What happened in Turkish football today? 28/02/2020

Burak Yilmaz has kept title hopes arrive for Besiktas

Besiktas player Burak Yilmaz 2 goals during last 20 minutes of Super League 24th week game has kept them inside title race with some low hopes but without doubt if it didnt show comeback from 1:0 scoreline from direct opponent it would lose any hopes for title.

Despite of winning game against one of its direct opponents and also more or less being side which has controlled game for most amount of game, it needs to be noted that its performance is not at level which would bring title when looking for this game not being able to provide effectiveness for most amount of game,especially during 2nd half didnt provide high level dominance even through Alanyaspor careful game did also led for them to show bit defensive game. Still, it needs to be noted that it needs to be thankful for Burak Yilmaz attacking style which led him to get empty goal and from penalty and even through it would be too overexerating to state he is being creative in this fixture as we used to see him, he is still being most closest for goal during this game and with this performance. One of the main notes for this game which needs to be noted is that team has showed some comeback from 1:0 which it did need manage to do so and also did pass Alanyaspor at the table right now. Therefore, Besiktas did get very important win for them and did raise some confidence after losing points last 2 games.

Alanyaspor even through did score 1st during game, it has been only shot during whole game and did provide some passive performance and among getting behind for title race and letting Besiktas to pass them for 1 point but the team is providing not very good performance in recent weeks and does provide some worries for upcoming games.

Besiktas did create some high amount of chances which could be seen as advantage with creating chances but it needs to be noted that its tempo wasnt in level which would be expected from them.

Basaksehirspor has been drawn with Copenhagen at Europa League last 16 stage.

Following memorable and historical win against Sporting Lisbon during Europa League 2nd round game with 4:1 scoreline which led team to get 5:4 aggregate scoreline, it has made with one of the top Danish sides Copenhagen at last 16.

It needs to be noted that compare to previous round Basaksehirspor did get more suitable opponent, but without doubt Copenhagen which occassionally does show some good performance at Europe is not side which needs to under estimated. Basaksehirspor would be playing its 1st leg at home ground, where it did get this historical and memorable win against Sporting Lisbon showing strong organised performance with staying into its tasks from start to an end without doubt and it needs to show similar performance during Copenhagen 1st leg for sure to be felt more confident and calm for 2nd leg. Basaksehirspor which still needs to be noted does have lack of supporters is providing historical performance and has arleady achieved much more during this season compare to other Turkish sides at European competition, and being single side to provide crucial coefficient points.

Basaksehirspor after getting through Sporting Lisbon during previous round would feel comfortable for this tie for sure.

Trabzonspor could have some issues at Black Sea derby 

Trabzonspor would be carrying its aims for league title against Rizespor during Super League 24th week where it would be aiming to get back its leadership in the standing until at least 2nd March.

Trabzonspor did end previous week against Besiktas with 2:2 scoreline, but this could be expected loss of points since it was expected that it would come out to the game in difficult away game but it would be capable to get back into high level performance during Rizespor which despite of providing some good performance in recent weeks playing back-to-back title contenders, does get loss of points. Stating that, Rizespor is located just 5 points above at relegation zone and does need points to feel more comfortable factor which needs to be taken by Trabzonspor. Without doubt, one of the main questions for game also being if Alexandr Sorloth would be continuing to provide attacking game with scoring goals which without doubt he is being main pushing force for team to get title in the end of the season.

Trabzonspor would be coming out to game as favourites but it needs to be staying higly focussed as opponents also needs points and doesnt provide bad performance despite of being at bottom area in table.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
Alanyaspor 1:2 Besiktas

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
14:00 Konyaspor - Kasimpasa
17:00 Trabzonspor - Rizespor
20:00 Antalyaspor - Fenerbahce

In other news:

- TFF has announced that games which will take place between 28th February-2nd March would be started with minute of silence to commemorate 32 Turkish martyrs who passed away at Idlib.

- Besiktas considers to offer 2-year contract to Fiorentina for Kevin Prince Boateng.

- Besiktas would have negotiations with its player Oguzhan Ozyakup to reduce his salary for extension. Player currently loaned to Feyenoord.

- Besiktas player Loris Karius wants to stay at club.

- 
Besiktas has started negotiations with its player Burak Yilmaz to reduce 5 million euro salary in new contract
- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Milan player Hakan Calhanoglu.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Benfica player Bruno Varela.

What happened in Turkish football today? 27/02/2020

Basaksehirspor has written history as it got into last 16 at Europa League

Basaksehirspor carried on writing history at the Europa League both for themselves and to some extend for Turkish football as it had managed to get into last 16 stage with beating Sporting Lisbon thanks to penalty goal on 118th minute and winning game with 4:1 scoreline after beating 1st leg with 3:1 scoreline.

It needs to be noted that hopes for Basaksehirspor to get through this tie especially following 1st leg but their did come up with positive attitude tot he game getting full control and in fact did get an advantage scoreline of 2:0 and even when it did concede on 68th minute, it still has provided full attention to the game with Edin Visca goal on last minute did get scoreline which did bring into extra-time which by itself shows how much side has been highly focussed into task. This tie it needs to be noted did use its home ground advantage into its maximum level from both sides, with 1st leg ended with advantage scoreline of opponent while at home it get strong and well-deserved win. Without doubt, Basaksehirspor did get towards into 2nd leg with right attitude, tactical and fighting spirit which it did focus towards which needs to be highly praised both to its head coach Okan Buruk and also players providing full focus into getting through stage. This side made important achievement and it has achieved with beating Sporting Lisbon which is highly experience at Europe.
Sporting Lisbon meanwhile did come out to this tie with strong advantage from 1st leg but couldnt provide much response to detirmened opponent even through it did create some good chance and find goal but its clear it would go through self-criticism following this result.

Basaksehirspor without doubt has written important history for themselves with such result and would know wait for an opponent on last 16 during draw on 28th February.

Besiktas and Alanyaspor need to win to stay at title race.

Turkish Super League 24th week game between Besiktas and Alanyaspor would be incredibly important game for both sides, as side would lose this game will put its chance for title this season into difficult position.

With Alanyaspor being 7 points from current leaders Basaksehirspor and Besiktas being 9 points behind, and taking account that 10 games would be left for both sides during rest of the season, team which would lose its chances while winner could get confidence and hope to stay in race. It needs to be noted that both sides will not be coming out with good results during past 2 weeks, with Alanyaspor especially failing to provide strong performance in this period but still has some good chance against Besiktas, Meanwhile, Besiktas is even through losing to Trabzonspor, did provide good performance and gets closer to high level tempo game which it is seeking for so this could provide some issues to Alanyaspor even through their themselves do provide good tempo game for most of the season. Therefore, with both sides having so much to lose it could be tension game but same time with high possession game.

Its hard to call favourite for this game and team which would be more focussed and motivated for win could have step ahead in this fixture.

Galatasaray will do its best to keep Henry Onyekuru for next season.

Galatasaray aims to keep its player Henry Onyekuru for next season as player does provide strong performance in this side with playing crucial role for title during last season and also with performance during 2nd half of season when he been loaned from Monaco.

One of the main strong advantages is for Henry Onyekuru to be fast player trying to get into positions especially from wings which hence raises tempo of the game and willingness for team, which is close to be suiting to Fatih Terim wanted game and in fact raising guality of football games itself. With player wanting to stay in club also, it is likely that all sides would be focussing and aim to solve this issue with Galatasaray likely to provide all necessary actions which can afford when having negotiations with Monaco during transfer negotiations in upcoming summer. With no actions taken yet our page would follow all developments.

Henry Onyekuru is player which does raise level of performance for Galatasaray and hence its natural for them to make deal with him as soon as possible.

Results:
UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:
Basaksehirspor 4:1 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 5:4)

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
20:00 Alanyaspor - Besiktas

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:
- Fenerbahce has recieved 72,000 TL fine for events on field, 50,000 TL fine and blockage of stands for behaviour of fans, 150,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty (6th time), 10,500 TL for teamwise anti-sportmanship action
- Fenerbahce CEO Ersun Yanal trainer Volkan Kazak, player Deniz Turuc recieved 1-game ban and 13,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship action.
- Fenerbahce player Ozan Tufan has recieved 13,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship statements.
- Galatasaray has recieved 24,000 TL fine for events on field and 20,000 TL fine and blockage of stands due of behaviour of fans, 50,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty(2nd time).
- Goztepe has recieved 50,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty(2nd time).
- Ankaragucu and Yeni Malatyaspor has recieved 24,000 TL fine for events on field.
- Yeni Malatyaspor has recieved blockage of stands for behaviour of fans
- Besiktas has recieved 100,000 TL fine and blockage of stands for behaviour of fans(3rd time)
- Trabzonspor has recieved 110,000 TL fine and blockage of stands for behaviour of fans(5th time)
- Besiktas has recieved 100,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship statements.
- Besiktas CEO Ahmet Nur Cebi has recieved 15-day of deprivation of rights and 20,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship statements.

- Besiktas has signed professional contract with its academy player Atemer Belgin for 3.5 years

- Antalyaspor player Nazim Sangare will not be able to play for 3 weeks due of injury.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Erzurumspor player Ibrahim Sehic.

- TottenhamHotspur considers to offer 25 million euro to Trabzonspor player Ugurcan Cakir.

- Besiktas considers to transfer Fiorentina player Kevin Prince Boateng for 2-years, player currently loaned to club.

- Trabzonspor considers to use 6 million euro transfer fee option to purchase Crystal Palace player Alexandr Sorloth.

- Chelsea are interested to transfer Feyenoord player Orkun Kokcu.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/02/2020

It is crucial for Sporting Lisbon to find early goal for historical comeback.

Basaksehirspor would be coming to 2nd leg game against Sporting Lisbon at Europa League 2nd round game from where it would be aiming to get back from 3:1 scoreline and aim minumum for 2:0 scoreline to get to last 16.

Even through Basaksehirspor didnt provide very good performance during 1st leg and did get scoreline of 3:1, Edin Visca penalty goal did provide an away and hence some hope to at get back during this tie. What would be important apart of scoring 2 goals here is do their best not to concede goal and spread motivation to the opponent as this would provide strong difficulty for Basaksehirspor. In fact, best way to do so and very likely what would be luck for Okan Buruk is to start game in risky controllable manner and look for early goal as in this situation it would provide extra motivation to look for 2nd goal while Sporting Lisbon, even through its unlucky due of their experience, to get into slight panic mode. It needs to be noted that quite reasonably noone would except after 1st leg to see team to get into last 16, but it is capable even through with difficulty to get back in this tie as long it starts game in right mode.

Therefore, Basaksehirspor needs to provide highly focussed game with strong self-belief to get historical win against Sporting.

Fenerbahce needs to focus into providing best performance and tactic during games.

It is reported that Fenerbahce head coach even through does admit that he played huge role for bad results, he would be staying until end of the season focussing into getting good result for last 11 games.

Without doubt, with only 4 weeks ago Fenerbahce has been among strongest contenters for league title but without winning during this period did provide their hopes further away even through mathematicaly their are in race. It is here for Ersun Yanal to go through his tactics and starting 11 selection among getting back psychologically into the field rather then issues outside of it. High level of complaints about refereeing and "operations" against club leads them to lose concentration for sure. Fenerbahce still has chance to turn around and even through title chances does look to be low it still can end season with European spot and Turkish Cup title but to achieve technical stuff and players need to focus into game. Taking account administrators would also like to keep Ersun Yanal until end of the season.

Therefore, Ersun Yanal needs to focus how it can win and forget about external issues which taking place within club.

Besiktas will not sign Karius during end of the season.

It became clear that Besiktas would not extend loan or signing of Loris Karius who is loaned from Liverpool in the end of the season due of his poor performance in club.

Even through it needs to be noted that Karius did occassionally provide some good performance and even played crucial role with some points, in general he didnt show very good performance and pushed team backward. There is possibility that he is still been affected from Champions League against Real Madrid 2 years ago and tend to have lose self belief even through its been long time from that. Besiktas quite rightly is showing unhappiness for him in this period and despite of goodwill considers to send him back to Liverpool who are in return dont consider to keep him. Meanwhile, there are reports that Besiktas are looking for replacements for him and likely during summer transfer window main area for Besiktas would be goalkeeper.

As been noted, Karius despite of some moments didnt provide very good performance at Besiktas despite getting numerous chances and hence would end loan deal with him.

Schedule:
UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:
20:55 Basaksehirspor - Sporting Lisbon (agg: 1:3)

In other news:

- TFF has sacked 30 workers due of various reasons including unsuccessful bid to Euro 2024.

- Galatasaray considers to loan Monaco player Henry Onyekuru for 1-year

- Galatasaray player Emre Akbaba is expected to start against Genclerbirligi during Super League 24th week game.

- WestHamUnited are interested to transfer Besiktas player Domadoj Vida

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Willim II Tilberg player Timon Wellenreuther, Basaksehirspor player Volkan Babacan, Royal Antwerp plater Sinan Bolat and Istanbulspor player Alperen Uysal

- CrystalPalace were not satisfied with performance of Fenerbahce player Ozan Tufan during Super League 23rd week game against Galatasaray.

- Besiktas players Prince Boateng and Caner Erkin has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/02/2020

Galatasaray has send complaint to TFF regarding how it was hosted by Fenerbahce.

Galatasaray has announced that it would be openning criminal case against Fenerbahce administration following Turkish Super League 23rd week due of events which took place at stadium.

Its been announced by club administration that in overall treatment from Fenerbahce has been done in poorly manner including behaviour of supporters, providing uncomfortable condition to club staff including players and supporters. It needs to be noted that since their were not any media reports, at least until now, of how club has been accomadated it could be assumed that it was done in pretty poor manner if it needed to make such crucial decision with its not been remembered for similar actions to be done by clubs for this reason for long time. It is very likely that Fenerbahce would also make statements in upcoming period as it could be seen some of this statement are pretty harsh and looks like this issue would be continued in upcoming period.

Therefore, this development would be covered from our page and blog as it is to some extend being unprecented in Turkey for very long time for sure.

Fenerbahce needs to focus into performance at field.

Fenerbahce following loss from Galatasaray has been highly focussed into referee decisions, especially as Ozan Tufan following game has provided high level arguments stating several "Can something like this happen?" for several times but this approach is very wrong.

It needs to be noted that there were several times where Fenerbahce were right to complain to referees and regular readers of blog would be aware that their been times when we had defended or otherwise stated that this stance has been taken unfairly. But throwing referee decisions to this game is being unfair and disrespectful to referee Halil Umut Merel who did show very good performance and most of part has provided authority. In fact, most of pundits in Turkey did state that referee did very good job, very rare factor which been seen in Turkey for sure. Fenerbahce with high level complaints in recent years sadly became to used for this behaviour and does look like it needs to stop to do this as it provides damage to their concentration and need to focus mainly to football performance which their need to do to still stay with title hopes.

Fenerbahce hence needs to get back into focus how to start win and provide strong performance as even high amount of fans didnt buy it.

Basaksehirspor is being strong title contender.

With Basaksehirspor beating Rizespor during Super League 23rd week it has been raised to 1 point ahead of Trabzonspor(game in hand), Galatasaray and Sivasspor and even through does been treated as outsider among top 4, it does strong aim to get what it been close for last 2 seasons.

It does need to be noted that with Okan Buruk as been noted Basaksehirspor did change its performance providing much more attacking football but still being aware of their level of performance. Therefore, team is being currently highly focussed with its task with also being competing at Europa League which could be effected to this period but it is being close to be relegated from this tournament as it lost 1st leg with 3:1 scoreline which could mean it could focus more into league at worst case scenario but if it carries at Europa League it could provide some difficult period for league so its position at Europa League could have direct impact to title hopes for sure. Still, Basaksehirspor with recent results and motivation should be counter among title contenders for sure.

Basaksehirspor hence needs to be focussing into its strong aim right now and would need to provide some high level performance.

In other news:

- 

- Fenerbahce and Galatasaray has been referred for not leaving stairs empty, behaviour of fans and 5 players recieving yellow and 1 player red.
- Fenerbahce head coach ErsunYanal, trainer Volkan Kazak, for anti-sportmanship behavior
- Fenerbahce player Deniz Turuc been referred for anti-sportmanship behavior and breaking rules.
- Fenerbahce players Sadik Ciftpinar, Garry Rodrigues, Galatasaray workers Hande Sumertas, Fahri Yilmaz,Necati Ates and Musa Mert Cetin for not following guidelines.

- 

UEFA has announced referee of Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game between Basaksehirspor and Sporting Lisbon as Pau Cebrain Devis.

- 

Trabzonspor municipality sports committee has decided not to accept Fenerbahce supporters to Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game.

- YeniMalatyaspor players Chebake and Bifouma became injured during Super League 23rd week game against Antalyaspor. While Eren Tozlu has resumed training session following recovery from injury.

-Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc: We are not providing good performance result and ended 20-year series against Galatasaray. We are now also competing with some other forces this season.

- Besiktas player Mohammed Elneny has stated that he would like to stay at club after his loan is over.

- RealMadrid is willing to pay 20 million euro for Crystal Palace player Alexandr Sorloth who is currently loaned to Trabzonspor.

- Fenerbahce are interested to appoint Alex de Souza, Alanyaspor head coach Erol Bulut and Tayfun Korkut as club's head coach.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/02/2020

Galatasaray wanted to win game and did everything to achieve it.

Galatasaray has got very important win against Fenerbahce both in sense of winning for first time in Kadikoy since 1999 and also carrying on its aim for league title with getting into same points both with Trabzonspor and Sivasspor getting to 45 points, with former having game in hand.

What is more important here is that Galatasaray has also provided most dominant performance at Kadikoy during this last 20 years and both mentally and physically wanted to win game and could even get more confident scoreline if Henry Oneykuru could have converted more chances. Without doubt with strong form and good performance of Galatasaray and poor form and bad performance did provide role in this result. It needs to be noted that this win would provide incredible motivation and confidence next to fact that it has won last 7 games which would provide additional bonus for upcoming 11 games and has put them among title contenders which does look like it would likely to compete with Trabzonspor until last game. Galatasaray as been noted currently enters to difficult period in fixture and it does look like those games would decide winner of the league without doubt.

Galatasaray without doubt did come out for game to win it and hence it did everything to provide this performance and got crucial 3 points against its arch rivals and now aim for title.

Honey moon for Ali Koc is over.

Our readers would remember that following Ankaragucu game last week, it has been stated that while their opponents did everything right, it has been quiet opposite for Fenerbahce. Similar thing could be said for Fenerbahce which led for them to lose against its historical rivals after 20 years and reducing chances for title.

Quite naturally ending its 20-year unbeaten run at home against Galatasaray with adding to this poor performance, has led for supporters to call for resignation both head coach Ersun Yanal and Ali Koc. It needs to be noted that those sounds from supporters did come out for while now, but it became loudest following bad result. In fact, people who followed blog last season would remember that its been stated that honey moon period for Ali Koc could be over soon and things would turn around.
Even through honey moon possibly too long then was expected, it is very likely to be ended yesterday. Following game, statements regarding of poor performance of referee Halil Umut Merel looked to be out of content and wasnt accepted from team supporters even. Fenerbahce needs some drastic changes or current technical and administrative loses its authority, including from own fans.

Time would show what actions would be taken internally at club but their needs to be taken soon.

Yeni Malatyaspor administration provides trust to Kemal Ozdes.

Yeni Malatyaspor following loss to Antalyaspor, opponent which played for 70 minutes with 10 men, has led for its head coach Kemal Ozdes to call for resignation but administrative part didnt seem to be accepted.

It needs to be noted here that since Kemal Ozdes has been appointed Yeni Malatyaspor didnt win game and does provide some poor performance, with possible exception from Galatasaray game last week where it did provide some positive performance. This without doubt, has led for Ozdes to call for resignation but CEO Ali Ravci didnt expect it with showing trust but more interesting did state that issue lies somewhere else. It does look that this reference could be referred to some players who are not showing good performance and does provide image that team is at crises right now. It does look like administration would make some actions to this with time showing what kind of them would be done.

Yeni Malatyaspor coach would stay in his position but some players could get hence some actions towards them in upcoming days.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Rizespor 1:2 Basaksehirspor
Kasimpasa 2:0 Denizlispor

In other news:

- Kasimpasa ex-sports director Nursal Bilgin has passed away due of heart attack during Super League 23rd week game against Denizlispor.

- Trabzonspor CEO Ahmet Agaoglu: Ugurcan Cakir worth is 20-30 million euro. We loaned Alexandr Sorloth for 2 years, purchase option will be effective from end of next season.

- Besiktas player Adem Ljajic has resumed training session after recovering from sickness.

- Fenerbahce head coach Ersun Yanal doesnt consider to resign from his post.

- Besiktas administrators are showing unhappiness with Super League 23rd week game against Trabzonspor referee Firat Aydinus and could send complaint.

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/02/2020

Galatasaray has won first time at Fenerbahce stadium since 1999. 

Galatasaray has got its 1st win at the Kadikoy against Fenerbahce since 1999, as it has provided much more willing, controllable, attacking football from start to an end and has been more hungry for 3 points while Fenerbahce didnt control game very well and carries on providing poor performance with players looked to be distracted.

Galatasaray despite of losing at Kadikoy for 20 years did come out as strong favourites for this game due of recent performance of both sides and also being highly focussed for league title. Meanwhile, it needs to be noted that game has been stopped a lot and didnt provide much game time but when comparing with two sides Galatasaray has been side which aimed to focus into showing strong attacking game especially focussed into Henry Onyekuru speed to use weak points of Jailson. Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim did prepare in strong manner both psychologically and tactically and with players fulfilling all plans which were set by coach with high motivation and confidence did let for them to win game with pretty good result with 3:1 scoreline and without doubt now has got strong motivation for title race qnd got same points with Trabzonspor.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce following game has thrown fault for this result towards referee Umut Meral and even through referee didnt provide very good game, it would be self-tricking for players to throw all blame towards towards referee since it has provided very poor performance. Fenerbahce it needs to be noted did provide very poor performance against Ankaragucu and did provide such poor performance during last week and carried similar negative performance. What is more crucial, if Fenerbahce would have lost this game it would find itself pretty far away league title as we are entering to crucial weeks it needed to show much more effective and attacking game but it didnt manage to show that performance both in defence and attack. It needs to be noted that Vedat Muriqi recent drop of performance has been visible in this game with failing to provide much pressure to goal. Losing to its rivals first time since 1999 would certainly provide huge pressure towards head coach Ersun Yanal and Ali Koc.

Galatasaray among winning its first derby game at Kadikoy for 20-years has made its position as main title contender for end of this season even stronger while Fenerbahce would be felt with pressure strongly for upcoming weeks. 

Trabzonspor got important 1 point against Besiktas

Even through it could be argued that Trabzonspor didnt provide great game against Besiktas during Super League 23rd week, 2 goals from Alexandr Sorloth which led for team to get 1 point has kept satisfied and carried on keeping them among main title contenders.

Trabzonspor did provide pretty good and effective start of the game with creating high amount of the chances with focussing to create high amount of the chances which led for team Alexandr Sorloth, but it needs to be noted that it did lose whole possession of the game even through players did provide high level concentration at defence and once again Ugurcan Cakir provided very good performance preventing for Besiktas to get into chance. With taking account that Besiktas did provide some new beginning with Sergen Yalcin and also playing at home ground did lead side did get important point in its route for title race and with such crucial week taking place in whole league, it was important for them to get this 1 point. Meanwhile, Alexandr Sorloth with his memorable performance so far plays important role for team in this title race and would get most important share if Trabzonspor would get outcome it seeks for.

Trabzonspor as been noted got important 1 point and would be looking forward for last 12 weeks, including postponed Yeni Malatyaspor, with focus to win all games.

Besiktas lacks quality in attack.

Besiktas on other hand, did come out with only aim to win game against Trabzonspor and without doubt did provide performance to achieve that but goals conceded in beginning and end of the game did provide its negative circumstances.

To keep alive some its title hopes, Besiktas needed to win league winners and with its performance after conceding their 1st goal, it did look like team been focussed and prepared to game in this game with creating high amount of chances. Besiktas even through did score 2 goals against in-form Trabzonspor, could have scored even more. Among good performance opponent defence and Ugurcan Cakir,it could be stated that Besiktas players did provide right focus and attitude, as it tends to be in this season its quality of players were not enough to get this outcome. Right now, Sergen Yalcin tries to create side which would be providing an attacking game, opposite of Abdullah Avci style, but he does provide some struggling issues with such squad, but once again Yalcin can achieve to some extend with this squad. This game does provide hope for rest of the season but it would be hard to get title.

Besiktas is getting into level which it is seeking for and it would be more realistic for them to aim Europa League spot rather league title.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Yeni Malatyaspor 1:2 Antalyaspor
Genclerbirligi 1:0 Ankaragucu
Fenerbahce 1:3 Galatasaray

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
20:00 Rizespor - Basaksehirspor
20:00 Kasimpasa - Denizlispor

In other news:

- YeniMalatyaspor head coach Kemal Ozdes has resigned from his position.

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/02/2020

Besiktas did get damage from draw but Trabzonspor got crucial point for title race.

With both Besiktas and Trabzonspor, even through with looking at the game bit different perspective, did come out with only aim to win game which has led provided very exciting game with high amount of the position and with 2:2 scoreline it needs to be admitted that Besiktas had felt much more damage since Besiktas stays as outsider at title race while Trabzonspor is currently being same points with Sivasspor.

Even through Trabzonspor did come out to game with single aim to regain leadership which it lost to Sivasspor day before, Besiktas did come out with much more risk since with it being as outsider among teams fighting for title race, loss would lead them to chance to almost none. It needs to be noted that Besiktas, especially after conceding goal did provide such performance, with providing much more positions and raising tempo with also getting strong support from its supporters. It needs to be noted here, for people who didnt view game, that it wasnt one sided game in general but when comparing teams its been visible for Besiktas. It needs to be noted that after 2:1 scoreline even through it carried on providing fast tempo, it still didnt put bit of brake which towards end lead for side to provide much more confident performance which could be seen even through it could be noted that club to some extend it got tiredness.

Trabzonspor it needs to be noted has started game in very fast pace with finding goal as soon as on 5th minute which possibly has been pre-game plan which did provide direct impact for this outcome. However, as been noted it is hard to note that Trabzonspor did provide full control of the game which led for Besiktas to get some pressure chances. It does need to be noted that even Trabzonspor didnt provide full control of the game but players still managed to stay focus of the game with providing strong fighting performance which without issue has led for them to find at last minute thanks to Alexander Sorloth with high level comeback and even through it didnt create high amount of chances it could be stated that it has deserved this 1 point with providing big effort for game. Meamwhile, with such close point difference in the league, this 1 point by itself could make Besiktas title race in the end of the season.

As been noted, this draw could become very important for its road to title in the end of the season while loss of 2 points for Besiktas could provide some difficulties for league title race but for now it has kept 8 point different from Trabzonspor with opponent having game in hand.

Galatasaray believes it can win at Kadikoy 1st time since 1999. 

Galatasaray would be aiming to get its first win against Fenerbahce since 1999 coming to game with strong current form which is much better then its opponents, but its need to be remembered that it did lose points to Fenerbahce in much preferable conditions with 6:0 scoreline.

Its been stated for very long time that their is no favourities in derby game and without doubt this statement is true with home ground team having slight advantage due of support but when it comes to this fixture played at Fenerbahce ground, its been for Galatasaray being underdog. However, it does look like Galatasaray due of strong performance it shows during 2020 comparing to opponents, it is been looking in this task in much more positive manner believing to some extend that their do come out to the game as favourites. Galatasaray to some extend need to focus into game fully and play its usual football which it shows in recent games but as been noted it needs to keep in control pressure. Other factor this would be 1st game for Galatasaray in 2020 who is also being direct title contender, and hence would be team's 1st tough game and would show actual level of team.

Galatasaray tend to be believe to this game strongly believing it can win this time but it wont be easy regardless how their form is being better compare to opponents.

Fenerbahce would come out with big pressure against Galatasaray.

Fenerbahce would be coming to Galatasaray with getting pretty poor results from recent weeks, while Galatasaray didnt lose in 2020, but it needs to be remembered that Fenerbahce didnt lose to opponents since 1999.

This factor, even through without doubt provide high level of confidence to Fenerbance it also can provide high level pressure with having fear of losing game and stop this "tradition" at home ground. Another aspect, Fenerbahce sadly for long time does have difficulties at winning critical game and this game without doubt would qualify as such since possible loss of 2-3 points would led them to be outside of title race while win would help them crucial 3 points prior to start of period when it would be having games where it would be playing against sides which are outside of title race which would open opportunity to get back-to-back and close gap so winning this game would provide strong motivation and confidence for them. Therefore, Fenerbahce would come under big pressure and here role of supporters would be playing important role in upcoming weeks.

Fenerbahce would come out to win game both to carry on its unbeaten run against Galatasaray for 21 years but more important to  keep themselves in the title race which would provide huge pressure to side.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Kayserispor 2:2 Konyaspor
Goztepe 1:1 Gaziantep
Besiktas 2:2 Trabzonspor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
13:30 Yeni Malatyaspor - Antalyaspor
16:00 Genclerbirligi - Ankaragucu
19:00 Fenerbahce - Galatasaray

In other news:

- Antalyaspor and Alanyaspor has made joint statement calling to change location of Turkish Cup final game from Istanbul.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/02/2020

Basaksehirspor made some simple mistakes in conceded goals

Basaksehirspor didnt manage to get good outcome against Sporting Lisbon as it has lost with 3:1 scoreline and penalty goal from Edin Visca does provide some hope for return game due of away goal.

It needs to be noted for sure that key aspect which played for this outcome has been experience in this tournament from Sporting Lisbon, as Portuguese side did start game in confident attacking manner with finding an early goal at 3rd minute which led for them to control whole 1st half and carry on providing confident strong performance in 2nd half. It needs to be noted that Basaksehirspor did try to provide some good performance and did manage to do this but it made some mistakes especially during conceded goals which shouldnt be done in this stage of game. It is true that Sporting Lisbon did come out as favourites, but Basaksehirspor could have provided some more resistance to their opponents and hence to some extend did lead for game to be ended at dissapointing for them sadly.

Demba Ba it needs to be noted did provide some dissapointing game especially on 1st conceded goal.
As been noted, Edin Visca goal did keep some hope for 2nd leg but it does need to find at least 2 goals without conceding to get through.

Trabzonspor would come to Besiktas game with strong confidence.

This week without would be very exciting and crucial as 6 clubs at top 7 would be playing against each other including derby of two continents, but tomorrow would be very important for Trabzonspor and Besiktas.

Even through both clubs still are providing title race, focus of the game for both sides are being pretty different. For Trabzonspor this game is being very important for them as it among providing strong motivation and confidence for crucial weeks, it would also carry on being leaders of the league and carry on strong away game performance in league. Taking account with recent results of both clubs and general performance level, Trabzonspor does come in much better form with side being mentally in much better condition. For sure, one of the key players of the game would be once again Alexandr Sorloth who would be looking for goals during whole game and will be among players to affect scoreline during such important game.

Without doubt as been noted Trabzonspor when looking at confidence level would come out in game in much stronger manner and look for chances to get good win in Istanbul.

Besiktas would come with strong pressure against Trabzonspor.

Even through Besiktas when looking mathematically still being at title race, if it loses this game it would found itself 11 points away from Trabzonspor, with opponent having game in hand. Therefore, Besiktas would be out from title race even with draw.

As would been remembered, it has been noted that Besiktas more or less has reduced its chances for title when it lost to Basaksehirspor, but possibly loss to Trabzonspor would now reduce their chances almost to none. Therefore, side would come out also for game with high focus and motivation, but if their opponents would have also confidence which would push them, Besiktas on other side would be under pressure which could provide some negative aspects. It is been noted in recent games, that when Besiktas loses it start providing rushing football which could be provided some additional issue for sure. One of the positive aspect, mentally, is this being first big game for Sergen Yalcin as coach which would also push him to want to win game even more.

Besiktas would come out to game with strong pressure and if things wont go as their wish it would become even bigger, so it would be important for them to control that pressure during game for sure.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
Sivasspor 1:0 Alanyaspor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
14:00 Kayserispor - Konyaspor
17:00 Goztepe- Gaziantep
20:00 Besiktas- Trabzonspor

In other news:

- Denizlispor has appointed Bulent Uygun as club's head coach.

- Fenerbahce has terminated contract with its player Adil Rami.

- Istanbul mayorship had meeting with TFF CEO Nihat Ozdemir, Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc, Galatasaray CEO Mustafa Cengiz, Besiktas CEO Ahmet Nur Cebi and Trabzonspor CEO Ahmet Agaoglu.

- Besiktas has send complaint to TFF arbitration committee regarding of decisions by referee report during Super League against Goztepe.

- Club which would transfer Galatasaray player Mustafa Kapi would need to pay 360,000 euro fee to club's academy

- Fenerbahce trainer Volkan Demirel would be included at technical team during Super League 23rd week game.

- Besiktas stated that their player Adem Ljajic is being sick of cryptic tonsilities and all rumours of him having corona virus doesnt represent truth.

- FortunaSittard player Kenan Karaman has resumed training session after recovering from malaria

What happened in Turkish football today? 20/02/2020

Sporting Lisbon has got strong advantage over Basaksehirspor.

Basaksehirspor which is being for now only representative at Europa League and in whole European competitions did get pretty dissapointing result during 2nd round 1st leg game against Sporting Lisbon, even through Edin Visca penalty goal does provide some hope for 2nd leg.

Basaksehirspor with playing its 1st leg against strongly experienced side while Basaksehirspor has reached 1st time to play-off round has been expected to get difficult game and it became clear of this factor as soon as it has conceded goal on 3rd minute from Coates from big mistakes by Demba Ba. Following that conceded goal, Basaksehirspor task has become even more difficult as it conceded early goal and hence provided confidence and control of the game. There was expectation that Sporting Lisbon has been not as strong as in previous seasons but without doubt class and level of experience did play very important role in outcome of this game. It is true that Basaksehirspor did raise its performance during 2nd half with providing stronger game and did found goal thanks to Edin Visca but with such scoreline and taking opponent it would be difficult for Basaksehirspor to turn around game but Visca does provide hope for 2nd leg.

Sporting Lisbon did come out with much bigger history and experience then their opponents and did show that with using their performance getting what could be seen as confident scoreline and would look for 2nd leg in positive manner.

Edin Visca goal as been noted could become play key role in this tie but task for Basaksehirspor for 2nd leg.

Turkish Football Federation has announced dates of postponed games.

Turkish Football Federation has announced long-awaited schedule for postponed games between Yeni Malatyaspor - Trabzonspor due of earthquake in Elazig and Goztepe- Rizespor due of extreme weather condition,with both games to be played on March.

Even through our blog didnt focus into this blog, there were talks that announcement of the dates has been taken for too long and with such crucial games to be played postponing it for long period would do harm to clubs in questions and also other clubs. Stating that, it needs to be noted that schedule does seem to be tough during this period with Turkish Cup and it could be played in weeks when Champions League which is been way discussed by TFF in the end with Yeni Malatyaspor-Trabzonspor  would be played on 11th February while Goztepe-Rizespor will be played on 17th February both games to be kicked-off at 20:00. Without doubt main focus would be towards Trabzonspor game as its being leaders even through signifacance of that game would be clear in upcoming weeks.

Therefore, this game would be key games in this period and it would be interesting how this postponed would end and effect to league.

Kasimpasa has terminated contract with Emre Zingili 

Kasimpasa has terminated contract with its sports director Emre Zingili which could be mainly to be done due of lack of transferring players during mid-season transfer window which hence could have effective of its performance on 2nd half of season.

Without doubt Kasimpasa currently is providing very poor performance not only losing games but losing with high amount of goals and not providing any positive game. Since Kasimpasa did look to be better side on 1st half, even through not still fighting for top positions, could be directly effected with how transfers been done in mid-season break, and it does look like that Emre Zingili didnt do good job at all with failing to sign very important players to make squad stronger which hence led for very poor performance in this period. Right now either Kasimpasa would look for new sports director or possibly wait until end of the season for that position to be filled.

Kasimpasa didnt much strength its squad recently and hence this sacking does provide lots of sense for sure

Results:
UEFA Europa League, 2nd leg, 1st leg:
Sporting Lisbon 3:1 Basaksehirspor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week:
20:00 Sivasspor - Alanyaspor

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:
- Konyaspor and Galatasaray has recieved blockage of stands for behaviour of fans.
- Konyaspor has recieved 36,000 TL fine for events on field.
- Ankaragucu has recieved 75,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty on stands(3rd time)
- Ankaragucu and Fenerbahce has recieved 24,000 TL fine for events on field.

- TFF has changed date for Turkish Cup from 21st May to 5th May and will be played at Ataturk Stadium.

- TurkishNationalTeam has stayed at 29th spot with 1494 points.

-Galatasaray administration would be providing salary payment of 6 million euro to its players prior to Super League 23rd week game against Fenerbahce.

- Galatasaray considers to have pre-game camp at one of the Zorlu Center hotels.

- Besiktas has lifted purchase option with Guingamp regarding Pedro Rebocho contract

- TottenhamHotspur, Sunderland and Everton scouts would be viewing Fenerbahce player Ozan Tufan

What happened in Turkish football today? 19/02/2020

Basaksehirspor would need to show confident game against Sporting Lisbon.

Basaksehirspor with being only Turkish side to be competing at European competitions playoffs, would be playing against Portuguese giant club Sporting Lisbon during Europa League 2nd round 1st leg game,with aiming to get good scoreline from away game.

Looking from historical aspect and experience of both clubs it could be stated that Sporting Lisbon would be coming out as strong favourites in this tie, but Basaksehirspor as side has shown very good improvement in recent years and to all respect to Abdullah Avci, with appointment of Okan Buruk has managed to provide much more stronger and confident performance which is been seen both in league and especially at Europa League. With taking account that Sporting Lisbon as side is not as strong as it was only few years ago, it does look like Basaksehirspor can at least provide some strong and confident fighting performance against opponents. Stating that it would be playing in difficult conditions, as away game could be pretty tough for them and Sporting does have strong support base so it would be more smart to get some result which would provide some hope for 2nd leg rather then aiming for confident win, regardless how good result that would be.

Basaksehirspor are expected to have time against Sporting Lisbon but it would be aiming to get some good result against them but it needs to be brave for sure.

Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc made public statement focussing into TFF and referees.

Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc has made crucial press conference today regarding of some referee decisions during this season, and did provide some direct criticism towards TFF CEO Nihat Ozdemir stating that he doesnt have full trust to him.

His announcement has been focussed as been noted to referee decisions during this season reminding of the notes which included rule mistakes which took place in some games especially 1st half of season Alanyaspor game, referee appointments following their games and some general decisions. This once again shows into issues which both organisations have against each other with Ali Koc making clear that he is dissapointed with Nihat Ozdemir performance and attitude towards club taking account that he was administrator for them in previous reigns and does provide some signs that some tensions would be taking place between sides in upcoming weeks since of this high tensions between sides. It would be interesting what kind of stance would both TFF, especially Nihat Ozdemir and Central Referee Committe would be taking in upcoming period and how would Fenerbahce respond if their would be some raise of tensions again.

This statements has been pretty direct and does call for solutions to be made from TFF if it wants to have good connection with them, similar statements were done by other clubs also in recent period.

Trabzonspor player Sturridge and Nwakaeme might not be ready for Besiktas game.

Trabzonspor player Hajid Mosseini will not be able to play for 2-3 weeks due of injury which he got during training session which he has got during training session which means he would not be able to start against Besiktas

It needs to be also noted that condition both of Daniel Sturridge and Nwakaeme is being questionable due of their ongoing injury but it is reported that club doctors of both players are trying to make sure that both players would recover from injury as both players without doubt are being crucial for this side but in same time it would be logical to keep those players as this game by itself is not enough to get league title even through their being able to play would provide additional help for them without doubt for upcoming games. Time would show if doctors would be able to get needed recovery for both players in this condition for this game, or otherwise it would need to look for other alternatives which even through does exist, wont be able to provide high level performance which would been expected both from Sturridge and Nwakaeme, while Mosseini who is not being regular starter in league games in either way would not be big absent even through he unavailability would mean that he would not be providing good alternative in this period.

Time would show if those players will be able to start against Besiktas but for sure Huseyin Cimsir would be presenting best 11 squad against Trabzonspor.

Schedule:
UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 1st leg:
20:55 Sporting Lisbon - Basaksehirspor

In other news:

- Trabzonspor player Majid Hosseini will not be able to play during Super League 23rd week game against Besiktas due of injury while Nwakaeme and Daniel Sturridge condition will become clear before game.

- Feyenood player Oguzhan Ozyakup has become injured.

- Galatasaray player Marcelo Saracchi has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Ankaragucu player Tiago Pinto.

- Besiktas player Adem Ljajic didnt attend today's training session due of feeling unwell.

- Sevilla and Everton are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Ugurcan Cakir.

- Denizlispor has made principal deal with Bulent Uygun for head coach position.

- AndonaJacob is joining training sessions with Besiktas, with player being seen as potential transfer by club.

- Besiktas expects to be starting with Robecho, Caner Erkin, Jeremain Lens during Super League 23rd week game against Trabzonspor.