away goal advantage over Galatasaray. Benfica is being at good condition right on with Bruno Lage and get for at Europa League this season.

Galatasaray can now focus at the title race at the league and also get Turkish Cup as domestically it does show good performance in recent weeks, but this game did provide that its not same level as Benfica.

Trabzonspor would aim to turn around their poor performance with a win against Goztepe. 

Trabzonspor would be aiming to turn around its poor performance during Super League 23rd week game against Goztepe as it has lost last 2 weeks of the season and currently finds itself 15 points behind league leaders Basaksehirspor and 2nd placed Galatasaray.

Without doubt, Trabzonspor would need to revise its aims for this season as talks for league title and Champions League are being further and now it would be aiming to get Europa League spot. It needs to be stated that their would be meeting with Goztepe which didnt show great performance in recent weeks and also in generally during this season and would see this game as good opportunity to turn around their poor performance, so it would be dififcult game between both sides seeking to get an important win which would affect to sides motivation and confidence. Good news for Trabzonspor would be that both Filip Novak and Ugurcan Cakir has been recovered from their injuries and expected to be able to play against Goztepe and getting closer to an ideal starting 11 which it didnt have for 2nd half of the season.

Trabzonspor would be coming as favourite but their are showing downgrade of performance and hence winning this game could identify their aims for rest of the season and provide motivational boost.

Results: 
Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:
Zenit 3:1 Fenerbahce (agg: 3:2)
Benfica 0:0 Galatasaray (agg: 2:1)

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
20:30 Goztepe- Trabzonspor
20:30 Rizespor - Yeni Malatyaspor

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:
- Yeni Malatyaspor and Trabzonspor has recieved 20,000 TL fine for events at field.
- Yeni Malatyaspor, Konyaspor, Trabzonspor and Bursaspor has recieved blockage of stands for behaviour of fans.
- Yeni Malatyaspor player Adem Buyuk has recieved 2-game ban for breaking rules.
- Besiktas has recieved 30,000 TL fine for events at the field
- Konyaspor has recieved 20,000 TL for behaviour of fans
- Konyaspor player Adis Jahovic has recieved 2-game ban and 8,500 TL fine for breaking rules.
- Kasimpasa has recieved 100,000 TL fine for allowing fans without ticket
- Kasimpasa worker Cuneyt Arslan has recieved 20,000 TL for being an unaccredited area.

- Tondela has transferred Alanyaspor player Erdinc Mergen.

- Fenerbahce has signed professional contract with its academy player Osman Ertugrul Cetin

- Alanyaspor has extended contracts with its players Tzavellas and Haydar Yilmaz until 2021.

- Antalyaspor CEO Ali Safak Ozturk has become CEO of Antalyaspor Foundation.

- YeniMalatyaspor players Murat Akca, Issam Chebake, Bugra Cagaran, Aboubakar Kamara, Thievy Bifouma and Omer Sismanoglu are injured.

- Erzurumspor has signed deal with Emin Evim for shirt sponsorship.

- Alanyaspor has extended contract with its player Efecan Karaca for 3 years.

- Fenerbahce player Hasan Ali Kaldirim has become injured during Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game against Zenit

- Besiktas players Gokhan Tore wants to move to team outside of Turkey.

- Rizespor has stated that it didnt recieve transfer offer for its player Gokhan Akkan from Besiktas.

- Fenerbahce player Carlos Kameni has stated that he would aim to find new club during summer transfer window.

- Akhisarspor are interested to appoint Hamza Hamzaoglu as club's head coach.

- Ararat Yerevan are interested to loan Fenerbahce player Michael Frey for 1.5 years.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Porto player Yacine Brahimi

- Chelsea considers to offer 60 million euro for Roma player Cengiz Under.

What happened in Turkish football today? 20/02/2019

Galatasaray needs to show high level organised game to beat Benfica.

Galatasaray would be aiming to fulfill difficult task of getting a win against Benfica at Stadio de Luz as it would be coming out with losing tie of Europa League 2nd round with 2:1 scoreline with providing 2 away goals to an opponent.

One of the key factors, which has been also discussed prior to 1st leg game for Galatasaray would be providing an organised and also very attacking game as it would need to beat them with minumum scoreline of 2:0. This could be a difficult task as Benfica without doubt would be feeling much more comfortable at home ground and might even look for much more an offensive football so without forgetting that it needs to score goals, Galatasaray would need to provide very strong and organised an attacking game. With taking account that Galatasaray is not showing great away game performance both domestically and also in Europe in recent years does provide another worrisome performances. Galatasaray would be coming to game with all of the odds and aim to get positive results by ending 1st leg game with an dissapointing which their get to themselves. Benfica as been mentioned would be coming out as favourite and would also provide some organised game but would be expected to show an attacking football.

Galatasaray would be going out to game with high morale after beating Kasimpasa but as been stated previously it would need to show much more high quality game against Benfica if it wants to get to last 16 stage.

Fenerbahce needs to find an early goal against Zenit.

Fenerbahce would be coming out to the Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game against Zenit in Saint Petersburg, with an advantage of scoreline of 1:0 but it needs to be noted that Zenit has been known at Europa League to provide better performance at home ground this season.

It needs to be remembered that despite of Fenerbahce showing reasonably good performance against Zenit at the home ground it needs to be noted that Russian side has been surprisingly poor at the game, and it is highly expected that it would be showing much better performance. It needs to be noted that best scenario for the game without doubt would be finding an early goal against Zenit, hence turning its advantage from 1st leg more meaningful and into stronger advantage, as then Zenit would need to find 3 goals. With this scenario without doubt, Zenit would be one who would look for urgent goals and with organised defence performance of  the game, in similar manner as on 1st leg and without getting too much panic, Fenerbahce would prevent to get Zenit winning scoreline. But defence needs to be careful all the time especialy in start of the game, as Zenit would be main focus also to found an early goal and prevent Fenerbahce to score goal. Hence, among careful defence during game it would be crucial for Istanbul side to show strong and creative attacking performance looking for goal which could be key for last 16.

Fenerbahce as been stated does come out with an advantage scoreline but it cant relax as Zenit as mentioned does provide much more attacking and organised game at away games this season at least.

Adem Ljajic has recieved 10,000 euro for yellow card against Yeni Malatyaspor game.

Besiktas has decided to provide 10,000 euro fine towards Adem Ljajic who has recieved red card due of overexerated celebration after scoring against Yeni Malatyaspor and hence would be missing Fenerbahce derby game at Super League 23rd week game.

Practice of providing fines towards players for cards, especially which are unneccesarly and could have prevented, has been used by Turkish clubs in recent years and it is necessarily to hence show to players that such an action is not allowed. Stating that it is without doubt, taking also account of sad reaction after that card during game, Adem Ljajic has been saddened and also aware of his mistake when he has done that action. Adem Ljajic without doubt from card and also recieving this fine right now would be aware what kind of amateurish action he has done and would be an important turning point into his career and would be more careful with his celebrations in upcoming games, especially prior to crucial games.

Cards are being recieved during games, but their is not much acceptance for cards which are been needless. Even through its true that some of them has been done by adrenaline and without purpose, it still important for professional players to control those reactions.

Results:
UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:
20:55 Zenit - Fenerbahce (agg: 0:1)
23:00 Benfica - Galatasaray (agg: 2:1)

In other news:

- Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc has stated that side doesnt blame anyone for its poor performance and are making referee criticism from observations.

- Besiktas has signed shorts sponsorship deal with Bahcesehir Koleji.

- Trabzonspor player Ugurcan Cakir and Filip Novak has resumed training sessions after recovery. Oganyi Onazi meanwhile is expected to resume training sessions within 3-4 weeks.

- Fenerbahce has travelled to St.Petersburg for Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game against Zenit with 2-hour delay due of heavy fog in Istanbul in morning.

- Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma is expected to start at starting 11 during Super League 23rd week against Fenerbahce.

- Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes doesnt consider to bring back its player Gokhan Tore back to squad.

- Liverpool are interested to transfer Bursaspor player Muhammed Sengezer.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Slavia Prague player Tomas Soucek.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Jablonec player Michal Travnik.

What happened in Turkish football today? 19/02/2019

Referees tend to take side of title race teams in recent games.

Among high amount of criticism towards referees during past week which has led for resignation of Central Referee Committee CEO Yusuf Namoglu, there has been some arguments that referees do close their eyes towards Basaksehirspor games.

This conversation has been raised pretty actively following Super League 22nd week game between Antalyaspor and Basaksehirspor, where game's referee Metin Kalkavan has provided high amount of mistakes and didnt use VAR system at its maximum amount including positions which were not clear. Even through media and some administrators tend not to imply that referees are being nice to Basaksehirspor, it was stated that some decisions has been interested and do defend teams which are fighting for league title. Now, it needs also to remind that their are been very interesting and strange referee performances during last 3 weeks, and hence it could be seen that yesterday's performance of Kalkavan has been due of main poor performance of referees during this weeks and has nothing to do with specifically with this game. With new Central Referee Committee appointment, including of Sadik Ciftci as CEO, would have difficult task at bringing back of referees in Turkey.

It is crucial period of TFF and referee committee and individual referees to provide good performance from this week until end of the season as it has difficult task of regaining trust of itself due of recent week.

Trabzonspor has send its 5 players back to main squad.

It was announced today by Trabzonspor that it has send its 5 young players from main squad back to academy of team for not providing satisfying performance and also low chances of getting to the squad for upcoming games.

This decision is also good message which has been send to players, namely Berkay Sefa Kara, Kerem Baykus, Koray Kilinc, Behlul Aydin and Oguzhan Acil, as it made clear that their are not entirely ready for main squad and need to work to improve with its academy. Rather than seeing this as high criticism towards themselves in a sense of performance this could be recieved as sign that team has trust of them and now those 5 players would need to focus to work hard at academy to prove how much their worth of the side. Taking account that their were taking to main squad at 1st place proves that side has full trust on them, but its crucial for those players to prove themselves to the administrators and main squad.

This could be an important message to players and their should respond accordingly to this decision for sure.

Their are reasons why Besiktas-Fenerbahce game has been scheduled to Monday. 

Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman has been observed to provide high amount of criticism towards TFF for putting their derby game against Fenebahce on 25th February stating that it didnt provide same decision with them when their met with Galatasaray after Europa League game against Sarspborg 08.

Even through Fikret Orman does make sense about game could been played on Sunday rather than on Monday, he does forget about factor of broadcaster and Turkish Cup. If Besiktas and Fenerbahce has been played on 24th February instead it would mean that Galatasaray would be playing on 25th but since it does have Turkish Cup game against Hatayspor during next  midweek and also broadcaster wishing to broadcast games at different days, it was expected for game to be played on Monday rather than Sunday. In fact, to some it might be surprising that Besiktas has demanded for game to be played on 24 rather than 25, hence not having an extra day but reason does lie for monetary reasons. Even through derby games are always full at the stadiums, their would be higher demand to the game if it was played on Sunday rather on 1st day of the week where it might not get entirely full stadium at such derby game. Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman would rather need to take account Turkish Cup remembering that it still take place this season even if his side has been banned to this year competition.

Even through derby games are tend to take place at weekend with some scheduling issues and more games in a season, TFF didnt have much chance to play game on Monday as broadcaster also provides extra push at scheduling for sure.

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:
- Yeni Malatyaspor and Trabzonspor has been referred for behaviour of fans and events at field.
- Yeni Malatyaspor player Adem Buyuk and Konyaspor player Adis Jahovic has been referred due of breaking rules.
- Besiktas has been referred for events at field
- Bursaspor and Konyaspor has been referred for events at field.
- Kasimpasa has been referred for allowing unallowed fans to game
- Kasimpasa worker Cuneyt Soylen has been referred for not following guidelines.

-  CentralRefereeCommittee positions has been appointed as follows:
CEO: Sabri Celik
vice-CEO: Mustafa Culcu
Professional Competition Executive Committee: Sabri Celik, Mustafa Culcu, Muhittin Bosat
Spokesman: Mustafa Culcu
Mentorship representative: Unsal Cimen.

- Super League club CEOs, apart of Galatasaray CEO Mustafa Cengiz had attended to meeting with TFF and Turkish Bank Union to discuss about deal with banks regarding of debts.

- UEFA has announced referee of Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game between Zenit and Fenerbahce as Michael Oliver.

- UEFA has announced referee of Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game between Benfica and Galatasaray as Ovidiu Hategan.

- Sivasspor player Hugo Vieira continues his recovery from injury in Portugal.

- Akhisarspor are interested to appoint Ibrahim Uzulmez as club's head coach.

- YeniMalatyaspor player Omer Sismanoglu has become injured during today's training session.

- Chelsea are interested to transfer Roma player Cengiz Under

- Besiktas has signed business partnership with Dorak Tour

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Leicester City player Shinji Okazaki.

- Unnamed Saudi Arabic club has offered 11 million euro for Galatasaray player Younes Belhanda.

- Galatasaray considers to extend contract with its player Selcuk Inan for 1 more year.

- Alanyaspor considers to extend contract with its player Efecan Karaca at the end of the season.