What happened in Turkish football today? 03/03/2018

Galatasaray has managed to get historical win against Karabukspor.

Galatasaray has managed to get most comfortable away game it can get during this season beating Karabukspor with 7:0 scoreline with 4 goals from Bafetembi Gomis and also getting the biggest win its history of the Super League.

Galatasaray has completed its task during this game at the 1st half an hour as it was winning with 5:0 scoreline as Bafetembi Gomis has also found 4 goals during today's game. Due of poor conditions of
Karabukspor, with financial and motivational aspects conceding goals so early at the game has without doubt has affected confidence and concentration of them. It needs to be stated that with winning 6:0 after 1st half, in our view rightfully, Galatasaray has reduced its tempo during 2nd half playing it more controllable and reducing its dominance as it got what it has looked for. It was important however for Galatasaray to get this in such matter as it could lead to get rid of away game phobia and would likely affect to the upcoming games. Galatasaray player Gomis founding 4 goals has also shown how much is angry to find goals, while Yuto Nagatomo has shown upper hand with nice assists and making attacks dangerous during game.

Karabukspor meanwhile did show once again that it is currently at mess and condition of the club is getting worser by each team and with chances at table to stay for next season gets less and less it does look it would be eliminated but team can focus to provide good football even with this situation.

Galatasaray has managed to end away game phobia but it get comfortable scoreline and would now look forward for the upcoming weeks with higher motivation and better performance at away games.

Fenerbahce tiredness from Besiktas game could affect Akhisarspor game.

After very hard game against Besiktas during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game which was emotionally, physically has been tough it would now meet with Akhisarspor during Super League 24th week, and might not be able to show high level game for 90 minutes.

One of the aim solutions for this aspect is to get an early goal during game however Akhisarspor is not an easy opponent and even if Fenerbahce does come out as strong favourite their opponents is not in type to concede at each position. With also seeking for an early goal which might not come might also provide some pressure towards Fenerbahce. In other hand, however Fenerbahce did make some rotations from usual players and players like Fernandao and Giuliano not starting could mean that forward players would be more physically ready for game. With opponents also winning during this week, Fenerbahce must win this game if it wants to get league title as we got into weeks which you cant afford to get any mistakes if it wants to get league title. Without doubt Fenerbahce would aim to use its advantage for upcoming games.

It needs to be stated that Akhisarspor did also play league game on 27th February and hence didnt have entire week to get ready for this game which means Fenerbahce opponents will not be at best physically for game.

Ricardo Quaresma can recieve up to 10 game ban for his red card against Fenerbahce. 

Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma red card during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game against Fenerbahce which he recieved with 10 minutes after getting into field continues to be talking point.

Even through Besiktas technical and administrative board has stated that Josef de Souza did provide foul earlier, their are very angry towards Ricardo Quaresma needless red card. It is expected that Quaresma could recieve at least 4 and at most 10 games ban  which means it could not be able to use one of its key players for rest of the season. Besiktas team inside needs to be stated to some extend are also expecting very tough and long ban even through it might work at and demand to reduce this with its connection with TFF. Meanwhile, club administrators are worried to provide ban to player as Quaresma has complained to FIFA for previous amount of bans and this could provide some issue for the team financially at the future. Still it is clear that Quaresma needs to manage to control his reaction and anger in upcoming games if he doesnt want to continue to provide issues for team.

So as it is been stated the ban which would come from PFDK next week could be very tough one and might have some negative aspects for the player and club for rest of the season.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
Kasimpasa 1:1 Osmanlispor
Basaksehirspor 2:0 Goztepe
Karabukspor 0:7 Galatasaray

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
13:30 Genclerbirligi - Alanyaspor
16:00 Konyaspor - Yeni Malatyaspor
19:00 Antalyaspor - Sivasspor
19:00 Fenerbahce - Akhisarspor

In other news:

- Turkish prosecution has opened case against Besiktas player Caner Erkin has swore to referee Mete Kalkavan during Super League 9th week game against Basaksehirspor.

- Fenerbahce has opened case against ex-player Volkan Sen as he has only paid 200,000 euro compensation to club for ending contract of 1,000,000 euro, and would demand for rest of money.

- Fenerbahce considers to provide fine of 15,000-20,000 euro to Alper Potuk and 50,000 euro to Volkan Sen and could also get them out of squad for cards against Besiktas.

- Galatasaray has recieved 162 million TL capital from Capital Markets Board, 117 million TL would be used for financial debts and rest for salaries of players.

What happened in Turkish football today? 02/03/2018

Besiktas didnt provide same level of performance as it did at the league at Turkish Cup

Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game between Besiktas and Fenerbahce has been played with incredible high tension which has led for total of 3 red cards with all 3 of them coming out in totally unrelated situations as both sides didnt manage to keep their nerves intact.

Even through Super League 23rd week game between two sides has also been played with high tension, it was way much below compare to yesterday game and this nervous behaviour from both sides could be seen very surprising as previous game was played in calm manner where Besiktas has deserved to win. Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma red card for instance has been provided from not controlling his nerves and being hero of Super League game has become villain as due of him Besiktas possibly didnt get a win at the Turkish Cup at its home and also will not be able to play for upcoming games at the Super League. Meanwhile, with both sides changing starting 11 it was visible that Fenerbahce players has provided better performance with Jeremain Lens at Besiktas carrying on dissapointing team with his performance including not using great chance which led for Fenerbahce to find goal.

Besiktas compare to previous game has provided much more nervous game and didnt use much its advantage of getting motivation from Super League game.

Fenerbahce has shown improvement from league game.

Meanwhile, and even through Fenerbahce has started game in much better manner compare to previous game and was showing better performance in overall it was also visible it was nervous during game.

One of the main players who has been nervous are send off Alper Potuk and Volkan Demirel with Roberto Soldado also being during most time of the game with Besiktas player Pepe.Both red cards of Alper Potuk and Volkan Demirel has been made from having high tension of the game and without doubt has been very devastated for such unrelated mistakes with Potuk apologizing at Instagram. Still, Fenerbahce was showing reasonably good performance at the game abling to stop Besiktas to play their own football and being way more effective at controlling ball with Mehmet Ekici return to team for long time has led him showing positive performance at game. Now two clubs would have difficult games this weekend as tiredness of this game could be an issue to Fenerbahce against Akhisarspor and Besiktas against Trabzonspor.

Fenerbahce did get an advantage scoreline from Vodafone Stadium and would now aim to use this advantage at its home ground when it would meet next month.

Galatasaray has chance to defeat away game phobia with playing against Karabukspor.

Following win against Akhisarspor with 2:1 scoreline at away game at Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game, it would be aiming to provide similar or even better result against Karabukspor away game with having an advantage of playing with highly unmotivated opponent.

With all respect to Karabukspor, Galatasaray would be probably going to the easiest away game during this season as it would be playing against team which didnt stop its fight for survival at league, but due of financial issues and general motivation aspects would not be able to be ready psychologically for game. Stating that and knowing an away performance of Galatasaray, it might try to found way to get some good result at this game which could be incredibly crucial for their motivation for end of the season. In this game, it is particular clear that main opponent for Istanbul side would be once again and possibly even more could be away game phobia rather than Karabukspor as team is much superior to their opponents.

Therefore, Galatasaray are coming as strong favourite for game even through playing at away game and this game might be able to defeat this away game phobia.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
Bursaspor 1:0 Kayserispor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
13:30 Kasimpasa - Osmanlispor
16:00 Basaksehirspor - Goztepe
19:00 Karabukspor - Galatasaray

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:
- Besiktas has been referred for events at the field and behaviour of fans
- Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma has been referred for breaking rules and an attack.
- Fenerbahce has been referred for behaviour of fans and not following guidelines.

- TFF has stated that according to change of law starting from next year parties which dont agree among themselves in payments or other issues and will not involve TFF at this agreement.

- Fenerbahce has stated that with request of head coach Aykut Kocaman, our player Ozan Tufan has been forgiven and would start training session with main squad.

- Turkish prosecutor has released indictment requesting 4.5 years improsement to two suspects who have wonded referee TarikOngun during Super League last season game between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce

- Kayserispor CEO Erol Bedir has stated that when Clubs Union law would be announced many issues would be solved at Turkish football including debts and relations with UEFA.

- Galatasaray administration has paid 5 million euro as salary to its players on 1st March.

- In total of more 1,100 security workers would be taking place during Super League 24th week game between Trabzonspor and Besiktas.

- Galatasaray CEO Mehmet Cengiz has met with UEFA administrators at Nyon. Switzealand to discuss about financial issues at the club.

- Besiktas football academy sports director Gokhan Keskin has stated that scouts are following development of young Turkish players playing abroad and looking for suitable for team.

- Benfica player Anderson Talisca manager Carlos Leite: Its not true that Talisca had an issue to extend contract with his team. Besiktas fans were sad for extension it gives him pressure.

- Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim has send congratulation letter to Galatasaray regarding of club openning museum at its stadium.

What happened in Turkish football today? 01/03/2018

Besiktas and Fenerbahce game has been played at high tension and dominated with needless cards.

Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game between Besiktas and Fenerbahce has been played with high tension game with much more unpredictness compare to Super League which has ended with 2:2 scoreline with cards has been talked among the field.

Fenerbahce it needs to be stated has been able to solve among not being able to control its mental aspects actually has provided much better focus and tactically game compare to Super League game and it needs to be stated that Fenerbahce head coach Aykut Kocaman has changed his main mistakes compare to previous game where role of different squad which included Soldado has provided much better game. To some extend, compare to the league game Fenerbahce has treated game as Turkish Cup 2-legged game as it has seeked to get an advantage scoreline which it has managed to do including finding 2nd goal with also taking account that it has played with one less player at that time. Coming to the cards it was totally needless both from Alper Potuk and Volkan Demirel making mistakes from nervous behaviour. It is questionable how game would affect to Super League 24th week game against Akhisarspor from this tiredness though.

Coming to the Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma red card, it was total needless as it has provided from aggressive movement and has got total needless card and would be accepted to get an extra ban and fine likely for post card reaction. Coming to game it will not be right to state that it has shown much worser game but compare to league game it didnt dominate game from start to an end. It was expected that Besiktas would provide its dominance also from previous game and it did start in such a way. To some extend, we could state that even through this is good squad it is not as strong compare to previous game at the attacking front. To some extend, this high confidence from Fenerbahce league game could also affect negatively to the Besiktas as their has speaking  too confident about today's game which can do damage.

Fenerbahce after this 1st leg has provided an important advantage for 2nd leg with firstly getting 2 away goals and also having advantage to play at home ground. Right now, both teams would have league games this weekend which could be very hard for them without doubt after such intensive game.

Arbitration Court has reduced ban of Fernandao from 2-game to 1 game.

Turkish Football Federation Arbitration Court has reduced Fenerbahce player Fernandao over-exerated celebration after scoring against Besiktas at the Super League from 2-game to the 1 game.

It needs to be noted that the ban which was given yesterday which has been only approved with 1-vote difference for to be provided did provide some strong hands in the defence of Fenerbahce as it could state that with this taking account of undecidefulness 2 game could be a harsh decision therefore. Also it needs to be remembered that in previous cases which includes Galatasaray ex- player Felipe Melo decision has been also reduced. Hence, taking this account Fenerbahce has provided this points to the Arbitration Court and this has been accepted from the court and has led for decline of the ban. Coming to the ban itself it could been that this celebration has been done over-exerated manner and hence led for Besiktas supporters to show strong reaction but again with this factor of being undecided by PFDK it was correct decision to reduce this ban.

This decision would now mean that Fernandao has went through this ban during today's game against Besiktas and would be able to play against Akhisarspor during Super League 24th week.

Benfica has extended contract with Anderson Talisca. 

According to Portguese media reports Benfica has extended contract with its player Anderson Talisca which means that he would be staying at team until 2020 and does reduce chances of plans to transfer him as he is loaned there.

Again it needs to be reminded that Anderson Talisca does want to stay at Besiktas as he has stated that both in Turkish and Portuguese media and also informed to both clubs but sadly for him and Besiktas according to contract Benfica had full control of it. However, Talisca can make it clear to Portuguese club, as long as their would aim to transfer him in summer transfer window, to push them to make deal with Besiktas without providing too much issues at the deal. This factor of course would play crucial role but also the way Benfica would treat issue and how long wants to keep Talisca. Benfica naturally doesnt want to lose its player who is in great form right now and either would keep him at squad or sell for good price which is unclear if Besiktas can provide.

This extension does put Besiktas chances to transfer Talisca more harder position but it is still not impossible and time would show how Besiktas would use tactics and if it work.

Results:
Turkish Cup, semi-final, 1st leg:
Besiktas 2:2 Fenerbahce

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
20:00 Bursaspor - Kayserispor

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:
- Alanyaspor, Goztepe and Bursaspor has recieved 15,000 TL fine for events at field.
- Alanyaspor has recieved 9,000 TL fine for team-wise anti-sportmanship actions
- Alanyaspor administrator Bilal Gomec has recieved 21-day deprivation of rights+ 25,000 TL fine.
- Bursaspor has recieved 20,000 TL fine for 2nd time at away game behaviour of fans and blockage of section of field.
- Basaksehirspor recieved blockage of field for behaviour of fans.
- Besiktas has recieved 100,000 TL for behaviour of fans and blockage ofstands and 25,000 TL for not leaving stairs empty.
- Fenerbahce has recieved 22,500 TL fine for events at field + 170,000 TL for behaviour of fans and blockage of stands.

- Akhisarspor head coach Okan Buruk has been referred to PFDK for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Basaksehirspor CEO Goksel Gumusdag has stated that their might sell shares of 30-40% of club to foreign company, stating their are interests from China and Europe.

- Fenerbahce would open complaint case against TFF representatives who wrote PFDK report following Besiktas game at Super League 23rd week game.

- Galatasaray players Fernando and Fernando Muslera are expected to start against Karabukspor during Super League 24th week game.

- Dutch academy workers has arrived to Istanbul to check condition of Fenerbahce and provide some suggestions to the team to improve system.

- Bursaspor CEO Ali Ay: I am not person with high ego. We are having bad period but hopefully we would improve at game tomorrow. We only made one mistake with transfers and its Moussa Sow. We are aiming to win Kayserispor game, players also give their word.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Manchester United player Marouane Fellaini.

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

What happened in Turkish football today? 28/02/2018

Galatasaray has won against Akhisarspor without providing great football.

Galatasaray has managed to get a win against Akhisarspor during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game with 2:1 scoreline even through it did show once again some signs of away game phobia as it didnt dominate game.

One of the reasons for this as been mentioned by our blog yesterday could have been factor that it wasnt playing with its best squad and was going through big rotation at the squad. In overall, game has been played at low tempo without both sides showing an attacking game and mainly been played at midfield. This performance could be understood from Akhisarspor as it has set its focus for final and did play against stronger opponent so it need to be more precautiously, but performance of Galatasaray could be seen as surprise. Still, Galatasaray did get a win with also help of goal from Sinan Gumus who is showing great performance at the tournament becoming most goal-scorer among Besiktas player Negredo and relegated- Trabzonspor player Hugo Rodallega. One of the worrying aspects has been of injury by Fernando Muslera but he is expected to play against Karabukspor during Super League 24th week game.

Galatasaray did manage to end its unlucky performance at away games and with also playing against last-placed Karabukspor it would be aiming for the win and hence get motivation for future away games.

Besiktas would be aiming to repeat its performance against Fenerbahce

Besiktas without doubt would be aiming to repeat its successfull performance against Fenerbahce as it would be meeting again at home ground against them on 1st March during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game.

As it was remembered, during Super League 23rd week game Besiktas has shown strong dominance at the game and has managed to win game in deserved manner with 3:1 scoreline. It is reported that Besiktas would be going through rotation for the game and would be aiming to repeat similar results with players like Jeremain Lens, Negredo and also Pepe and Talisca returning to squad. among others believing that this squad is also capable to dominate against Fenerbahce. It is visible that Besiktas did get motivational boost since Fenerbahce win both for Turkish Cup and Super League and hence would be aiming to show similar performance once again. Besiktas does need to remember however that this game would have different scenario.

Since the game would be played at Besiktas home their would be favourites but this being derby game Fenerbahce can also get a win and improve its performance.

Fenerbahce would aim to get revenge against Besiktas. 

Fenerbahce in other hand would just do that as it would be aiming to get revenge from 1st leg game and also to regain its motivation and confidence which it would need for last weeks of season.

One of the main mistakes of Fenerbahce during the game has been to lose its speed of game and lost entirely control of the game as game progressed, an aspect which certainly has been focussed by Aykut Kocaman during the game. It is expected that team would come out with strong squad, even through it would not be able to use Fernandao who would be missing two games due of his celebration of goal at Besiktas game in the league. Still, Aykut Kocaman would need to provide a motivational boost to the team as it might lose it and might not go to the Turkish Cup with high passion as their did in league believing their can win. This would be psychologically hard game but it would aim to prove everyone its not as weak as Besiktas whose administrators keep staying that as team their much better compare to their opponents.

Fenerbahce without doubt would be aiming to solve its mistakes it shown at the league game and certainly would only think to get a win at this crucial Turkish Cup semi-final tie.

Schedule:
Turkish Cup, semi-final, 1st leg:
20:30 Besiktas - Fenerbahce

In other news:

- Besiktas has transferred Sunderland player Jeremain Lens for 4 years with 4,000,000 euro hence using its option to purchase player according to loan deal. Lens will recieve 8,250,000 euro yearly salary.

- Benfica player Anderson Talisca has extended contract with club until 2020. He is currently loaned to Besiktas.

- Antalyaspor: We have paid compensation prices to Samir Nasri for the payments as he was playing for club as his contract was terminated on 29th January. We didnt pay any additional salaries as has been stated by media.

- TFF has announced that Super League 24th week game between Antalyaspor and Sivasspor on 4th March kick-off time has been changed from 13:30 to 19:00.

- Kayserispor player Muammer Yildirim had an operation yesterday on his shoulder.

- Konyaspor has stated that all gains from ticket sales of Super League 24th week game against Yeni Malatyaspor would be going towards army foundation.

- Bursaspor player Moussa Sow is expected to be at starting 11 against Kayserispor during Super League 24th week game.

- Dursun Ozbek has given hint that he might be running for CEO position once again.

- ClubsUnion CEO Fikret Orman has stated that all CEOs has agreed to offer government to make ClubsUnion law officially in May and make law into effect until end of year. Orman added that now Union is focussed into rules of law

- Besiktas administrator Metin Albayrak: We are playing important games back-to-back so I expect for Senol Gunes to make rotation of squad for Turkish Cup game against Fenerbahce. Its nice to see opponent coach to agree that there was offside with Fernandao goal.

- Trabzonspor player Jose Sosa is expected to start against Besiktas during Super League 24th week game.

- Porto and Ajax are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Abdulkadir Omur.

What happened in Turkish football today? 27/02/2018

Galatasaray has managed to win away game without great game. 

Galatasaray has managed to an important away game against Akhisarspor not only because it got small advantage at the Turkish Cup semi-final tie hence being closer to the final but also it has won an away game which it had trouble to achieve during this season.

Looking at the game, Galatasaray didnt really provide a very attacking game which we are used from this side at home ground and hence it could be argued that there were signs of the away game syndrome which without trouble would been affected into the way team performed. Stating that, with Fatih Terim going through rotation at the squad as it was semi-final game has been seen as surprise taking its away game performance. One of the worrying aspects of the game has been shoulder injury of Fernando Muslera which has provided some difficult time for him and even through he didnt want to be substituted, he did provide a risk for a team as he could conceded goal as Akhisarspor has been seeking for a win today. Still, Galatasaray even through didnt provide its best football it did provide some number of chances and has managed to win game without providing great game.

Akhisarspor did start game in a manner which has provided an image that it wanted to win game and has provided number of the chances but didnt keep it too high and without dominating game showing respect to Galatasaray which is understandable but in other hand it could provide some risks for Turkish Cup game especially at home. The factor of aiming to defend its draw result and being worried that opponent could score goal without attacking their opponents as their were poor has provided some vulnerability which Galatasaray used. Meanwhile, Akhisarspor head coach Okan Buruk needs to control his nerves as he has once again been send to stands due of strong protests.

Galatasaray has got an important win against Akhisarspor at away game and has got win with providing win with not great performance which is good side. Right now Galatasaray would aim for win against struggling Karabukspor and if it manage it might solve an away game issue with 2 games back to back.

Alanyaspor has appointed Mesut Bakkal until end of the season.

Alanyaspor has appointed coach Mesut Bakkal as club's new head coach after it has sacked Hikmet Karaman on previous day as club is showing poor performance since the period it has sold Vagner Love and with selling such a player it was expected to lead for such decline.

Therefore, it is hard to criticise Hikmet Karaman in one way as it has a player which was main provider of the points to the team with his goals and with taking their rest of the squad it would be reasonably not to expect great performance for them. But in same time, it was role of Hikmet Karaman to find solutions for such an issue with existing squad and he didnt manage that. Now it has become role of Mesut Bakkal to look for solutions and it would not be an easy task as this team doesnt have great attackers and only player which could be qualified as star is Emre Akbaba, who is expected to be sold in summer transfer window. Right now Bakkal aim to move team forward and make sure it doesnt get relegated during this season and one thing he needs to achieve is to provide belief and also raise level of performance of the team.

It will not be an easy task for Mesut Bakkal but as being coach at this calibre and working with teams in this level in his career he would be able and expected to use his experience during this season.

Bursaspor head coach Paul Le Guen needs urgently to find solutions for team's poor performance. 

Another coach who seems to have difficult days right now without doubt is being Bursaspor head coach Paul Le Guen whose team is showing very poor performance during 2nd half of the season without winning any games and his future is being questioned.

In fact, administration of the club did meet yesterday to discuss his future at the team and has come to the conclusion that he should be staying at the team as sacking coach in this stage of the league would only provide harm and this thinking does make sense as it could be hard to find good replacement as their would be looking for very experienced coach. However, it is talked that Paul Le Guen doesnt have enough time at the team as loss and poor performance against Kasimpasa during Super League 24th week could lead him for sacking for him and that game would be his last chance. Regardless that is case or not it is clear that Bursaspor needs to win that game to get motivation for upcoming weeks as those critical weeks does come up and team needs to reduce its chances to find itself at relegation area.

Hence, Paul Le Guen without doubt needs urgently to find ways to improve performance of the team if he wants to stay at club and also have good end of the season at the team as right now team is in very situation.

Results: 
Turkish Cup, semi-final, 1st leg:
Akhisarspor 2:1 Galatasaray

In other news:

- Fenerbahce head coach Aykut Kocaman and Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes has recieved 50,000 TL from PFDK for anti-sportmanship statements.

- PFDK referrals:
- Bursaspor and Fenerbahce has been referred for behaviour of fans and events at the field.
- Kayserispor and Goztepe has been referred for events at the field
- Alanyaspor has been referred for anti-sportmanship behaviour as 6 players got cards and events at the field.
- Alanyaspor administrator Bilal Gomec has been referred for anti-sportmanship actions.
- Besiktas has been referred for behaviour of fans, events at field and not leaving stairs empty.
- Fenerbahce player Fernandao has been referred for behaviour
- Basaksehirspor has been referred for event for behaviour of fans.

- TFF has announced referee of Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game between Besiktas and Fenerbahce as Firat Aydinus.

- Trabzonspor player Hugo Rodallega expects to be starting against Besiktas during Super League 24th week game.

- Osmanlispor players Numan Curuksu and Serdar Gurler has resumed training sessions after recovering from injury.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Kasimpasa player Trezeguet.

- Galatasaray in their defence at UEFA regarding of FFP is to provide an offer of making transfer budget same as their gain from transfers.

- Monaco has started transfer negotiations with Benfica player Anderson Talisca who is currently loaned to Besiktas.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/02/2018

Besiktas has improved as game progressed against Fenerbahce

Besiktas has managed to win an important game at its home ground against in-form opponent Fenerbahce with 3:1 scoreline and despite of providing bad start for the game it has dominated game after 20th minute.

In fact, the game could be seen in the way that Fenerbahce has started game in good form while Besiktas has been under its performance however things has changed as game progressed with Besiktas dominating whole field while Fenerbahce was playing misorganised game at the end of the game. It needs to be stated that role of Senol Gunes for this result has been played an important role as changes during the game has led for Besiktas to control game and in addition to that Fenerbahce style of play has allowed Besiktas to make its changes more effective with their performance. Without doubt main star of the game has been Ricardo Quaresma with his two goals scored and also overall performance. Besiktas would now seek to repeat this performance without doubt again during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game on 1st March.

Besiktas did find an important win which has put them inside league title race but with this result it has also made league more exciting as it has returned into fight for title among 4 teams even through Galatasaray and Basaksehirspor would be glad with this result.

While Aykut Kocaman didnt have any alternatives for Senol Gunes changes

In other hand, Fenerbahce has provided a very dominant start and has shown that their had prepared to game in much better compare to their opponents with tactically but as things has been changed and Senol Gunes introduced changes, Aykut Kocaman has lost control of the game.

Prior to game, even through it would be normal for Fenerbahce to lose game, it was expected for them to show decent performance due of better morale and also great performance lately and also dominance at derby games in recent pasts. However, even through it did achieve to show this aspects in start of the game, after 20th minute it start losing control of ball, game and also possibly psychological focus which has led them to make simple mistakes and not control ball anymore. This performance did provide some worrying images and towards end it has lost all control of the game. It is clear that Aykut Kocaman didnt have much alternatives and strangely has stated that an early goal did more harm to them after game. Meanwhile, Fernandao goal was an offside by 79 cm which has also been admitted by Aykut Kocaman after game.

Again, Fenerbahce didnt lose its position at the title race and with 11 weeks left until end of the season and same points with Besiktas their would be many turns until end and hence both sides have equal chances for league title. But right now Fenerbahce would aim for revenge at Turkish Cup tie.

Akhisarspor would be seeking for advantage scoreline against Galatasaray at 1st leg. 

Turkish Cup is coming to most crucial and also exciting stages, as both Galatasaray and Akhisarspor during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game would be looking for an advantage scoreline to get to the final stage of the tournament.

Galatasaray as expected would be coming out as favourite even through its not that straight forward as it would be playing its game away and its form at away games also been present at Turkish Cup games. Taking account that, Akhisarspor are aware that their are one step closer for final it would aim to provide big surprise both at 1st leg and also at whole tie. Without doubt Akhisarspor would come out with different motivation for game and would playing much more attacking game. Still, Galatasaray with quality factor would aim for a win without doubt as their are one step closer for cup and are expected to come out first time with strong squad at Turkish Cup this season.

It would be interesting how team would compete at away game as Akhisarspor aware of this issue and also having opportunity for final would respond for the game.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Basaksehirspor 1:1 Genclerbirligi

Schedule:
Turkish Cup, semi-final, 1st leg
20:30 Akhisarspor - Galatasaray

In other news:

- TFF has announced that referee of Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game between Akhisarspor and Galatasaray will be Yasar Kemal Ugurlu.

- Alanyaspor has terminated contract with its head coach Hikmet Karaman: 

- Bursaspor has decided to continue with its head coach Paul Le Guen.

- Konyaspor has terminated contract with its player Ali Camdali for anti-sportmanship behaviour at the club

- Fenerbahce has opened criminal case against Besiktas fan club Carsi for the messages given about their coach Aykut Kocaman following Super League 23rd week game

- Basaksehirspor player Arda Turan has become injured and will not be able to play Super League 23rd week game against Genclerbirligi.

- 6,910 Galatasaray members did pay their dues while 2,900 members are expected to pay in upcoming 2 days.

- Bursaspor player Bogdan Stancu didnt attend today's training session due of injury. Meanwhile, club players Baris Yardimci and Alper Ademoglu had heated argument during training.

- Bursaspor game against Kayserispor during Super League 24th week game would be seen as last chance for Paul Le Guen regarding his future at club.

- Alanyaspor are interested to appoint coach Mesut Bakkal as club's head coach.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/02/2018

Besiktas had much better control while Fenerbahce has been all over place as game progressed. 

Besiktas has managed to win very crucial Super League game against Fenerbahce as it has won game with 3:1 scoreline and has provided pretty dominating game especially during 2nd half. In other hand, Fenerbahce had very good start of the game but as game progressed has lost entire control of the game with simple mistakes.

Besiktas was aware that it has come out to the Super League 23rd week game which it needed to win or otherwise their chances for league title would be being very vague as point difference with Galatasaray would been 6 points. With taking this around Fenerbahce goal from Fernandao wasnt good news for them and it did affect their performance of 1st leg as it wasnt able to raise their level of performance and some aftermath of Bayern Munich even through not very much did show them visible during game. However, Besiktas has come to their senses sort of speak at 2nd half with possible motivational talk from Senol Gunes at changing room. Domagoj Vida goal was crucial one during game and as Besiktas was taking around the game Ricardo Quaresma has found 2 goals making scoreline 3:1.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce did start game in good manner showing some control of the game and controlling ball and finding goal, even through there is argument that position was an offside. However, as game progresses Fenerbahce has firstly being playing too much at the back of the field and not having control of the game very well. With playing defence game Fenerbahce in 2nd half has lost all contol of the ball with mistakes during passes, taking ball from Besiktas and look all around places. As game progressed, it was visible that Fenerbahce would have trouble to turn game around after 2:1 as mistakes has been raised and their looked weaker and weaker as game progressed.

Besiktas did show good recovery from losing Bayern Munich with 5:0 scoreline and has got well-deserved win while Fenerbahce has chance to get revenge for today results again in Besiktas on 1st March at Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game.

Win against Alanyaspor could provide confidence for rest of season for Trabzonspor

After drawing 5 games back to back at the league and losing to Basaksehirspor during last week, Trabzonspor has finally won a game as it has played Alanyaspor with 2:1 scoreline and has got chance to raise up at the table at least for Europa League spot.

It needs to be still state that during most part of the game, more precise for about an hour, Alanyaspor was leaidng game as it has found an early goal against their opponent and has managed to keep game at control even through Trabzonspor has been more dominating game. With Abdulkadir Omur meanwhile finding 2nd goal, it is still visible that Turkish player, with lion share been taken by Burak Yilmaz, has been dominating by them and team does good job to keep national players at good form.
However, as been stated Burak Yilmaz is been main goalscorer of the team and for him to recieve yellow card which means he would be missing Besiktas game could provide into attacking performance against strong opponents during next week game. Still, with Trabzonspor getting its 1st win of 2018 it would be able to get much needed motivation for rest of the games in this season.

Trabzonspor would be playing against Besiktas during next week and with Besiktas without doubt having difficult schedule, Trabzonspor could use its opportunity from tired opponents.

Unfair refereeing debate is been heated at Turkish football once again. 

Talks about referees performances has been taken place once again at the Turkish football as we are getting into the point where every game is getting important and we are having very exciting title race as 4 teams are at the middle of the fight for title.

Those teams coaches and administration have been stated that their dont mind for mistakes to be taking place but mainly complain about continuity arguing that in same game same referee gives them foul or card for one incident but ignores opponents same behaviour. Quite reasonably, those personalities argue that this leads game to be played in unequal manner and have direct impact to scoreline of the game. This talks of course has been taken for long time in Turkish and in fact across world where there is expectation for referees to have standards to follow. Meanwhile, as it is known both Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes and Fenerbahce coach Aykut Kocaman has been referred to PFDK for their comments prior to today's derby game, which does show that TFF are unhappy for this arguments to take into such matter.

What is crucial here without doubt for TFF, Central Referee Committee and referees themselves to focus more into this question as their are been cases where mistakes of referees has been made. There must be a way to improve performance of referees and reduce mistakes.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Osmanlispor 0:0 Antalyaspor
Yeni Malatyaspor 3:1 Karabukspor
Goztepe 1:0 Sivasspor
Besiktas 3:1 Fenerbahce

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
20:00 Basaksehirspor - Genclerbirligi

In other news:

- TFF are planning to give morale visit to soldiers at Turkey-Syria border due of on-going operation at Afrin.

- Watford and West Ham United are interested to transfer Inter Milan player Yuto Nagatomo who is currently loaned to Galatasaray.

- Everton are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Garry Rodrigues