What happened in Turkish football today? 26/04/2024

Galatasaray has overpassed crucial barrier for its road to the title.

Galatasaray has made another step for its title as it has managed to win game with 3:0 scoreline against Adana Demirspor at away game and has raised point difference from Fenerbahce for 7 points at least for 23 hours as opponent plays derby.

Even through Galatasaray has won game with confident scoreline of 3:0, it would be hard to state that it has been an easy game as opponent did make clear that they did come out for game with an aim to win especially as it did create great chances on 1st minute of the game. In fact, it could be stated that even through Galatasaray did create some chances during 1st half, it still has been pretty for getting full control of the game as it has failed to pass Adana Demirspor and right touches of the passes. It needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray did come out to game much more determined during 2nd half as with some important saves from Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera which followed from great 3 goals from individual shots and hence did get an important win in this title race with 4 games left to play as this has been most difficult opponent until Fenerbahce game.

Adana Demirspor did come out to the field for at least to get draw against league leaders which could be seen from first minute as it did create very good chances and for rest of the game has created some good choices but couldnt overpass Fernando Muslera. This scoreline certainly doesnt represent performance which team has shown hence.

As been noted, with 4 weeks left for Galatasaray and having point advantage in its hand it would be hard to see them losing point as long as team stays focussed into winning title in the end of the season.

Fenerbahce would come out to derby which it must win.

Fenerbahce would come to derby game at home ground against Besiktas with knowledge that it can afford to win game if it wants to keep its title race alive and this aim does seem to be doable when looking how Besiktas current performs.

As been noted, result of the game would have direct impact of chances for Fenerbahce if it would be staying at the league and hence to some extend team would be coming out with higher pressure even if result would have direct impact to Besiktas chances for 3rd spot. In other way, Fenerbahce would also see this game for getting through unexpected loss of 2 points to Sivasspor on previous week and hence would also see this to send strong message with its strong performance towards Galatasaray, its supporters and also generally to Turkish football community. It would be expected for Fenerbahce to show strong and aggressive game from 1st minute and likely would look for an early goal.

Fenerbahce are coming out as favourites but the team would need to go through pressure which it could experience prior to game.

Besiktas will aim to get at least something good at game against Fenerbahce.

Without doubt as been noted, Fenerbahce has much more at stake, but this game is being important also for Besiktas as loss would push them further away from 3rd spot which it aims towards to and also this good opportunity to provide some smiles to fans in such poor season.

Besiktas hence would be aiming to show some good performance and in fact being in less pressure compare to opponents could let them to provide more higher tempo game and looking for chances even through it is not clear if physically it would be able to respond to that. Besiktas would play for win but the quality factor for them could have direct impact.

Besiktas does see this game as opportunity to get at least something good from Super League season but it would be tough to achieve.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 34th week:

Adana Demirspor 0:3 Galatasaray

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 34th week:

16:00 Kasimpasa - Samsunspor

16:00 Sivasspor - Konyaspor

19:00 Fenerbahce - Besiktas

19:00 Hatayspor-Basaksehirspor

In other news:

- TFF CEO Mehmet Buyukeksi: Chances of me being candidate for next election is 50/50. Lets wait for end of the season and then with going through atmosphere and situation, I would make decision.

- TFF has announced that referee of Super League 34th week game between Pendikspor and Kayserispor has been changed from Umut Ozturk to Zorbay Kucuk due of health issues.

- - Arbitration Committee has reduced 4,000,000 TL fine of Fenerbahce to 400,000 TL for not completing game against Galatasaray during Turkish Super Cup.

- Besiktas has extended contract with its players Serkan Emrecan Terzi and Goktug Baytekin until 2026 and Yakup Arda Kilic and Tayyip Talha Sanuc until 2027.

- Besiktas considers to appoint club's under-15 team coach Selcuk Erdogan as assistant coach of main team for next season.

- WBA player Okay Yokuslu against Huddersfield Town has been selected as goal of April at Championship.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Leicester City are interested to transfer Kelechi Iheanacho.

- WolverhamptonWanderers has offered 12 million euro to Fenerbahce player Bright Osayi Samuel.

- EintrachtFrankfurt are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Baris Alper Yilmaz.

- BorussiaDortmund assistant coach Nuri Sahin has declined Besiktas offer to become club head coach.

- Eyupspor are interested to transfer River Plate player Manuel Lanzini.

- Galatasaray has declined 16 million euro offer from Eintracht Frankfurt for Baris Alper Yilmaz.

- Trabzonspor has made principal transfer deal with Rangers player John Lundstram.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/04/2024

Trabzonspor got an minumum advantage scoreline for 2nd leg.

Trabzonspor has managed to get an advantage over Fatih Karagumruk with 3:2 scoreline which could be seen as small advantage but when taking account that it has played with one less man in 2nd half this could be seen as good outcome.

In fact, in interesting manner Trabzonspor did provide a better performance when Enes Destan did get needless red card and has created much more chances with preventing Fatih Karagumruk into feeling confident at the field. As it is known, Trabzonspor are taking Turkish Cup as it is main priority as it would be also fastest track to get to the European and this could be seen from performance as it did provided strong and confident performance but did have some issues at defence which could be seen from conceding 2 goals and also letting Fatih Karagumruk to create some chances. Trabzonspor still did look to be for most amount of time focussed into its own task.

It did get an advantage scoreline and when looking into attacking game similar performance could be enough for them to get to final but they would need to be more careful at defence at return leg.

Fatih Karagumruk did get scoreline to which it could hold on to.

Even through Fatih Karagumruk are aiming to stay at the league, it could be mentioned that this factor didnt have a negative impact for performance of the team as it did show some strong attitude on the field.

Fatih Karagumruk especially during 1st half did create some good chances and also found 2 goals and even through it did have some issues at defensive game it did show good organising game. Interestingly in negative factor which could be mentioned for them is that their lost that strong performance at defence after red card of opponent and couldnt provide right reaction and didnt find key for 4-4-1 formation of the opponent. Still, goal at 80th minute for them does keep chance pretty alive.

Fatih Karagumruk did get scoreline which it can hold on to for 2nd leg as it would be important for them to find an early goal and be more compact.

Galatasaray cant relax against Adana Demirspor

Galatasaray would be coming out to Adana Demirspor with an advantage of 4 points at the leadership as only 5 games has been left at the league but it would need to be mentioned that it would be playing against tough opponent.

Galatasaray would be coming out to the game with high morale which has been gathered following Fenerbahce losing 2 points and hence bringing Galatasaray step closer for winning title. This motivation and confidence could have positive impact for the team performance, but could also has some negative impact for concentration of the game. Hence, it would be important for Galatasaray to stay focussed as it would be playing good side which doesnt have good season but does have quality team which is capable to get surprising result and would be aiming to do so very likely.

Galatasaray are coming out as favourites but team cant afford to relax from point advantage it got over Fenerbahce.

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 34th week:

20:00 Adana Demirspor - Galatasaray

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Besiktas has recieved 312,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans and events on field.

- Ankaragucu has recieved 432,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans and events on field.

- AdanaDemirspor CEO Metin Korkmaz has recieved 78,000 TL fine for not following guidelines

- Kayserispor has recieved blockage of stands and 112,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans.

- Trabzonspor has recieved 440,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans.

- Galatasaray and Gaziantep has recieved blockage of stands for behaviour of fans

- PFDK referalls:

- Ankaragucu has been referred for behaviour of fans, events on field and not following guidelines.

- Trabzonspor player Enes Destan has been referred for breaking rules.

- Alanyaspor has announced that to reduce chaos at football environment its best to have TFF CEO election on 18th July.

- AdanaDemirspor players Emre Akbaba and Yusuf Sari have become injured.

- NationsLeague games between Wales and Turkey will be played at Cardiff City Stadium on 6th September while game against #Iceland will be played at Izmir Gursel Stadium on 9th September.

- Antalyaspor player Zymer Bytiqi has terminated contract with his club due of not recieving salary for 3-months.

- Trabzonspor CEO Ertugrul Dogan: has stated that club aims to complete big part of transfers in upcoming weeks

- 4 clubs has moved back their signing from Clubs Union petition which calls for an early TFF CEO election to take place.

- Napoli are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Davinson Sanchez.

- Lazio are interested to appoint Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk as club's head coach.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/04/2024

Trabzonspor has got slight advantage against Fatih Karagumruk after semi-final 1st leg

Trabzonspor manages to beat 1st leg game at home ground against Fatih Karagumruk with 3:2 scoreline which could be seen as good scoreline as team has played with 10 men for whole of the 2nd half and to some extend did look better side.

With looking into form of both sides and also Trabzonspor taking this tournament as main priority for rest of the season, Trabzon side has been seen as favourite and it had provided in similar performance as it provided high tempo performance and did find an early goal with Edin Visca and after conceding goal from Fatih Karagumruk did get once again ahead with keeping its motivaiton. It needs to be stated that one of negative aspects of Trabzonspor without doubt has been pretty needless red card from Enis Destan as he didnt keep his nerve. However, its been pretty interesting to see that Trabzonspor in fact did raise tempo after being 10 men and did in fact find 3rd goal. Afterwards, it was quite natural for Trabzonspor to show more controllable game but did concede goal from Paoletti which still kept this tie open for both sides.

Fatih Karagumruk which are fighting to stay at the league, did provide actually full focus and did look to be pretty organised side in 1st half with finding great goal and ept showing some good game even when it did go behind. However, its been interesting and surprising to see that its performance slightly went down after red card of opponent player Enis Destan. Still, it did crucial goal with Paoletti at 80th minute and still ha chances to get to final game in Istanbul during 2nd leg.

Trabzonspor did get good win against Fatih Karagumruk with both sides showing positive kind of game with Trabzonspor using its chances more effectively but still it would not be able to relax during 2nd leg as Fatih Karagumruk will aim to use its chances.

 Besiktas did good scoreline against Ankaragucu when looking how it performed against them.

Besiktas did get an advantage scoreline during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game against Ankaragucu but didnt provide good performance especially during 1st half following goalless draw game.

With Serdar Topraktepe being appointed at the team and also improvement of performance during game at the league against same opponent did provide some optimism but it needs to be stated that team did provide low tempo performance and didnt control ball during 1st half. When looking with performance of 2nd half, it did improve and balance game but still didnt an upper hand of the game. Besiktas especially did make some crucial mistakes at the defence as it allowed Ankaragucu more chances than would been expected while opponent didnt convert those chances. 

Still with 2nd leg game to be played in Istanbul and Besiktas aiming to win Turkish Cup it would be expected for them to show stronger and more attacking game during 2nd leg for sure.

Ankaragucu has only missed to find goal against Besiktas.

Ankaragucu it needs to be mentioned did come to the game with an aim to win game and get advantage in this semi-final tie but did fail to convert chances with one goal being disallowed.

Even through Ankaragucu has especially dominated 1st half with creating some very important chances and also with having which been disallowed due of offside, it would need to be stated that it still didnt let Besiktas to get full control during 2nd half. Ankaragucu did show some good organisation, concentration to the game and it is clear team did learn some mistakes which it did during league game few days ago. Only thing which it needs to be solved for 2nd leg is to able to convert changes when it gets some if it wants to play Turkish Cup final.

Ankaragucu despite of draw does have chances to get to the final but playing an away game against such opponent it would be much more difficult game for them without doubt.

Results:

Turkish Cup, semi-final, 2nd leg:

TFF has announced schedule for 1st league play-off round games, which would decided 3rd side to be promoted to #SuperLeague:

1st round: 16th May

Semi-finals,1st leg: 20th May

Semi-finals, 2nd leg: 24th May

Final:  30th May

- Besiktas player Semih Kilicsoy has attended training session after recovering from injury.

- TFF has made deal with Clubs Union to create Independent Referee Committee.

- TurkishActiveFootballandObserversUnion has announced that they are against for foreign VAR referees and observers.

- Sevilla has offered 20 million euro to Fenerbahce player Irfan Can Kahveci.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Atalanta player Brandon Soppy.

- Kayserispor player Ali Karimi did have an operation due of his injury and has completed season.

- Fiorentina are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Kaan Ayhan.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Hamburg player Laszlo Benes.

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/04/2024

Ankaragucu has been side which did lose opportunity to win against Besiktas.

1st leg Turkish Cup semi-final game between Ankaragucu and Besiktas has been ended with goalless draw with tie would be decided during 2nd half as Ankaragucu has been much more better side especially during 1st half.

With Besiktas showing some significant improvement with Serdar Topraktepe at league game against Ankaragucu, it was expected for Istanbul giant to improve even more but quite opposite has been case as Ankaragucu been much better side with creating some good chances especially during 1st half and has been unlucky to find goal. It would need to be mentioned that Besiktas did raise tempo thanks to substitutes and some tactical changes of Serdar Topraktepe but still it wasnt enough to get upper hand as 2nd half has been balanced. Still, Ankaragucu during this game has send message to viewers, supporters that it does want to play at final game but it would need to find goals during 2nd leg at away game.

Ankaragucu as been noted has been better side during 1st half as it did create lots of chances but couldnt find that crucial goal and did provide some positive view for 2nd leg but it would need to show much more higher tempo and also conversion at the goal. 

When looking that Besiktas didnt provide very good performance as it lacked tempo and also didnt much create chances, it could be stated that Besiktas did get tie to its advantage as 2nd leg will be played at home. 

Fenerbahce lost crucial 2 points with 5 games left until end  of the season.

Fenerbahce has lost crucial points during title race with Galatasaray as it has drawn against Sivasspor with 2:2 scoreline due of controversial penalty decision at the end of the game bring result to draw.

Regardless of penalty decision at the end of the game, it would need to be mentioned that Fenerbahce did look to be negatively affected from Conference League game against Olympiakos as their have shown game which they didnt control game a lot and did make some crucial passing mistakes and has shown most of the time. With taking account that Sivasspor does tend to be team which does show some strong defensive game, scoring 2 goals could be seen as positive factor but conceding 2 despite of 2nd being very controversial would not be acceptable when team is fighting for league title. With this loss of 2 points, point difference with Galatasaray has been rose to 4 points with 5 weeks to go and also winning all games until end of the season could not be enough for title.

Fenerbahce did look to be tired and not much into game and that did cost them crucial loss of 2 points but VAR decision at the end of game did have also direct impact to this draw.

Trabzonspor will be aiming to get advantage scoreline over Fatih Karagumruk

Trabzonspor as it is known does see Turkish Cup as it is main priority for rest of the season and it would be playing against Fatih Karagumruk whose main priority it needs to be mentioned will be to stay at the league in the end of the season.

Trabzonspor even through does fight for 3rd spot at the Super League, it is known that it would be taking Turkish Cup very seriously and it would be playing against Fatih Karagumruk which does have 2 different performance at league and Turkish Cup. Without doubt, Trabzonspor would be coming out in much relaxed manner as would be Fatih Karagumruk and hence would be providing much more attacking game with looking to get advantage scoreline from 1st leg and would likely look for an early goal. Fatih Karagumruk would also play for getting advantage scoreline as it is being semi-final game but there is chance it would go through small rotation.

Trabzonspor would be coming out as favourite in this semi-final tie and hence is expected to show strong confident attacking game.

Results:

Turkish Cup, semi-final, 1st leg:

Ankaragucu 0:0 Besiktas

Schedule:

Turkish Cup, semi-final, 1st leg:

20:30 Trabzonspor - Fatih Karagumruk

In other news:

- Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler has been included at the list of referees who would travel to Euro 2024. His assistants will be Mustafa Emre Eyisoy and Kerem Ersoy. Meanwhile, Alper Ulusoy has been included as VAR referee.

- - Konyaspor player Sokol Cikalleshi has been selected most gentleman player for April by TFF while Kasimpasa head coach Sami Ugurlu has been selected as most gentleman coach.

- Fenerbahce CEO candidate Sadattin Saran: I have decided to become CEO candidate as I believe this would be right time. Its important to be good CEO. We cant say we been successful at football for past 10 years as there is no title. Reason is also outside of field and club.

- FatihKaragumruk CEO Suleyman Hurma has stated that he considers not to attend Turkish Cup next season due of format change.

- ManchesterCity, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are interested to transfer Besiktas player Semih Kilicsoy.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint coach Julen Lopetegui as club's head coach.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Fortuna Dusseldorf player Christos Tzolis.

- Basaksehirspor are interested to sign Besiktas player Cenk Tosun.

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/04/2024

Fenerbahce lost 2 points after debatable penalty decision.

Fenerbahce has lost crucial two points at title race as it has drawn against Sivasspor with 2:2 scoreline which did come partly from visible tiredness of Fenerbahce but possibly even more due of very debatable penalty decision at the end of the game.

With Galatasaray winning Pendikspor on previous day with comfortable score, Fenerbahce did come to the game where it needed to be winning but it was expected to be tough game for them as they had been relegated from Conference League both dramatically and also effort given to the players. This has been case as game been played as Fenerbahce did fail to get full tempo and control of the game and did make some mistakes, but despite of that it managed to get ahead twice during game with 1st goal coming from Fred and hard working goal from Irfan Can Kahveci. It also needs to be mentioned that Sivasspor are being one of the strongest defending side at the league which has also affected to the performance of Fenerbahce. Stating that Fenerbahce did get very questionable penalty decision from Manaj as the ball been out when Livakovic and with him scoring this has affected directly to title race and Fenerbahce hopes.

Sivasspor as been noted has provided some good defensive game and despite of conceding 2 goals, it has managed for opponent to get control of the game. With getting such draw against Fenerbahce, Sivasspor would be focussed to upcoming 5 games as it aims for European spots.

Fenerbahce hence did lose 2 points in pretty debatable manner and are being 4 points behind league leaders Galatasaray as 5 games left until end of the season and only thing it can to is to win all 5 games including against Galatasaray and hope Galatasaray will draw somewhere. 

Galatasaray carries on winning as title is getting closer.

Galatasaray carries on its leadership at the Super League as we are entering to last 5 games of the season as it managed to get confident win against Pendikspor with 4:1 scoreline even through it did struggle during 1st 30 minutes.

It needs to be mentioned that main reason or in other words turning point of the game has been great shot of Mauro Icardi outside of penalty area as he once again did take leadership role. It would need to be mentioned that prior to conceded 2 goals back-to-back Pendikspor did provide good defensive game and even through it did get some chances at goal, it fifny look like it would be able to score despite of goal scored in the end of 1st half and quality factor between sides did play crucial role and also taking aspect that Galatasaray does provide pretty good attacking game in recent weeks.

Galatasaray hence keepts its advantage at this intense title race as it aims not to lose game until Fenerbahce game during penultimate week.

Besiktas aims to show improvement against against Ankaragucu after last league game

Besiktas is being one step closer for reaching to final of the Turkish Cup as it would be playing against Ankaragucu who it got confident at the league on 19th April with 2:0 scoreline.

Return of Serdar Topraktepe to the team has played a positive note for Besiktas against league game and has shown that mentally team is getting back into level of game which community is expecting from them. It would be expected for Besiktas to show some crucial improvement in this Turkish Cup game as there could be even be more supporters pleasant at the stadium. Since its being game which would be one step closer, Ankaragucu would be expected to provided stronger and organised game game against Besiktas which could lead them to provide more creative game at the front and be careful at defence.

Besiktas would be coming out as favourite but game could be more tougher compare to league one.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 33rd week:

Sivasspor 2:2 Fenerbahce

Schedule:

Turkish Cup, semi-final, 1st leg:

20:30 Ankaragucu - Besiktas

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:

- Besiktas, Ankaragucu, Kayserispor has been referred for behaviour of fans and events on field.

- Adana Demirspor CEO Metin Korkmaz has been referred for not following guidelines.

- Galatasaray has been referred for behaviour of fans and not following guidelines.

- Gaziantep has been referred for behaviour of fans.

- TFF has announced referees for Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg games:

- 23/04: Ankaragucu-Besiktas: Umit Ozturk

- 24/04: Trabzonspor- Fatih Karagumruk: Ali Sansalan.

- IsmailUyanik has announced his candidacy for TFF CEO election.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Maurizio Sarri

- Eyupspor are interested to transfer Besiktas player Cenk Tosun.

- AdanaDemirspor considers to terminate contract with its player Luis Nani.

- Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Standard Liege player Denis Dragus for 1.7 million euro + bonuses. Player has went through medical checkup.

- Antalyaspor head coach Sergen Yalcin doesnt consider to stay at club for next season.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/04/2024

Galatasaray got an important win for its aim to win title. 

Galatasaray carries on its title race with Fenerbahce in successful manner as it has managed to beat Pendikspor with 4:1 scoreline at the home and hence has kept its leadership with 5 weeks to go and showing confident game.

It needs to be mentioned that it did take some time for Galatasaray to find an openning goal as Pendikspor did provide some controllable game but it did find goal from great shot from Mauro Icardi from outside of box towards end of 1st half and with 2nd goal coming Abdulkerim Bardakci its task has become one step easier as Pendikspor didnt have much quality understanably to turn around game. Galatasaray it would need to be mentioned did look patient, controllable and with good morale during whole game which did play an important role and it does look to be side to beat as it being leaders in the table with 5 weeks to go. Hence, with some good organised game and patience which has mainly dominated game has led for them to beat this crucial game.

Despite of result, it could be mentioned that Pendikspor did provide its best performance especially until it has conceded goal on 35th minute from Mauro Icardi and has provided right track. Even through this loss didnt provide any help for its aim to stay at the league, it does provide some optimistic view for upcoming weeks.

Galatasaray hence did make an important step to get into the title with 5 weeks to go and it did looked to be focussed and motivated to achieve this aim with how side performed for 90 minutes.

Trabzonspor got confident win against Kayserispor.

Trabzonspor has got an important win against Kayserispor with 2:1 scoreline as we entering to last 5 weeks of the season with side keeping its advantage of 4 points over Besiktas.

As it is known, Trabzonspor during this season does provide unstable performance at the field with providing one game well and following one in poor manner and at the game agaisnt Kayserispor it has been at its good days as it did control game for most amount of the game and didnt let opponent to create lots of chances with only conceded goal did come from simple mistake from Ugurcan Cakir which wasnt acceptable for goalkeeper in such level.

Hence, Trabzonspor did get strong morale and confidence both for last 5 games of the season and more crucially to Turkish Cup semi-final game against Fatih Karagurmuk on 24th April.

Fenerbahce could come out tired against Sivasspor

Fenerbahce would be coming out to one of the toughest games in this part of the season as it going to meet against Sivasspor which does provide good performances against big clubs in recent seasons especially against Fenerbahce.

It needs to be mentioned that in all fairness this game could be tough both mentally and physically as it would be playing following Conference League quarter-final 2nd leg game against Olympiakos which it did provide good fast tempo game and has been relegated in pretty dramatic manner from penalty shootouts and hence from such trauma it would need to be playing at game which it cant afford as all others in the end of the season. It would be crucial as always to find an early goal to prevent possible signs of tiredness coming up as game progresses. Sivasspor might be showing aggressive game at front as it could use an opportunity from possible tired opponent.

Fenerbahce would be coming as favourite due of condition and level of both sides but Fenerbahce would need to push themselves following loss at Conference League.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 33rd week:

Basaksehirspor 2:0 Rizespor

Antalyaspor 2:1 Hatayspor

Galatasaray 4:1 Pendikspor

Gaziantep 2:0 Kasimpasa

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 33rd week:

20:00 Sivasspor - Fenerbahce

In other news:

- Galatasaray has offered to its player Dries Mertens to be both player and assistant trainer for 1 season and after that move to technical staff.

- AstonVilla has offered 18 million euro to Galatasaray for Baris Alper Yilmaz but club requests 25 million euro.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint Alanyaspor head coach Fatih Tekke.

- Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Standard Liege player Denis Dragus.

What happened in Turkish football today? 20/04/2024

Trabzonspor got crucial win for 3rd spot at the table.

With 5 weeks left at the season, Trabzonspor has kept its 4 point advantage over Besiktas for the fight for 3rd spot as it has managed to beat Kayserispor with 2:1 at the pretty tough game as it did play game against crucial opponent.

With Trabzonspor providing unstable performance during whole season, it has been questionable how side would be performing in this game especially taking account that Kayserispor does provide occiassinally good performance. Trabzonspor needs to be mentioned did show some good attitude as it did provide some positive performance with an attacking and has created some good chances and did find great goal from Enis Destan and Pepe. Meanwhile, it needs to be also stated that Thomas Meunier continues playing crucial performance with providing great assist to Enis Destan. Therefore, Trabzonspor has got an important win prior to Turkish Cup game against Fatih Karagumruk and has kept 4 point advantage over Besiktas with 5 weeks left until end of the season.

Kayserispor meanwhile did look pretty passive and didnt provide much pressure towards Trabzonspor but did provide some positive performance at the game towards end of the game and did show signs that it can improve as we enter to final weeks.

Trabzonspor without doubt did get an important which would both provide confidence and morale for Turkish Cup semi-finals and rest of the season. 

Besiktas has shown more possitive game with Serdar Topraktepe.

Serdar Topraktepe return to the main role of the Besiktas has been done in ideal manner as it has managed to win against Ankaragucu with much more confident scoreline of 2:0 and thats taking account that opponent did create some chances.

It was interesting to see how would Besiktas perform following sacking of Fernando Santos and also return of Serdar Topraktepe to head coach position and it has done that in pretty good and confident manner with providing strong game and has been closer to game which Besiktas supporters and whole community  has been awaiting for as it did create high number of chances and has continued to do so after finding goal with Ernesto Muci. 

Besiktas did get important win and also provided good signs for 1st leg game Turkish Cup on 23rd April against same opponent but that game would be much more tougher.

Galatasaray would play against team which would be aiming to stay at the league

Galatasaray would be resuming its intense title race against Pendikspor as we are entering to last 6 games which means that both sides cant afford to lose game but it would be expected to be tough game.

It needs to be mentioned that both teams would be coming out to game which it would both cant afford to lose and also win would provide sides into advantage, for Galatasaray to make one step closer for title while for Pendikspor it would raise chances to stay at the league. Needless to say, Galatasaray would be coming out as favourites both due motivation for title and also quality of squad but it would need to show strong attacking game as Pendikspor in understandable manner would provide defensive game as finding an early goal would make task for game easier. Pendikspor would be expected to focus into defensive game with creating some counter-attacks during game.

Galatasaray are being favourites but game could be tougher than expected as it would crucial one for Pendikspor.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 33rd week:

Istanbulspor 1:2 Fatih Karagumruk

Konyaspor 0:2 Alanyaspor

Kayserispor 1:2 Trabzonspor

Samsunspor 1:1 Adana Demirspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 33rd week:

13:30 Basaksehirspor-Rizespor

19:00 Antalyaspor-Hatayspor

19:00 Galatasaray- Pendikspor

19:00 Gaziantep-Kasimpasa

In other news:

- Istanbulspor has been relegated from Super League with 5 weeks to go following loss to Fatih Karagumruk with 2:1 scoreline.

- Galatasaray has announced date of CEO election as 18th May, if majority is not gathered it would move to 25th May.

- AdanaDemirspor player Luis Nani has been left out of squad.

- Besiktas has terminated contract with its player Berkay Vardar.

- Fenerbahce player Rodrigo Becao has become injured.

- Sevilla, Newcastle United, Lazio and Rennes are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Irfan Can Kahveci.

- Juventus are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Nicolas Pepe.

- Galatasaray has offered 50 million TL salary for extension to head coach Okan Buruk.

- AstonVilla are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Baris Alper Yilmaz.

What happened in Turkish football today? 19/04/2024

Besiktas has shown crucial importance at willingness at first game with Serdar Topraktepe

Besiktas has managed to get its first game after 5 games winless period during its first game when Serdar Topraktepe has took place following sacking of Fernando Santos, as Besiktas has shown much more improvement and willingness.

It needs to be mentioned that it was expected for Besiktas to show significant improvement with its performance as Serdar Topraktepe mentality is being much closer to Besiktas expectations as team did show much more stronger attacking game which could be most seen as it continued to show attacking game after going ahead following goal following earlyh goal from Ernest Muci. It could be argued that Besiktas still didnt provide strong perforance which would been expected from them but at least there was strong willingness. Also Besiktas has got an important confidence and belief prior to Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game against same opponent. 

Ankaragucu on their part has been expected to show some resistance but it didnt manage to do so much as it did had lack to prevent Besiktas to get control of game and side needs to do lots of analysis as it would meet with same opponent on 23rd April.

Besiktas hence did get an important win against Ankaragucu as players did look much willing at attack and now it would need to focus into showing much more strong performance as we enter to last 5 games of the season.

Fenerbahce couldnt find its winning goal against Olympiakos.

Fenerbahce has been relegated from Conference League after losing to Olympiakos during penalty-kick out which been dominated from good performance of both goalkeepers but Fenerbahce players had an issue with converting chances.

It needs to be mentioned that when looking into field Fenerbahce did look to be better side as it did found an early goal as early as on 11th minute from great short from Irfan Can Kahveci and did control of game. However, it needs to be mentioned that after 60th minute, Fenerbahce did show some signs of tiredness and also Olympiakos quite naturally adding on their defensive performance which has led for game to get into penalty kickouts. It also needs to be mentioned that Ismail Kartal substituting in that period of time players like Fred, Edin Dzeko had also direct impact to result with Kartal possibly thinking about extra time. Olympiakos in their part did provide organised game and managed to bring game into penalties where it has converted chances.

Fenerbahce did provide better performance in overall but it didnt provide in last minutes of the game too much chances to find that crucial winning goal.

Trabzonspor needs to raise level of performance if it wants to end at 3rd spot.

Trabzonspor would be resuming its race for 3rd spot with crucial and tough game against Kayserispor as it would be looking for winning ways.

We are having such unusual season when looking at teams below top 2 where both Trabzonspor and Besiktas are losing points and still managing to fight for 3rd spot but it needs to be stated that as we enter to last 6 weeks, both teams cant afford to lose points even through Trabzonspor does have 4 point advantage. They would need to still get strong dominant game if it wants to keep its advantage for top spot.

Trabzonspor are having unstable season but they do need to raise they level of performance for 3rd spot as only 6 games left in the season.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 33rd week:

Besiktas 2:0 Ankaragucu

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 33rd week:

13:30 Istanbulspor-Fatih Karagumruk

16:00 Konyaspor - Alanyaspor

19:00 Kayserispor-Trabzonspor

19:00 Samsunspor - Adana Demirspor

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Adana Demirspor CEO Metin Korkmaz has recieved 78,000 TL fine for being at unaccredited area.

- Kayserispor, Fatih Karagumruk, Alanyaspor has recieved 112,000 TL fine for events on field.

- Besiktas has recieved blockage of stands for behaviour of fans.

- Samsunspor has recieved 260,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans.

- FatihKaragumruk has recieved 500,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans

- Fatih Karagumruk player Ryan Mendes has recieved 2-game ban for serious foul.

- Alanyaspor head coach Fatih Tekke has recieved 1-game ban and 39,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Galatasaray has recieved 440,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- TFF has announced schedule for Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg games:

07/05: Besiktas-Ankaragucu

08/05: Fatih Karagumruk-Trabzonspor.

- ClubsUnion has provided 6 points to TFF:

1. There must be right action for upcoming administration will be able to work financially.

2. Its impossible for new administration to make its own type of administring prior to start of new season if election will take place on 18th

July.

3. New administration will not be able to provide its own guidelines for summer transfer window.

4. New administration will not have time to classify referees for new season.

5. New administration will not be able to bring new guidelines.

- Besiktas administration Feyyaz Ucar has stated that Serdar Topraktepe will be head coach until end of the season, and would be included at technical staff for next season.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint Hans Flick as club's head coach.

- Fenerbahce player Irfan Can Kahveci and Lille player Yusuf Yazici goals has been nominated as Conference League goal of the quarter-final 2nd leg games.

- Napoli are interested to appoint Turkish National Team head coach Vincenzo Montella.

- WBA player Okay Yokuslu goal against Huddersfield Town has been nominated as goal of the month at Championship for March.

- Lille player Yusuf Yazici goal against Aston Villa has been selected as goal of the Conference League quarter-final 2nd leg games.

- Galatasaray has extended contract with Fernando Muslera, Lucas Torreira, Baris Alper Yilmaz, Abdukerim Bardakci and Kaan Ayhan

What happened in Turkish football today? 18/04/2024

Fenerbahce has been relegated from penalty kicks despite of Livakovic saving 2.

Fenerbahce didnt manage to overpass Olympiakos after penalty shootouts, despite of strong and dominant performance for 120 minutes and also Livakovic saving 2 shots during penalty kicks.

As some might be remembered, our blog prior to game has stated that if Fenerbahce wants to get to the next stage it would be important for them to find an early goal and it would be needed to say that it just did that as it provided strong and attacking game from first whistle and did create some good opportunities with finding goal with Irfan Can Kahveci following great shot into goal. It needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce did provide an attacking in similar manner but quite naturally as minutes continued Olympiakos has shown much more controllable game with providing stronger defensive game and to some extend has prevented them to create much more chances especially from 2nd half. It does need to be mentioned that one of the best players during this game has been Dominik Livakovic as he did provide some crucial saves during game and also did save 2 balls during penalty kicks and been close to save other so he did everything what has been asked from him however his teammates, apart of Michy Batshuayi didnt convert penalties, which could been also from tiredness during game. Fenerbahce when coming to 120 minutes did deserve more to be semi-final but apart from Livakovic perspective, it didnt deserve to be following penalties.

Olympiakos as would been expected did mainly focus into defensive game during 120 minutes with finding some chances and this to some extend did work as it did bring game into penalties which led for them to provide better performance but more important important saves 20-year old Konstantinos Tzolakis.

It needs to be mentioned as been stated above Fenerbahce did provide right attitude from game but either due of tiredness or incredible performance of Tzolakis at penalty kickout sadly its been relegated from Conference League where there were high hopes.

Besiktas will come to first game with Serdar Topraktepe.

Besiktas would be playing against Ankaragucu at the Super League as this would be first game following sacking of Fernando Santos and return of Serdar Topraktepe as it would be interesting to see how side would be performing.

With expected termination of contract with Fernando Santos, Besiktas would be playing its first game against Ankaragucu and taking account that its being opponent which tend to show good performance against big teams, it would be interesting to see how side would be responding. As it is remembered, Topraktepe did take caretaker role for few weeks around New Year period during which period team did get good confident results with positive game and it would be interesting to see how it would respond. Ankaragucu are aware that opponet are being at crises situation and might lose this game as own advantage.

Besiktas still has chances for 3rd spot as Trabzonspor also losing points despite of being 4 points ahead but as team it would need to raise performance level for last 6 games.

Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu will run as TFF CEO candidate

Trabzonspor ex-CEO Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu has announced that he would be running as TFF CEO candidate for the election which would be taken place on 18th July but his previous aggressive actions at Trabzonspor reign would raise some questions.

Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu reign at Trabzonspor has been remembered with some crises and interesting and aggressive statements which he did provide for number of people especially towards Fenerbahce due of heat which been present in that period following match-fixing scandal in country. With Turkish football being arleady at high tension right now him being as CEO in this position, he would need to prove himself to be CEO who would be able to stay calm and show togetherness as his characteristic actions during Trabzonspor would not seen in good manner.

Therefore, Haciosmanoglu would need to prove himself to be strong candidate for TFF position and convince everyone that he would be able to bring togetherness to the team.

Results:

UEFA Conference League, quarter-final, 2nd leg:

Fenerbahce 1:0 Olympiakos(agg: 3:3, pen: 2:3)

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 33rd week:

20:00 Besiktas - Ankaragucu

In other news:

- Besiktas player Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov has become injured during training session.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint Liverpool assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders as club's head coach.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Antalyaspor player Bunyamin Balci.

- Besiktas player Ante Rebic doesnt consider to leave club in summer transfer window as he is failing to find club which would provide as much as salary

- Fenerbahce men's volleyball team doctor Baris Cakir would also take same role at football team.

- Galatasaray are interested to sign Bordeaux player Zan Vipotnik

What happened in Turkish football today? 17/04/2024

Fenerbahce needs to perform like favourites against Olympiakos.

Fenerbahce would be needed to turn around its 3:2 deficit from Olympiakos which it got from 1st leg game to get ticket for Conference League semi-final but it would need to be mentioned that Istanbul giant are being favourites.

However, for using this favourite status both due of playing at home and also quality of squad it would need not to make similar mistakes which it did during 1st leg game where it did go to 3:0 scoreline and also here plays an important role for Ismail Kartal to present best squad which he would be available despite of high number of injuries. Playing at home without doubt would be an important advantage as supporters would be providing strong support but it needs to be mentioned that they need to be patient and not provide extra pressure into  team. With taking account that Fenerbahce will need 1 goal for extra-time and 2 goals to get to semi-final stage, it would be important here for team to find an early goal. Olympiakos on their part would be expected to show similar game which they did in 1st leg to which Fenerbahce will need to be ready.

Fenerbahce are coming out as favourites but they would need to perform as they are if it wants to make one step closer for tournament final game.

First TFF CEO candidates has become clear.

With TFF CEO election being announced to be taken place at 18th July and strong pressure from clubs to move date as early as start of June, two candidates has announced they candidacy.

With Servet Yardimci and Erdal Alkic announcing their candidacies, Servet Yardimci who has been at Turkish football for long time and also being member of UEFA Executive Board does stand out as favourites with also taking account that he has been one of the few names, sadly, at Turkish football who did move Turkish football and let for some important decisions to be made within UEFA which could be seen as in favour so he would be able as name to play an important role to move Turkish football into forward and reduce tension which is being right now.

With election date possibly could be moved forward, it would be expected to see some more names to be announced in upcoming days.

Juventus extends contract with Kenan Yildiz until 2028.

It is reported that Juventus has made deal with its player Kenan Yildiz until 2028 with 1 million euro salary and also bonuses as player does provide some strong performance and being one of the key players at Italian giant.

Without doubt, Kenan Yildiz is having very impressive performance both in Juventus and also at Turkish National Team as he is expected to become one of the key players at the team during Euro 2024. With all this taking account, it has been no surprise that Juventus has acted very fast and did make deal with player even through this is being only rumour but does come out from good Italian sources.

With this rumour does look to be very likely there is waiting when Juventus would announce this extension officially.

Results:

UEFA Conference League, quarter-final, 2nd leg:

19:45 Lille - Aston Villa (agg: 1:2)(Winner of this tie will be playing against winner of Fenerbahce-Olympiakos tie (agg: 2:3) at Conference League semi-final)

22:00 Fenerbahce - Olympiakos(agg: 2:3)

In other news:

- Besiktas will have general meeting on 4th May, if majority is not gathered it would move to 11th May.

- Galatasaray CEO Dursun Ozbek has announced that club will have pre-season training camp in its new facilities at Kemerburgaz.

- Kayserispor player Julian Jeanvier had an operation.

- Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwelde could recover from injury for Super League 37th week game against Galatasaray.- Besiktas has made transfer deal with Fulham player Kenny Tete for 3-years.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer BocaJunior player Nicolas Valentin.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Monza player Roberto Gagliardini.

- Galatasaray has set transfer fee of its player Baris Alper at least 20 million euro.

- Juventus are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Nicolas Pepe.

What happened in Turkish football today? 16/04/2023

Galatasaray has regained leadership with confident game in 2nd half.

Galatasaray has got  confident win against Alanyaspor thanks to the 4 goals during 2nd half as team regained its 2 point leadership from Fenerbahce with 6 weeks left to go during this season.

It needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray did have pretty poor start of the game as it did lack creativity and strong attacking game but with Okan Buruk reading game in correct manner, he made two crucial changes in halftime which has opened team in attacking game and led for 4 great goals with two coming from Baris Alper Yilmaz who has scored really outstanding goals and with finding an opener has provided needed confidence and motivation which team did lack slightly which led to confident win at the game which was expected to be one of the tough and in fact has been as 2nd most difficult game left after Fenerbahce game. With Galatasaray getting such confident win against team which didnt lose for 7 games, it did get confidence and motivation for last 6 games without doubt.

Besiktas hence did get more easy win than expected against Alanyaspor with effective and confident performance during 2nd half and has regained leadership once again.

Clubs want for TFF CEO election to take place in June

Besiktas and Galatasaray has also joined teams which has proclaimed that they would like for an early election to be taking place for TFF CEO position as early as in June.

There has been Club's Union meeting which has been dominated about discussing about actions which should be made following TFF announcing that CEO election will be taking place on 18th July but due of strong criticism and unhappiness from Mehmet Buyukeksi management of his position there is strong talks for election to be taking place as early as June with there is petition going on even through some clubs including Galatasaray dont see this petition effective stating that it would not provide unity and it would be more effective to convince Buyukeksi to change date in dialogue.

There is being hence strong push for CEO election to be moved from July to June and it would be interesting to see how Mehmet Buyukeksi would be adding.

Antalyaspor wants to keep Sergen Yalcin in team next season.

With Fernando Santos leaving Besiktas, it does look like that main candidate who could be taking spot in next season would be Sergen Yalcin even through both sides doesnt provide any signs that this could be happening.

Besiktas until now has stated that their main focus for this season has been Turkish Cup and hence there is no discussion for head coach position and team didnt have any talks with Sergen Yalcin. In addition, Antalyaspor CEO Sinan Boztepe has made clear that even through he didnt have any talks with Yalcin regarding his future in the team, there would be focussing to keep him and it would be main priority during negotiations which would happen after season will be over. 

It does look like talks about future of Sergen Yalcin at Antalyaspor and also him joining Besiktas will be among most discussed topics as soon as this season would be over and we would follow it for sure.

In other news:

- PFDK refaralls:

- Sivasspor, Adana Demirspor CEO Metin Korkmaz has been referred for not following guidelines.

- Adana Demirspor has been referred for events on field.

- Kayserispor has been referred for behaviour of fans and events on field.

- Besiktas, Fenerbahce Galatasaray, Samsunspor has been referred for behaivour of fans.

-Fatih Karagumruk has been referred for behaviour of fans and not following guideliens.

- Fatih Karagumruk player Ryan Mendes has been referred for breaking rules.

- Alanyaspor has been referred for events on on field and not following guidelines.

- Alanyaspor head coach Fatih Tekke has been referred for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- UEFA has announced referee of Conference League game between Fenerbahce and Olympiakos as Tobias Steilar.

- BayerLeverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and Milan are interested to transfer Real Madrid player Arda Guler.

- Besiktas CEO Hasan Arat: We have both foreign and Turkish coach candidates. It is important if he would be suitable for job. Chances for it to be either Turkish or foreign is 50/50.

- Fenerbahce player Mert Hakan Yandas is expected to recover from his injury in duration of this week.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Barcelona player Marcos Alonso.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint Cardiff City head coach Erol Bulut.

- Trabzonspor are having transfer negotiations with Utrecht player Can Bozdogan.

- Besiktas administrator Sergen Yalcin has stated that club currently doesnt have negotiations with Antalyaspor head coach Sergen Yalcin.

- Besiktas players Semih Kilicsoy and Mert Gunok has become injured.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Arsenal players Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Viera, Thomas Partey, Muhammed Elneny.

What happened in Turkish football today? 15/04/2024

Galatasaray has regained leadership thanks to goals during 2nd half.

Galatasaray has managed to regain its 2 point advantage at the title race with 6 points left until end of the season thanks to the goals which did come from 2nd half as Okan Buruk has made important changes at the half-time.

It needs to be mentioned that both sides did start game at low tempo with limited amount of chances, as Galatasaray did look to be pretty passive and did lack creativity in the attack as it failed to provide strong attacking game with only getting limited amount of chances which did come during last minutes of the half. However, with changing Kerem Akturkoglu who wasnt in his best performance to Hakim Ziyech did raise tempo of the game significantly which led for beautiful goals from Burak Alper Yilmaz who have scored 2 goals and also Hakim Ziyech. As those goals did come in duration of 10 minutes, it has helped to demotivate opponent and control game as it wished to and hence got an confident win at the game which has been expected to be very tough as role of quality of players and effective shots has led for Galatasaray to regain leadership at the league. 

It needs to be mentioned that Alanyaspor did provide pretty strong and organised defensive game during 1st half as it did play at the tempo which was suitable for them but it did become easily demotivated following goals from Baris Alper Yilmaz and Hakim Ziyech which did come during 5 minutes. 

Galatasaray has managed to make tough game into easier one with great goals during 2nd half but looking how side did struggle in 1st half it did provide signs that Galatasaray will not play easy games in upcoming 6 weeks.

Fenerbahce has once turned around game as Kartal recognised his mistakes at squad.

For another game, Fenerbahce have got themselves behind without providing very good performance but following substitutes from Ismail Kartal has managed to turn around game and win it with 2:1 scoreline.

During recent games, Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal does tend to be showing trend of starting game in not very effective starting 11 for game but with realising his mistakes providing some changes. This has been case during game against Fatih Karagumruk where it did start with pretty ineffective Rade Krunic who mentally hasnt been at the team during this season which became obvious during one-on-one chance with Alanyaspor goalkeeper and did manage to overpass Sirigu while change of him with Michy Batshuayi did have entire outcome of the game which led for much stronger attacking game. Meanwhile, its been especially present to see strong performance which did have strong role with 3-points from Dominik Livakovic, as he did show one of the best games during whole season.

Fenerbahce now enters to its last 6 weeks as winning all games would bring them title and hence it would need to perform with awareness of this in last games of the season.

Besiktas does look for stable referee for next season.

Even through Besiktas administrator Mete Vardar did mention that all concentration right now at the team is to win Turkish Cup, there are being some works for head coach position for sure.

With Serdar Topraktepe being announced to be coaching team until end of the season, as it did frequently change coaches during whole season with latest sending away Fernando Santos, Besiktas for sure is currently looking for stable and long-term coach as Antalyaspor head coach Sergen Yalcin is being main candidate for this position as it would be expected for side to start direct talks with him as soon as this season would be over. Stating that Turkish Cup is being main task for team as ending season with one silverware would be pushing factor for rest of the season.

Therefore, Besiktas are currently looking for new coach for upcoming season but would do so without letting team lose concentration for Turkish Cup title.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

Alanyaspor 0:4 Galatasaray

In other news:

- Basaksehirspor CEO Goksel Gumusdag: I have told to TFF CEO Mehmet Buyukeksi to move CEO election to start of June rather than in mid-July. With taking account uneasiness of situation and him possibly taking empathy, I believe he would reconsider this. 

- Galatasaray has declined an offer from Napoli of 25 million euro for Davinson Sanchez and requested 30 million euro+bonuses.

- Besiktas has declined 12 million euro from Eintracht Frankfurt for Semih Kilicsoy.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint Rizespor head coach Ilhan Palut.

- Juventus has made deal with its player Kenan Yildiz until 2028.

What happened in Turkish football today? 14/04/2024

Fenerbahce has once again turned around game as we enter to critical weeks at title race.

Fenerbahce has managed to get an important win against Fatih Karagumruk as we are entering to last games in this title race despite of getting behind and showing poor performance in 1st half.

Fenerbahce did have pretty poor performance as it provided low tempo in first 20 minutes without being able to get any control of the game as did opponent until there was golden opportunity from Rade Krunic following great assist from Edin Dzeko which he didnt convert which led for an open game and eventually led for Istanbul giant to concede goal. However, with change of Rade Krunic with Michy Batshuayi has opened game which led for Fenerbahce to provide much more aggressive game with creating numerous chances and hence finding two goals from Edin Dzeko and later from penalty Michy Batshuayi. It also needs to be mentioned that Dominik Livakovic has made number of very important saves during both halves and has played one of the best performance since joining club and does get important motivation as we are currently at critical weeks.

Fatih Karagumruk especially during 1st half did provide strong and organised game which creating some very good chances and also did look generally organised and compact during defence. It needs to be stated that they do provide optimistic view as they try to stay at the league.

Fenerbahce hence continues its winning run and did get into the top of the league for at least 23 hours as its intense title race continues with Galatasaray with 6 games left for them.

Besiktas has sacked Fernando Santos after draw against Samsunspor

Besiktas has sacked its head coach Fernando Santos following another loss of points at the league as it has ended with 1:1 scoreline against Samsunspor and also from pressure which did come from supporters.

One of the worrying aspects which has been of supporters and administration is not only losing points during last 5 games but also not sign of improvement with team and quite opposite performance going down as with Santos looking for minumum win has led for team to lose points. Besiktas has announced that Serdar Topraktepe would be taking his place until end of the season as he did coach team prior to Santos appointment of 2 games during which team did show some good performance. Still, with changing 5th coach and Santos not being right option for team, it needs to be aware that an issue at the team is not coach and should plan summer period according to that.

Fernando Santos has been sacked as been expected but as been noted team does have much more issues than coach and hence this would not be solution for long time. 

Galatasaray returns to title race with game against Alanyaspor.

Galatasaray would be returning to its title race with 7 weeks to go until end of the season with crucial and tough game against Alanyaspor as it could be turned out to be tough game.

With 2 points left until end of the season, it is known that main focus for Galatasaray is to win all games and get title back-to-back but as been noted it cant afford to make any mistakes if it doesnt want to lose any concentration. It also needs to be mentioned that even through big praise of Turkish media, Galatasaray does have some low points at the game or doesnt provide its best performance entirely and Alanyaspor which does provide sometimes good organising football as it would be doing for sure in this game would be focussed to get good result and hence Galatasaray needs to be stay focussed and dont let Alanyaspor to get any control of the game.

Galatasaray for sure are being favourites but there would be some effort needed to be given to get result which it seeks for for its aim to win title.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

Pendikspor 2:3 Basaksehirspor

Hatayspor 0:3 Istanbulspor

Rizespor 3:0 Antalyaspor

Fatih Karagumruk 1:2 Fenerbahce

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

20:00 Alanyaspor - Galatasaray

In other news:

- -Besiktas head coach Serdar Topraktepe technical staff has been announced:

- Goalkeeper coach: Hakan Caliskan

- Athletic Performance Trainer: Miguel Piero Montanana, Baris Gurol.

- Galatasaray administration has released bonus to team if it manages to win rest of 7 games at Super League.

- Galatasaray has offered 2.2 million euro salary for extension contract to its player Fernando Muslera.

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

- Fenerbahce considers to extend contract with its player Irfan Can Kahveci to 3-years with 40 million TL salary.

What happened in Turkish football today? 13/04/2024

Besiktas continues losing points at the league.

Besiktas continues showing ineffective performance during Super League games as it has drawn once again with this time against Samsunspor and in similar manner as last week it did get ahead with 1:0 scoreline but did reduce tempo and end game with 1:1 scoreline.

Besiktas did come out into the field for showing strong and dominant game compare to previous week with an aim to get confident win but once again it has shown into similar performance which it does tend to show with Fernando Santos as it did control game after 1:0 scoreline which is being dangerous tactical game as it could be conceded goal which it did from Kilinc on 68th minute. It has been also important for Kilicsoy to find goal once again and show himself as leading attacking player at the team and getting leading role.

Besiktas hence continues showing ineffective performance on the field and hence didnt also use a good opportunity to catch with Trabzonspor for the race for 3rd spot as point difference been only reduced to 4 points.

Trabzonspor did lose unexpectedly to Sivasspor.

Trabzonspor continues showing unstable performance at the league as it did lose to Sivasspor with conceding unexpected goal on 2nd half but generally didnt show very good performance at the field for 90 minutes.

Trabzonspor during whole season does provide easier good or not very good performance at the field and to some extend for game to be played without supporters did have a negative impact to the team as it did look like players were not fully concentrated. It could be mentioned that Trabzonspor did show recently good performance during 1st half with creating some good chances but team did lose motivation and tempo entirely at 2nd half and didnt show much reaction on 2nd half.

Trabzonspor did provide poor performance during 90 minutes and does show decline of performance as we enter to last weeks of the season.

Fenerbahce will be aiming to get early goal to make task easier against Fatih Karagumruk

Fenerbahce would be returning to Super League to very important game against Fatih Karagumruk as following Conference League it would be now focus to league title race which it has with Galatasaray.

Fenerbahce would be aiming to provide some good attacking game towards Fatih Karagumruk and without doubt would be seeking to get an early goal at the early minutes of the game which it tends to do well during whole this season. With an important game against Fatih Karagumruk coming out in midweek hence it would be reasonable for them to focus especially when taking account of game against Olympiakos in upcoming week. Fatih Karagumruk might be expecting for Fenerbahce to be mainly focus to Olympiakos and might make this pressure of the opponent to its advantage and provide some organised attacking game for 90 minutes.

Fenerbahce would be coming out as favourite but as team it would be likely aim to find early goal from its opponent to get result which it seeks for.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

Kasimpasa 0:2 Konyaspor

Ankaragucu 3:1 Gaziantep

Adana Demirspor 0:0 Kayserispor

Besiktas 1:1 Samsunspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

13:30 Pendikspor - Basaksehirspor

16:00 Hatayspor - Istanbulspor

16:00 Rizespor - Antalyaspor

19:00 Fatih Karagumruk- Fenerbahce

In other news:

- Besiktas has terminated contract with its head coach Fernando Santos with Serdar Topraktepe will be coaching team until end of the season.

- Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwelde expected to be recovering from his injury between 1-3 months.

- SekipMosturoglu has announced his candidacy for Fenerbahce CEO election.

- Trabzonspor player Trezeguet has become injured

- Galatasaray CEO Dursun Ozbek considers to include administrators Erden Timur and Abdurrahim Albayrak in his team for upcoming CEO election.

- Galatasaray has set transfer fee of its player Tete as 8-9 million euro.

- Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwelde had an operation due of his injury.

What happened in Turkish football today? 12/04/2024

Trabzonspor couldnt be fully motivated at empty field.

Trabzonspor has been returned to Super League after Turkish Super League game against Sivasspor with 1:0 scoreline as it played its 1st home game without supporters since recieving supporters ban.

It would need to be stated that playing without supporters as would been case with all team in similar condition has affected into motivation and tempo of the game but it would need to be mentioned that it didnt necessarily provide poor performance in 1st half with creating some chances during this period but did lose concentration and control of the game during 2nd half as Sivasspor has provided lots of pressure and did find goal on 53rd minute thanks to the Quenssy Menig with good organised attack of the side. Trabzonspor meanwhile did show much reaction after that position and hence couldnt overpass organised defence of Sivasspor.

Sivasspor even through didnt get results which it seek for during recent weeks but did come with high motivation and confidence and did find an important win which would provide needed confidence and motivation for upcoming games.

Trabzonspor which been showing good performance in recent weeks didnt manage to carry on such game against Sivasspor and could lose point advantage if Besiktas wins tomorrow.

Ismail Kartal fails to start game correctly but later solves his mistakes.

Conference League game between Olympiakos and Fenerbahce could be analysed  into two different parts with Fenerbahce performance before 60th minute and afterwards as it managed to reduce goal difference from 3:0 to 3:2 and kept hopes for semi-final pretty strong.

It needs to be mentioned that Ismail Kartal during recent games does have some issues of coming out with not best squad for the opponent but during right time tends to recognise his mistakes and does provide rightful changes. Meanwhile, it is obvious that this is not done tactically but possibly having an issue of reading game prior to game which is especially surprising taking account that it was known how would Olympiakos play during whole season as Olympiakos tend to provide posession and get chances with providing strong pressure which it did pretty successful during first 60 minutes. Fenerbahce did fail to provide right reaction until conceding 3rd goal and introducing to field Ferdi Kadioglu, Fred and Ismail Yuksek who led team to provide much more aggressive and attacking game.

Fenerbahce needs to be aware of this tactical mistake starts and needs to make sure not to take similar mistakes especially during 2nd leg game against Olympiakos.

Besiktas would need to find confident scoreline before relaxation

Besiktas would resume its race for 3rd spot as point difference with Trabzonspor raises against pretty tough game against Samsunspor as opponent is being on rise and still aims to stay at the league.

Besiktas does provide pretty poor performance in recent weeks playing for minumum scoreline which as is known did cost them 2 points against Basaksehirspor which seems to be case which makes everyone at the club. In this game, if it would be possible it would need to focus at getting 2:0 before showing signs of relaxation. Samsunspor meanwhile would be aiming to transform its pretty good recent performance to this game too. 

Besiktas hence would be aiming to get some good result against Samsunspor but it would need to improve all its performance at the game. 

Results:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

Trabzonspor 0:1 Sivasspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

13:30 Kasimpasa - Konyaspor

16:00 Ankaragucu- Gaziantep

16:00 Adana Demirspor - Kayserispor

19:00 Besiktas - Samsunspor

In other news:

- TFF has announced that foreign VAR referee system would be starting from this week, with following games:

- Ankaragucu-Gaziantep

- Fatih Karagumruk-Fenerbahce

- Alanyaspor-Galatasaray.

- Galatasaray administrator Serhat Dogan has recieved 3-game ban due of assault and Okan Buruk has recieved 2-game ban for anti-sportmanship action.

- Fenerbahce players Djiku and Joshua King has resumed training session following recovery from injury.

- Besiktas player Ante Rebic will have an operation on 15th April in Croatia due of injury.

- Besiktas CEO Hasan Arat has stated that he welcoms foreign VAR referees and expects for them to be selected for his team next week.

- Besiktas has started transfer negotiations with Fulham player Kenny Tete.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Borussia Dortmund player Marco Reus.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Lille player Yusuf Yazici, Manchester City player Issa Kabore and Arsenal player Jorginho.

- Palmeiras considers to offer 8 million euro for Galatasaray player Tete.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Moreinse player Goncalo Franco.

- Eyupspor are interested to transfer Sivasspor player Rey Minaj.

What happened in Turkish football today? 11/04/2024

Fenerbahce keeps its semi-final chances alive after coming back from 3:0 to 3:2

Fenerbahce has kept its chances alive for semi-final of the Conference League thanks to the goals which did come out during last 30 minutes at the game where it provided very poor performance until 57th minute as it turned from 3:0 to 3:2.

Fenerbahce had pretty poor performance at the 1st half especially at defense as it allowed its Olympiakos to get control of the game and showing full control of the game despite of having lower possession than Fenerbahce and did provide right pressure. It could be look at first look that press which been shown by Olympiakos has led for Fenerbahce to create mistakes, but there was lack of concentration as Greek side had got into 3:0 in very easy manner and there has been scare that Olympiakos could make more mistakes. But it needs to be mentioned that after conceding 3rd goal and especially after scoring penalty from Dusan Tadic, Fenerbahce did come back into themselves with addition to introduction of Ismail Yuksek, Fred and Ferdi Kadioglu who has rose tempo and aggressive game to the game.

Coming to Olympiakos, they have provided very good performance during 1st half with providing strong pressure to Fenerbahce which forced them to make mistake and has used poor defensive game of opponent into its advantage. However, its been surprising to see for Olympiakos to lose concentration of the game after penalty kick.

Fenerbahce has made an important comeback against Olympiakos from 3:0 to 3:2 at away game and does provide some optimism for 2nd leg but it would be very important for team to not make same mistakes at defence during 2nd leg.

 Trabzonspor are being favourites against Sivasspor as it gets closer to its aim to end season at 3rd spot.

Trabzonspor will be resuming its race for 3rd spot as it would be side openning Super League 32nd week against tough opponent Sivasspor as it needs to be mentioned that Trabzonspor are coming out as favourite.

Trabzonspor with getting 6 points advantage over Besiktas for 3rd spot and also raising performance level of the team in recent weeks,it could be mentioned that team would be providing positive attacking game and would be aiming to show organising creative game in the field. It needs to be reminded however that Sivasspor has always been tough opponent especially to big 4 sides in the league and hence they would be aiming to prevent Trabzonspor to get an easy win.

With 7 weeks left in the season, Trabzonspor for sure would be aiming to win game to make one step closer for reaching its aim to end season at 3rd spot.

Galatasaray has won Turkish Super Cup officially

PFDK has made an expected announcement regarding of fate of infamous Turkish Super Cup between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray as it was officially announced that Galatasaray has won competition with forfeited result of 3:0.

It would be expected for Galatasaray to raise Turkish Super Cup prior or following Turkish Super League 33rd week game against Pendikspor as according to guidance ceremony must be taken place following closest home game. Fenerbahce meanwhile did make its actions with knowing that it would recieve such fine with only possibility where they might be unhappy is decision for 4,000,000 euro fine as compensation for organising this event towards TFF.

Decision did come out as expected with Galatasaray would now be waiting to lift Turkish Super Cup which been with full of scandals during this season.

Results:

UEFA Conference League, Quarter-Final, 1st leg:

Olympiakos 3:2 Fenerbahce

Aston Villa 2:1 Lille (winner of this tie will play with winner of Olympiakos-Fenerbahce tie at semi-final)

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

20:00 Trabzonspor -Sivasspor

In other news:

- Galatasaray has announced of profit of 608 million TL between 1st June 2023-29th February 2024

- Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwelde has completed season due of injury.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Liverpool player Joel Matip.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Juventus player Adrien Rabot.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Bayer Leverkusen player Patrik Schick.

- Rizespor head coach Ilhan Palut has stated that he is not worried about contract currently.

What happened in Turkish football today? 10/04/2024

Fenerbahce will need to stay focussed against Olympiakos.

Following very unusual night against Galatasaray during Turkish Super Cup, Fenerbahce would now focus into Conference League quarter-final 1st leg game against Olympiakos at the game and tournament it gets very seriously.

It needs to be mentioned that with Fenerbahce administration decision to be coming out with academy players during Super Cup game has provided opportunity at least physically to prepare for this game and taking account that team is aiming to end season with double it would be coming out for the team with only aim to get win at the game where it seems to be favourite. Stating that, with Conference League taking place in Athens this season could provide extra motivation for Greek side especially at home ground but Fenerbahce would need to stay focussed and provide positive game which it has shown for most amount during this competition.

Fenerbahce are being favourites in this tie but 1st leg is expected to be tough one so it would need to stay focussed and aim to show its organised game.

Fernando Santos will stay as head coach until end of this contract.

Besiktas administration has made it clear that it would stay loyal to 1.5 year contract with its head coach Fernando Santos and even through looking at things at the moment this might see as wrong decision in long-term it could turn to be right decision.

Besiktas as it is known has changed several coaches during this season and this without doubt did provide unease period for the team as it couldnt show strong and confident performance during whole season. So, therefore with team going through difficult period and also not having a perfect squad in all honesty, it would be seen impatient and wrong for not letting Fernando Santos to build his own squad during summer transfer window. 

Fernando Santos should be forgiven hence for this season but should be treated more critically during summer and next season by club.

Ramadan holiday is an opportunity for tensions to be reduced.

It needs to be mentioned that this Ramadan holiday period and until league would be resumed on 12th April, there is opportunity in Turkish football for tension to be reduced.

As it is known, during this season and especially starting from December, tension at Turkish football has been very high and it didnt been reduce since then however with Ramadan holiday which focusses into togetherness and not fighting period among forgiveness could reduce tension. It is unlikely that forgiveness would come due of such huge tension, but at least not harsh statements would be made in this period. 

Hopefully, tension would be reduced so much that when league resumes it wont be able to get high or at least very high in upcoming period.

Schedule:

UEFA Conference League, Quarter-Final, 1st leg:

19:45 Olympiakos - Fenerbahce

22:00 Aston Villa-Lille (winner of this tie will play against winners of Olympiakos-Fenerbahce tie at semi-final)

In other news:

- Sivasspor player Ali Sasal Vural has become injured.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Atletico Madrid player Gabriel Paulista.

- Trabzonspor has requested 6 million euro from Nantes for Eren Elmali.

- Besiktas aims to work with its head coach Fernando Santos until end of the contract.

- Roma are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwelde.

What happened in Turkish football today? 09/04/2024

Fenerbahce has been referred to PFDK after Turkish Super Cup events.

As was expected, Fenerbahce has been send to PFDK regarding of events which took place during Turkish Super Cup against Galatasaray as team has left field after 2 minutes as it is expected them to recieve fine and compensation value.

As been noted for several times, Turkish Super Cup actions of Fenerbahce has been unusual and has been aimed to send strong message towards TFF and until now in expected manner of course TFF has made first step with providing referral with such action. Taking account of how much TFF did prepare for game and deal to be made earlier, there is possibility of TFF providing very high fine but again this has been foreseen for sure from Fenerbahce as it did provide desperate measures at desperate times without doubt and hence also announce game to be forfeited with Galatasaray winning game with 3:0 scoreline.

To some outcome is present in this matter and only question is when TFF would provide Super Cup to Galatasaray.

TFF calls for election to be on 18th July.

Without doubt, most hated person right now at the Turkish football is being Mehmet Buyukeksi and for him calling definitely CEO election of TFF on 18th July has made most clubs unhappy with demand to call an early election.

TFF in all fairness does use Euro 2024 card for this date as it mention that it would be healthy to be making after tournament as Turkey would be participating and does in fact good opportunity to have great tournament. Apart of that, what makes other clubs unhappy is that election would be taking place short while before start of new season and would now let new administration to make changes at the federation and system before start of the season. Hence, signing of pettition towards an early election carry on as with 40% delegation signing will happen TFF would force to be having election within 30 days when petition is presented.

TFF is showing once again detirmination for having last word as this tend to be main reason of previous scandals but this time it might not work.

Galatasaray reported to trick Fenerbahce during game

There was interesting rumour surrounding infamous Turkish Super Cup where there is argument that Galatasaray were planning to throw ball to out as soon as game started and did throw ball to out. 

There was lots of questions before game has been kicked off and to some extend all expectations did come into reality as Fenerbahce did leave field at first stoppage of the game after Mauro Icardi goal. However, their talks that Galatasaray aimed to kick ball to out so Fenerbahce would leave but this didnt take place. If that is case, Galatasaray trickery could be worrying regardless if they support Fenerbahce or actions.

This issue might get some other twists as our blog would also follow all developments in this matter.

In other news:

- PFDK decisions: - Konyaspor has got partial supporters ban and 293,000 TL fine for events on field, behaviour of fans and not providing interviews. - Trabzonspor has recieved 412,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans and events on field. - Besiktas has recieved 620,000 TL fine behaviour of fans.

- Gaziantep has recieved partial blockage of stands for behaviour of fans. - Fenerbahce has recieved 160,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans and not following guidelines. - Antalyaspor has recieved 112,000 TL fine for events on field.

- Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler has been appointed for Europa League game between Liverpool and Atalanta. - UEFA has announced that referee for Conference League game between Olympiakos and Fenerbahce will be Sandro Scharer.

- AhmetNurCebi considering to become TFF CEO candidate for elections on 18th July.

- Besiktas player Cenk Tosun looking for club in Saudi Arabia and USA. - Celtic are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Ugurcan Cakir. - EintrachtFrankfurt are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Baris Alper Yilmaz. - Besiktas are interested to transfer Kasimpasa player Yasin Ozcan. - Gaziantep player Denis Dragus agent Florin Manea has stated that Trabzonspor has provided great offer for player