What happened in Turkish football today? 06/03/2018

Apart of Bayern Munich game, Besiktas has went through without many losses in this period.

With managing to beat Trabzonspor with 2:0 scoreline Besiktas has managed to send strong message to league leaders Galatasaray and Basaksehirspor who are 3 points ahead of them and has managed to get through this difficult period in good manner if not counting Bayern Munich game.

Tiredness from this period especially from games against Fenerbahce both at the league and cup without doubt did some physical impact as it wasnt able to play their best game but with being able to meet with pretty poor Trabzonspor on the day and also effective play both from Alvaro Negredo and Ryan Babel has provided them with a win. Even through Alvaro Negredo has mainly brought to find goals he is currently assist form does huge help both to him and also to the team in the recent game and hence showing high improvement from previous games. Besiktas as being out from Champions League and only would play for prestige against Bayern Munich, unless some unexpected surprise will not happen at 2nd leg, would be able to focus entirely to league which is not good news for their opponents.

In addition to being 3 points behind leaders, it also get its fate into their hands as winning all of the 10 games at the league would make them champions as their would play with Galatasaray and Basaksehirspor.

Trabzonspor performance doesnt suit to top level team.

Trabzonspor on other hand which was expected to be physically in much better form did provide pretty poor performance and hence did show that it does have once again poor season even through their were some hopes.

Following game, Trabzonspor head coach Riza Calimbay has argued that this is not team which he has build which therefore has brought those results but it needs to be reminded that he didnt provide this complaints when team was in great form at the end of the last year. Riza Calimbay currently is unable to move team forward and even through rightly he argues that Burak Yilmaz is only scorer at the game, he has difficulty to find solutions. With Trabzonspor aims for top of the league has been lost for sure now, he still has chances to get Europa League spot in last 10 games but with this performance it does look a difficult task to achieve with this performance level. Sadly, the players which were in better form physically has provided same-level performance then Besiktas which does raise questions for them being top level team.

Trabzonspor has again been far from performance which would be expected from top club, and even through with their past achievements and statistically their are, in recent years it has turn into average club.

Ricardo Quaresma has recieved 5-game ban for his actions against Fenerbahce. 

Much awaited decision about PFDK decisions into Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma actions during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game against Fenerbahce has been announced today as Quaresma has recieved 5 games ban, with 1st one he used against Trabzonspor.

The view about this amount of ban has been demanded as some people has been affected it to be higher due of his actions and aggresivity while others stating that even through Quaresma needs to be punished, Josef de Souza was iniatiator of this behaviour and hence should be low due of being provocated for those actions. However, this behaviour by Ricardo Quaresma doesnt need to be defended and needs to be punished and this blog thinks that this was a right decision and could even be higher due of level of his behaviour and aggresivity. Still, it would mean that he would be missing just less than half of what is left of the season and during this period would be able to once again go through his control of nerves or at worse he would stay same.

Time would show how much this ban would affect towards Besiktas themselves but yesterday game showed it doesnt have much impact but still some games might be affected.

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:
- Besiktas has recieved 30,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans.
- Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma has recieved 5-game ban and 22,000 TL fine for an attack
- Fenerbahce has recieved 15,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans.

- PFDK referalls:
- Goztepe and Antalyaspor has been referred for behaviour of fans
- Karabukspor and Galatasaray has been referred for events at the field.
- Konyaspor has been referred for events at field and accepting unallowed supporters
- Sivasspor has been referred events at the field and not following guidelines
- Trabzonspor and Besiktas has been referred for behaviour of fans and events at the field.

- Konyaspor has appointed head coach Sergen Yalcin as club's head coach: 

- Besiktas: As a club we are surprised that their were not referrals of Fenerbahce players Mehmet Ekici and Josef de Souza referrals to PFDK. De Souza had attacked to Ricardo Quaresma but PFDK ignored it. We will complain to arbitration committee.

- Turkish National Team would be playing international friendly game on 11th October against Bosnia and Herzegovina and on 18th November against Spain.

- Trabzonspor administrator Gokhan Saral is calling for all clubs to provide more campaigns showing support to Turkish soldiers during Afrin Operation.

- Fenerbahce would send complaint to TFF for Yeni Malatyaspor raising ticket prices from 7TL to 130TL for away game during Super League 25th week game.

- Basaksehirspor player Arda Turan has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- AliFatinoglu has announced his candidacy for Galatasaray CEO election in May.

- Galatasaray player Cedric Carrasso has attended to today's training session after recovering from injury.

- Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim is reported to be suffering from shingles disease right now due of high amount of stress.

- Trabzonspor player Jan Durica has become injured during Super League 24th week game against Besiktas and will not be able to play for 2-3 weeks.

- Konyaspor head coach Sergen Yalcin considers to bring back its team player Ali Camdali back to squad. Despite of announcement early that contract is terminated, Camdali contract is still in effect.

- Besiktas player Gokhan Tore is expected to resume training session within 3-4 weeks.

- Galatasaray-loaned player Yuto Nagatomo wants to stay at the club.

- Lazio are interested to transfer Besiktas player Matej Mitrovic. He is currently loaned to Club Brugge.

- Lille are interested to appoint Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim as club's head coach and transfer Bafetembi Gomis and Sofiane Feghouli.

- Bursaspor are interested to appoint Galatasaray ex-football director Cenk Ergun as club's sports director.

What happened in Turkish football today? 05/03/2018

Besiktas has send strong message to league leaders with winning Trabzonspor. 

Besiktas has managed to win one of its most important games during this season as it managed to beat Trabzonspor with 2:0 scoreline and hence has send strong message to everyone among Basaksehirspor and Galatasaray that it is right into title race with huge help of Ryan Babel.

Taking account that Besiktas had very difficult week with meeting against Fenerbahce twice, it had some difficult time physically and didnt provide its best game but still managed to provide more dominant game and forward seeking compare to Trabzonspor. Two main heros for such a win is Ryan Babel but it needs to be also acknowledge that Alvaro Negredo has provide 2 assists towards him.
Therefore, even through Negredo didnt manage to provide goals he is playing huge role with his assists which is also important role for an attacker. Therefore, Besiktas didnt provide dominant football which was due of physical tiredness but has managed to prevent Trabzonspor to get control of the game even through their performance also has been poor by itself. Still Besiktas is sending strong messages towards league leaders right now.

Trabzonspor wasnt able to provide strong opposition towards Besiktas during this game which does show that team is not capable to get into league title both at the situation at the table but even more importantly with its performance. Taking account that Besiktas didnt provide its best performance due of its form, Trabzonspor didnt manage to use this into advantage and once again has shown that without Burak Yilmaz it does have strong issue wit finding goals and chances. Still, Trabzonspor which among not being able to be at the title race recent race didnt compete at Europe at all and right now it has still chance to get into Europa League for next season during next 10 games of the season.

With following result Besiktas has got into right into title race with its performance as it was stated that if its out from Champions League it can raise its performance at the league and this has become true right now as team is almost coming to the 2nd leg against Bayern Munich for prestige.

Fenerbahce has lost crucial 3 points against Akhisarspor and damage its league title chances.

Fenerbahce has lost an important 3 points for its league title race against Akhisarspor with losing 3:2 during Super League 24th week game as we are entering to the crucial weeks and now finds itself 6 points behind league leaders Galatasaray and Basaksehirspor.

Without doubt in-tense game it has played against Besiktas 3 days before during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game did affect to the game but still the factor of importance of the game should have provided strength for such crucial game where it wasnt able to control game at all even through it did have high possession of ball. With Akhisarspor also coming at great form at the team has used opponent tiredness to its advantage and has found 3 goals which has provided win to them. One of the worrying and dissapointing statistics which was present during this season is also factor that Fenerbahce didnt manage to win games where it has left behind,with losing 4 and drawing 5, which is by itself is pretty worrying statistic for the team which is fighting for league title.

With this being unpredictable season stating that Fenerbahce has lost its chance for league title to null would be wrong but with 10 games left it is hard to expect for high number of the mistakes from their opponents above as among winning games its need to wait for other results turn towards them.

Konyaspor has appointed Sergen Yalcin after sacking Mehmet Ozdilek. 

Another team which has changed its head coach during this season has been Konyaspor as it has sacked Mehmet Ozdilek following loss towards against Yeni Maltayaspor and in same day has appointed Sergen Yalcin.

It needs to be stated that Konyaspor with its coach Mehmet Ozdilek didnt approve much with its performance as it still finds itself right into the relegation mess and with 10 games left administrative side of the team has realised that some crucial changes needed to be made to solve this issue. Their newly-elected head coach Sergen Yalcin has been known before hand to be able to solve an issue with teams almost being relegated and would be aiming to improve performance of the team starting with game against Galatasaray on 11th March, aiming at least to regain motivation and focus for the team for rest of the season. With Konyaspor not being very bad, Yalcin does have potential to solve this issue and provide much needed motivation.

The would show how much Yalcin would achieve this but as been stated he did achieve to keep teams who are in bottom at league in previous seasons.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
Trabzonspor 0:2 Besiktas

In other news:

- Besiktas player Domadoj Vida has been selected to Croatian National Team for international friendly games.

- Galatasaray are reported to sack its football director Cenk Ergun.

- Besiktas player Adriano has become damage to his eye during Super League 24th week game against Trabzonspor.

- Temel Eyuboglu has announced his candidacy for Trabzonspor CEO election:

- Fenerbahce head coach Aykut Kocaman considers not to play its player Volkan Demirel for rest of the season due of cards received during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game against Besiktas.

- Galatasaray players Jason Denayer and Cedric Carrasso are expected to recover from injury until Super League 26th week game against Fenerbahce.

- Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim has visited Milan to meet with Milan head coach Gennaro Gattuso. Meanwhile, he also has send condolences messages to Fiorentina regarding of Davide Astori tragic death.

- Galatasaray would pay 3.5 million euro to PAOK of all fee of its player Garry Rodrigues.

- Galatasaray considers to sell its players Ryan Donk, Jason Denayer, Koray Gunter, Yasin Oztekin, Umut Gundogan, Eray Iscan and Martin Linnes.

- Bursaspor player Pablo Batalla considers to leave the team after end of the season.

What happened in Turkish football today? 04/03/2018

Fenerbahce has lost crucial 3 points due of tiredness from last week games. 

Fenerbahce had experienced pretty dissapointing night at its home game against Akhisarspor during Super League 24th week at the game where it has found to be negatively affected by Besiktas games during this week and has found itself 6 points behind leaders.

Even through the game has ended with 3:2 scoreline and Fenerbahce did show some signs of showing comeback but it did end 1st half with 2:0 scoreline which did show face how Fenerbahce has been providing poor game. Taking account that Akhisarspor has come out for the game to get some results and use its tiredness for its advantage has managed to provide great counterattacks as statistically Fenerbahce has dominated game. Even through Fenerbahce prior to Besiktas game did show great performance in recent weeks it carries on paying prices for lost points and now has difficult job to show comeback. Even through Fenerbahce still managed to show some attacking moments during game it has show very poor performance at the back area which it needed to improve today. It also needs to be stated that Kameni didnt have great night as he did concede pretty simple goals which is likely to be saved from Volkan Demirel.

Akhisarspor which was also at great form during recent weeks at the league has managed to show its momentum and use weakness of its opponents of being tired from Besiktas games back-to-back. Surely, team has got great motivation for last 10 games.

Fenerbahce did find itself at the difficult situation right now as it is currently 6 points behind both Basaksehirspor and Galatasaray and with 10 games left it can only win all games to have chance for league title.

Galatasaray has got an important win against Karabukspor with 7:0 scoreline.

Galatasaray has shown very dominating game during Super League 24th week game against Karabukspor with winning game with 7:0 scoreline even through it did play with most struggling side both financially and mentally.

Therefore, with Karabukspor literally losing each game back-to-back without showing much organised games in recent weeks it was normal for Galatasaray to get control of the game even if it was played at away stadium. Without doubt the main reason for such dominant result getting from Galatasaray has been 4 goals scored by Bafetembi Gomis who is also moving at the becoming most goalscorer of the season and without doubt if team does get league title at the end of the season, biggest thanks should be given towards Gomis. Coming to the Karabukspor, unfortunately it doesnt look like team would be able to come to themselves for rest of the season and as head coach Levent Acikgoz has stated right now team can only focus towards upcoming season with possibly focussing into playing young players.

Galatasaray without doubt has recieved an important win as it might actually reduce their away game phobia as game was gotten at away field but again Karabukspor is not great reference point for them.

Trabzonspor does have opportunity to use Besiktas issues to its advantage. 

Without doubt main game of the Super League 24th week would be between Trabzonspor and Besiktas, with Besiktas must win game to keep their chances for league title and also for Trabzonspor to have small chance or at least stay at Europa League zone.

It needs to be state that Besiktas would have very difficult game due of some circumstances as among being tired from Fenerbahce game during Turkish Cup semi-final 1st leg game it would also have crucial substances at its squad including Ricardo Quaresma who has recieved red card in cup game and also Pepe who is reported to become injured for 1 month. This two factors would affect to the game and in upcoming games as those two players are one of the key players whose strength provides important factor for team to stay at title race. Trabzonspor compare to Besiktas would come in better condition both with squad and form and hence does have realistic chances to win game if it uses this weaknesses of opponents in very effective manner.

The game hence promises to be very exciting with both sides giving their all and possibly providing an attacking game, even through this area is problematic for Trabzonspor.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 24th week:
 Genclerbirligi 0:1 Alanyaspor
 Konyaspor 0:1 Yeni Malatyaspor
Fenerbahce 2:3 Akhisarspor
Antalyaspor 1:4 Sivasspor

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

In other news:

- Konyaspor has appointed coach Sergen Yalcin as club's head coach after sacking Mehmet Ozdilek earlier on the day.

- Besiktas player Pepe has become injured and will not be able to play for 1 months.

- Galatasaray has announced that it has raised amount of money taken from Capital Market Institution from 108,000,000 TL to 540,000,000 TL.

- WestBromwichAlbion scouts would be viewing Trabzonspor player Oktay Yokuslu during Super League 24th week game against Besiktas.

- Galatasaray has only paid 1st installment of transfer fee of Garry Rodrigues to PAOK and Greek side has set deadline for rest of payment of fee to 9th March, otherwise it would complain to FIFA.

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

Galatasaray has managed to get historical win against Karabukspor.

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

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

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

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

Fenerbahce tiredness from Besiktas game could affect Akhisarspor game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In other news:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fenerbahce has shown improvement from league game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In other news:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benfica has extended contract with Anderson Talisca. 

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

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

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

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

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

In other news:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Galatasaray has won against Akhisarspor without providing great football.

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

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

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

Besiktas would be aiming to repeat its performance against Fenerbahce

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

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

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

Fenerbahce would aim to get revenge against Besiktas. 

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

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

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

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

In other news:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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