What happened in Turkish football today? 19/04/2019

Galatasaray would be coming out to Kayserispor with only focus to get win.

Despite of losing 2 points against Fenerbahce during Super League 28th week game and having 5 point difference with Basaksehirspor, Galatasaray would be coming out to Kayserispor with an aim to win game and carry on its title race.

It needs to be noted that even through to some extend it did get an opportunity to get closer to Basaksehirspor to 3 points, it still has reduced point diffrence last week to 5 points which is possible to close down in upcoming 6 weeks and taking account that it might win against Basaksehirspor before last week, actual point difference is 2 points. With this seeking at mind, it would be playing only for a win and taking account that it does get good result at home ground this season it would be expected to control game for most time of the game. Kayserispor meanwhile did more or less secure its Super League spot for next season and would not have as much as motivation as opponents and even through it would aim to show good organised game, it might not have as same focus to game which their did during previous games.

Galatasaray would be coming as favourites as their dont have any other option rather than winning this game and hence would approach game in such manner also.

Yeni Malatyaspor could provide opposition to Trabzonspor but Black Sea side are favourites.

Without doubt Trabzonspor would be aiming to carry on its top performance which it is showing in recent weeks against Yeni Malatyaspor and even through their next to each other at table, Trabzonspor does have 12 point advantage.

With top 4 places are more or less being secured right now, it now really relies on placement of the team as Trabzonspor is 4 points behind Besiktas and would fight for 3rd spot which would mean 1 less qualifier for Europa League. More importantly, it would be seeking to carry on its top performance in the recent weeks which has been dominated by youth players. It is true that Yeni Malatyaspor could provide biggest and difficult opposition compare to recent games of the team but still Trabzonspor should be able to control game as it wishes. Yeni Malatyaspor however in return would likely to see this game as a chance to show good performance and also good result to raise motivation prior to Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg against Galatasaray. Trabzonspor needs to show their game which their did in  recent games and look for chances.

Trabzonspor are coming out as favourites but its crucial to stay focus for the game as opponents are capable to raise some issues.

Number of European top clubs interested with Eljif Elmas. 

Rumours regarding of strong interests towards Fenerbahce young player Eljif Elmas are keep carrying on with Fiorentina, Zenit, Tottenham Hotspur and Fiorentina showing strong interest, with Inter Milan considering to offer 15 million euro.

It is known that number of scouts of above scouts has come to watch Elmas performance during Istanbul derby game between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray and has been very satisfied with player as he has scored goal and has shown overall good performance. With being in fact best player of the side for his team, the willingness from those clubs has been raised and Fenerbahce also looking for amount of cash would mean that he would carry be recieving some offers in this summer transfer window. With such an interest towards player, would also lead for Fenerbahce to sell player for best bidder and have upper hand with negotiations for transfer fee in addition.

It does look that in upcoming summer, transfer talks of Eljif Elmas would be among most talked conversation and arleady raises some curiousity about this issue.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 29th week:
Kasimpasa 1:1 Bursaspor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 29th week:
16:00 Trabzonspor - Yeni Malatyaspor
16:00 Akhisarspor - Antalyaspor
19:00 Galatasaray- Kayserispor
19:00 Goztepe - Erzurumspor

In other news:

- Antalyaspor has extended contract with its player Chico Grando for 1 year.

- Fenerbahce administrator Burhan Karacam has stated that 414,000 people has send money to Fener Ol campaign during 2 weeks.

- Al Ahli has stated that it has paid all installments of transfer fee to Fenerbahce of its player Josef de Souza.

-Galatasaray are interested to transfer Leicester City player Nampalys Mendy.

- Alanyaspor player Ozan Tufan has asked technical staff not to play him during Super League 29th week game against Fenerbahce.

- Fenerbahce player Volkan Demirel has stated that he didnt swear to Galatasaray assistant coach Hasan Sas during his actions prior to game and only warned him to be careful with his actions.

- Fenerbahce are expected to start with Ismail Koybasi during Super League 29th week game against Alanyaspor.

- YeniMalatyaspor CEO Adil Gevrek states that he expects for debt to be announced below last year 25,000,000 TL amount in upcoming meeting.

- InterMilan considers to offer 15 million euro for Fenerbahce player Eljif Elmas.

- BocaJuniors sports director Nicolas Burdisso has stated that club is not interested to transfer Besiktas player Gary Medel.

- Besiktas and Galatasaray are interested to transfer Hoffenheim player Kerim Demirbay.

- Genoa has made transfer deal with Galatasaray player Sinan Gumus.

- Trabzonspor player Abdulkadir Omur is expected to start during Super League 29th week game against Yeni Malatyaspor.

- Besiktas player Adriano is expected to start against Sivasspor during Super League 29th week game.

What happened in Turkish football today? 18/04/2019

Cuneyt Cakir shows better performance at Europe than at home games.

On the days where VAR refereeing has been criticised high amount in Turkey mainly focussing into performance of the referees at Turkish Super League, Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir has shown top performance during Champions League memorable quarter-final 2nd leg game between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

With yesterday's game has been about most discussed quarter-final games at Champions League not only due of overall exciting game with in total of 7 goals scored but also great and most importantly crucial decisions given by Cuneyt Cakir. Last 2 goals has been played an important role with Llorente goal raising questions of hand ball while Manchester City offside goal towards end of game has been ruled out of offside at right decision. Those decisions are very difficult to give and quite naturally, especially following derby game, does raise questions if same decisions would be gone through at such manner in Super League. There are meanwhile an argument that Cuneyt Cakir does come out more with positive pressure as he aware that he cant make high mistakes at European games and also on other side doesnt recieve as much as pressure during this games compare in Turkey which certainly has positive impact for his preparation. With so much pressure coming from clubs, does look to affect referees decisions for sure.

Paradoxically, Cuneyt Cakir gives great examples of refereeing while being at Europe but when comes to Turkey only recieves controversions. Possibly an issue is at football atmosphere in country.

Galatasaray player Mbiaye Diagne blames for recieving fouls towards him for not showing great performance.

Galatasaray player Mbiaye Diagne interestingly has stated to technical staff of his members that one of the main reasons of his poor performance at Galatasaray games has been factor that opponents are showing very harsh game towards game and referees dont provide such rightfully action.

As it is known, Galatasaray are not considering to start with Mbiaye Diagne during Super League 29th week game due of his poor performance in recent weeks and more likely to start game with Kostas Mitroglou as Diagne seems to be very far away from his used performance which is expected from him when team has transferred him for club. It became clear interestingly that Diagne is throwing blame towards opponent players and referees who allow fouls towards him which to some extend does show that he is not aware in what kind of team he is playing. Even through behaviour of referees, if he is correct, are not tolerated, it needs to be stated that it is normal for opponents to show such action towards him as he is playing at big club like Galatasaray and he needs to be aware of this if he wants to become one of the key players at the team. He needs to provide better performance to secure his starting 11 for sure.

Mbiaye Diagne carries on dissapointing Galatasaray technical staff and fans and as player he needs to find ways how to start showing better performances.

Fenerbahce are interested with Borussia Dortmund player Shinji Kagawa

Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Borussia Dortmund player Shinji Kagawa, who is currently loaned to Besiktas, if loaned team doesnt consider to purchase him for high salary in summer.

With Besiktas is likely to have an issue for purchasing Shinji Kagawa regardless how much their would like them but with Borussia Dortmund not considering to reduce his transfer fee could put Fenerbahce also to the negotiaitons table for the player with German side, but it needs to be noted that financial conditions Fenerbahce is at it would also have an issue to transfer him very likely. It also known that Shinji Kagawa is very happy in Turkey and also at Besiktas, so it is naturally questionable if he would like to join to one of the main rivals of the club even through Jeremain Lens had similar story with Fenerbahce but didnt have issue coming to Besiktas after that. As always this are only rumours for now and time would show how this story would develop for sure and as always blog would follow.

Shinji Kagawa good performance at Besiktas and also generally being great player does give hand for Borussia Dortmund to have strong negotiations with high fess and that is not good news for Turkish clubs.

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 28th week:
20:30 Kasimpasa - Bursaspor

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:
- Fenerbahce and Bursaspor has received 150,000 TL fine (4th time per season) for behaviour of fans and blockage of stands.
- Fenerbahce and Bursaspor has recieved 20,000 TL fine for events at field
- Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor has recieved 35,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty at the stand.
- Fenerbahce has recieved 10,500 TL fine for unsportamnship behaviour following game.
- Galatasaray has recieved 45,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans (4th time) and blockage of stands
- Yeni Malatyaspor player Erkan Kas has recieved 3 game ban and 13,000 TL fine for action towards referee.
- Bursaspor has recieved 25,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty
- Besiktas has recieved 150,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans (4th time) and blockage of stands
- Kayserispor has recieved 100,000 TL fine for
- Galatasaray: Our administrator has provided statements without giving names, but one club CEO has taken this talks personally without any prove. We are curious in what power did he make statement talking into name of TFF regarding of releasing VAR conversations.

- Galatasaray releases letter which it has recieved from IFAB regarding of its request to release VAR conversations into public. IFAB states that its not it jurisdictation to make this decision. 

- Galatasaray player Sinan Gumus expects to start for last 6 Super League games frequently.

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

- AtleticoMadrid are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Eljif Elmas.

- Galatasaray considers to start with its players Kostas Mitroglou and Emre Akbaba during Super League 29th week game against Kayserispor.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Altay player Ulas Zengin.

- Galatasaray academy player Mikail Okyar has attended to main team training session.

- Galatasaray considers to start with Yuto Nagatomo at starting 11 during Super League 29th week game against Kayserispor.

- Galatasaray player Yunus Akgun is expected to recieve more playing time during upcoming 6 weeks games at Super League.

- AtleticoMadrid are interested to transfer Stuttgart player Ozan Kabak.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Besiktas player Caner Erkin.

- Unnamed Portuguese club are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Celil Yuksel.

- Galatasaray plans to send complaint to FIFA against Al Hilal for not paying latest installment of transfer fee for Bafetembi Gomis.

What happened in Turkish football today? 17/04/2019

Basaksehirspor CEO Goksel Gumusdag calls for Abdurahhim Albayrak to make it clear his statements against his club.

Since end of the inter-continental Istanbul derby game our blog has been discussed about it, but more focussed into events outside of the field rather than what was happening during game. It needs to be also stated that Basaksehirspor has also been involved at this mess.

As it would be remembered following derby game, Galatasaray administrator Abdurrahim Albayrak has made statement regarding of TFF arleady deciding beforehand who would become champion, and without giving names it was clear that he was discussing about Basaksehirspor. Quite naturally this has shown a reaction from Basaksehirspor who always stayed from polemics at Turkish football, but when it has been directly attacked from opponent administrator it could not stay anymore. Basaksehirspor CEO Goksel Gumusdag has reminded in statement today that club has opened criminal case against Galatasaray and has asked how did club have this kind of information which includes having data that their is organisation to make Basaksehirspor game and also data from previous VAR games while this information is not in public. It does look this talks between Galatasaray and Basaksehirspor would continue in upcoming days.

This blog as would be reminded has stated yesterday that their are signs that Albayrak is playing populist game for this statement and hence he needs to make statement regarding Basaksehirspor and TFF, or people will lose trust on this words.

Main referees dont need to be reluctant to check replay when asked from VAR referee.

There has been lots of talks about how VAR system has been successful in Turkey during whole season and has been once again actively discussed following derby game between Fenerbahce and Basaksehirspor during which Ali Palabayik didnt show great performance.

It needs to be noted that in overall VAR system by itself doesnt provide much issues at Turkish football, but more regarding of referees which are doing all controlling job. We need to state that technically VAR for most amount of time does provide good picture and also provides all of the angles during replays to make valuable decision. An issue, seems to be that some referees doesnt make rightful decision. Another aspect which has been seen during this season that main referee seems to be ignoring request to check VAR replay at the screen and demand on their own initial. According to VAR protocol, last decision still stays with main referee but it is worrying that he tends to ignore warning from VAR referee who is also there for goodwill. VAR has been put to correct mistakes of referees and to fill that empty space which their can have due of not seeing some actions but this action seems to be preventing it.

Main referees doesnt need to feared to make mistake when being corrected by VAR as in the end of the day it does damage to game and Turkish football in overall.

Garry Rodrigues wants to return to Galatasaray. 

Focussing into transfer news, it became clear that Al-Ittihad player Gary Rodrigues, playing at Galatasaray, has told to club administrators that he is unhappy at his club and would like to return.

It also become clear that Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim in return would consider for such an option to take place as he seems to be unhappy right now with performance of his attacking player especially with Mbiaye Diagne who is providing pretty poor performance right now at the team and would like to see Rodrigues to fill that place as Kostas Mitroglou sadly for them doesnt seem also to provide enough trust for this position in return. It needs to be reminded that this is only being rumour right now and time would show but it seems to be believable as it is known that Saudi Arabic is not perfect place to provide top football and also for footballers.

If Garry Rodrigues would be able to return to Galatasaray during summer transfer window it would be advantage as he was among best teams who did fit to Fatih Terim system of game.

In other news:

- Besiktas has made statement that even through Hurser Turkoktay even through did come to club and stated that he had fulfilled requirements to run for CEO election, it became it wasnt fuilfilled. Both parties has agreed for another meeting on 16th April to provide documents but Turkoktay didnt come to scheduled meeting.

- CentralRefereeCommittee CEO Sabri Celik: Only power to make public VAR conversations are on hands of league organizers. VAR conversations which are going around media doesnt represent truth. This is period where we would develop. Mistakes happen in 1st season.

- Goztepe player Kadu would go through an operation.

- Galatasaray players Semih Kaya and Sofiane Feghouli have become injured following Super League 28th week game against Fenerbahce.

- Kayserispor CEO Erol Bedir: News that Galatasaray has made transfer deal with our player Deniz Turic doesnt represent truth.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Al Ahli player Josef de Souza

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Hapoel Beer Sheva player John Ogu.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Al Ittihad player Garry Rodrigues.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Real Madrid player Martin Odegaard.

- Rizespor sports director Yilmaz Bal has stated that club didnt recieve transfer offers from Besiktas and Fenerbahce for Vedat Muriqi.

- Galatasaray player Kostas Mitroglou is expected to start at starting 11 during Super League 29th week game against Kayserispor.

- Trabzonspor administrator Haluk Sahin: Both foreign and Turkish players are showing good performance and contributing to this good performance right now.

- Fenerbahce player Victor Moses has become injured during training session and will not be able to play for 2 weeks.

What happened in Turkish football today? 16/04/2019

Galatasaray will open case against Ali Palabayik and Semih Ozsoy.

Aftermath of the Istanbul derby between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray has taken into new strengths as it became clear that Galatasaray would be going into court with openning cases against referee of the game Ali Palabayik and Fenerbahce administrator Semih Ozsoy.

As soon at Kadikoy has been over there has been back-to-back blames given towards referee of the game Ali Palabayik from Galatasaray who didnt referee game in good manner and made many mistakes as game has been progressing. Once again, this blog thinks that club should mainly focus into their own matters rather than look for external issues but this game events did show that Turkey doesnt use VAR in maximum capacity and in fair manner. With actions that took place during game, Galatasaray has decided to open case against referee of the game believing that those actions has been done purposefully. Coming to the case against Semih Ozsoy, Fenerbahce administrator did provide some degrading statements of his opponent which would Galatasaray to do such action. Especially Ozsoy has stated that Galatasaray has lost league title due of this game which is disrespectful action and should not be tolerated.

Galatasaray seems to be very furious following this game actions and hence this actions which would be made by team are understandable but same time could only raise tension at title race.

Basaksehirspor would also open case against Abdurrahim Albayrak

On other hand, Basaksehirspor have arleady started court case against Galatasaray administratior
Abdurrahim Albayrak for his statements following Super League game against Fenerbahce where he implies that TFF has decided that Basaksehirspor would get league title.

Interestingly, Abdurrahim Albayrak has made also statement that his documents and data which proves some of the matters but didnt explain what this information has and didnt show documents. This lack of providing any information and just stating that their have information surely is not enough and does raise questions about legitimacy of this action. In fact, Albayrak could make those statements only in two conditions, that he does have some data about those issue or he is playing populist game. With title race getting heating up, which does occasionally also affect towards Turkish football environment, this statements would only do harm for strong and exciting title race. With taking account that Basaksehirspor also losses points, including against Besiktas, it is crucial for this matter to be cleared and until it is Basaksehirspor has all right to open this case.

Galatasaray right now has difficult case of defending itself after making this interesting statements for sure and could have big consequences.

Sergen Yalcin will stay at Alanyaspor for another 2 years. 

Apart of derby game, there has been also other events taking place at Turkish football and among them is news that Alanyaspor head coach Sergen Yalcin has made deal with his club to stay for another 2 years.

This news did come out after day when there was rumour that Sergen Yalcin would be appointed as Besiktas assistant coach for next season but this news that he would extend for 2 years has ended this talks. It needs to be stated that Sergen Yalcin does feel comfortable at Alanyaspor and more importantly does get good result as season is progressing and hence it would be seem natural for such agreement to be made between sides for sure. Alanyaspor surely has managed to get maximum performance from this team and it does show pretty good and attacking game which could provide main reason why Alanyaspor is happy with his performance. It needs to be stated that official statement is expected to be made in upcoming days.

Besiktas meanwhile carries on looking for head coach and assistants after Senol Gunes would leave club for Turkish National Team at the end of the season.

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:
- Bursaspor has been referred for behaviour of fans, events at field and not leaving stairs empty.
- Trabzonspor has been referred for not leaving stairs empty at the stands.
- Besiktas and Galatasaray has been reffred for for behaviour of fans
- Kayserispor has been referred for for accepting unallowed fans
- Yeni Malatyaspor player Erkan Kas has been referred for his action during game.
- Antalyaspor player Luis Grando has been referred for breaking rules.
- Fenerbhace has been referred for behaviour of fans, events at field, not leaving stairs empty and for 5 players getting yellow cards and 1 red card.

- Trabzonspor player Caleb Ekuban agent Graziano Battinsti has stated that player will stay at his club after summer.

-TottenhamHotspur are interested to transfer Besiktas player Domadoj Vida.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Metz player Habib Diallo.

- WestHamUnited and Everton are interested to transfer Besiktas player Shinji Kagawa.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint coach Tayfur Havutcu as club's assistant coach.

- Torino are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Yusuf Yazici.

- Benfica are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Abdulkadir Omur.

- Fenerbahce player Yusuf Mert Tunc expects to at starting 11 during Super League 29th week game against Alanyaspor.

- Everton considers to gets its loaned Galatasaray player Henry Onyekuru back to team after season.

- Olympiakos are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Yassine Benzia.

What happened in Turkish football today? 15/04/2019

Galatasaray didnt use its golden opportunity to beat Fenerbahce.

Galatasaray did come out to the Super League 28th week game with only an option to win game but it needs to be noted that it didnt use this opportunity even if it was winning game with 1:0 scoreline and had an extra man from 66th minute.

Regardless how much Galatasaray administration will not state that it doesnt have fear of not winning at Fenerbahce stadium for 20 years, this factor to some extend does provide psychological effect, even through to addition of this has played a role of circumstances of title race if their have lost game. Stating that Galatasaray did come out to the game with an aim to win game and hence this performance still in our view would not be acceptable at all and it needed to show much more attacking game. It needs to be admitted that both sides players did provide maximum effect during game, but coaches didnt provide right decision including with Fatih Terim which didnt provide tactical much of attacking game especially taking account that Feghouli has been substituted. Galatasaray right now finds itself 5 points behind Basaksehirspor with 6 games left at the season and even through  are still at title race it all related to a luck.

Galatasaray did lose an opportunity to end unlucky period at Fenerbahce stadium but it needs to be admitted that this has been mainly due of them providing too much controllable game.

Fenerbahce has been better than Galatasaray but still was still far from perfect.

Meanwhile, draw would been a good result for Fenerbahce even before Hasan Ali Kaldirim has got red card as team does have very bad season right now and not losing again main rivals at home would be still seen as successful result with those circumstances.

Stating that it needs to be admitted that even through not with huge difference, Fenerbahce did provide better performance as it has controlled game prior to red card and after playing with one less man has provided very good defensive game not allowing Galatasaray to get into much chances, with Henry Onyekuru goal being only 1 mistake during game more or less. Stating that, it need also be aware that Galatasaray didnt provide much attacking game so its hard to state for sure if it was Fenerbahce who prevented them or was it their opponents. Meanwhile, it was also important from Fenerbahce perspective to aim to find equaliser after conceding goal and it was especially important and pleasant to see 19-year old Eljif Elmas to score goal at his 1st derby game and show such great performance without fear when opponent had one more player.

Fenerbahce didnt provide great performance and would not see as historical one, compare say to Besiktas game, but it was still good enough not to lose game.

Galatasaray should primarily focus into own performance rather than external issues.

Staying with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, it also important to stay at high amount of complaints which was given by Galatasaray administrators and head coach Fatih Terim following game regarding of performance of referee.

It needs to be admitted that Ali Palabayik, referee of game, wasnt providing great performance and could have given much more cards but in same time it is hard to throw all blame towards him. This blog and editor has always underlined that it is important for clubs to look into themselves and after blame to referees or other powers. Galatasaray in all fairness had an extra man and apart of Fenerbahce didnt have barriers to score 2nd goal, even through it could be argued that prior to Elmas goal their was foul and goal should been cancelled. So, first Galatasaray look at their own game rather blaming other parts, as history did show when teams start focus into referees their results tend to go down which Galatasaray cant afford during title race. Meanwhile, demand from Galatasaray to make VAR conversations between referees to made public is reasonable request but protocol doesnt allow. Best which TFF and Central Referee Committee is to provide explanation of why decisions has been made and in fact could be right decision to reduce tension.

Galatasaray are right in some of the arguments priority should be given into why it didnt find 2nd goal with an extra man against Fenerbahce.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 28th week:
Erzurumspor 2:1 Akhisarspor

In other news:

- Turkish refereee Cuneyt Cakir will be refereeing Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg game between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

- Turkish referees will be attending to UEFA VAR seminar which would be taking place at Nyon, Switzealand between 15-17th April.

- Galatasaray has announced that it would start criminal case against Fenerbahce administrator Semih Ozsoy following post-match statements.

- Galatasaray CEO Mustafa Cengiz: In our league sadly referees dont blow whistle on what their see. When referees gives red card to one team, afterwards he tries to give opponent. If same happened to opponent we would give same reaction. We running this campaign for whole game.

- Konyaspor player Petar Filipovic will have an operation in upcoming days and has closed this season.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint Alanyaspor head coach Sergen Yalcin as club's assistant coach.

- Borussia Dortmund, Olympique Marseille, Monaco and Sevilla are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Henry Onyekuru.

- Besiktas has made deal with coach Mircea Lucuscu for 2 years for head coach position.

- Besiktas considers to offer captaincy to its player Burak Yilmaz for next season.

What happened in Turkish football today? 14/04/2019

Galatasaray has lost its gold opportunity to get 3 points from Kadikoy

Galatasaray didnt manage to end its 20 years period of not winning at Kadikoy as Super League 28th week game against Fenerbahce has ended with 1:1 scoreline despite of playing with an extra man for 50 minutes.

Galatasaray, compare to Fenerbahce, did come out to the game with an aim to win game as winning all of the games could bring them league title but despite of getting 1:0 leadership on 66th minute with Henry Onyekuru goal, it didnt keep its control of the game. It needs to be noted that both sides has provided controllable game, which to some extend could be understandable for Fenerbahce but couldnt be case for Galatasaray. Meanwhile, it needs to be noted that Galatasaray carries on providing poor performance with its attackers with Mbiaye Diagne not also uncapable of finding goal but didnt create any moments which could be stated that player has been close to achieve that. Meamwhile, has also provided poor performance with an extra player at the field. Even through it could be argued that Galatasaray could have lost a lot with losing game, getting draw would also be seen as equal to loss so not providing strong and attacking game with having some risks will not be acceptable. Galatasaray right now is 5 points behind of leaders Basaksehirspor and carries on its title race for last 6 games.

Fenerbahce meanwhile did come out to the game with different aims which includes get a bit further from relegation zone but more importantly is to keep its undefeated record against Galatasaray for 20-years and it has achieved to do that. Stating that it needs to be noted that Fenerbahce has shown great performance with one less man and has provided controllable game and even through Galatasaray did get higher amount of chances during 2nd half, it still has reduced dangerous amount of attacks which could be seen from Galatasaray scoring only 1 goal. Of course, another chapter should be opened towards Eljif Elmas who has scored an equaliser and also has provided an overall great performance with dominating game and has created high amount of the chances. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce could even won game with an Alper Potuk chances but he has wasted such a great chance compare to Eljif Elmas. Taking account circumstances of general performance of club and also keep undefeated result could be seen as good result for Fenerbahce but some fans and players will be unhappy as club always aims for a win against their biggest rival.

Galatasaray has lost its opportunity to end its unlucky period at Kadikoy with getting 1:0 score during last 30 minutes with having an extra player at the field but still has lost game depsite of all this advantages.

Besiktas has shown strong dominating game during 2nd half.

Despite of not starting Super League 28th week game against Basaksehirspor, at great way Besiktas has shown strong and dominating game since Atiba Hutchinspn has equalised goal at 42nd minute and after that didnt allow leaders of league to control game.

Besiktas without doubt has provided its main strength against Basaksehirspor which it has shown during recent games which was to show fast-paced game as Basaksehirspor aims to provide more patient football and Besiktas style of game would get out from sides usual performance. Stating that
Besiktas player Lorius Karius who does recieve high amount of criticism for conceding high amount of the goal in recent weeks, has shown great performance during 1st half and has been one of the main reason for side to stay at the game during 1st half, taking account that conceding goal wasnt highly his mistake. Besiktas goal from Atiba Hutchinson during 42nd minute has been however without doubt turning point of the game as it has led Besiktas to provide high attacking game and with winning with 2:1 it could actually have scored even more goals during 2nd half as it has shown strong and dominating football without doubt. Besiktas has deserved this win and has got small chance for league title as it has reduced point difference with Basaksehirspor to 8 points with 6 points.

More importantly, it has kept their race for 2nd place at least alive with such scoreline and has got high amount of motivation for upcoming games left this season.

Basaksehirspor could cope from pressure and atmosphere against Besiktas.

Basaksehirspor it needs to be stated in other hand has started game in right manner with showing fast paced game and clearly aiming to find an early goal followed by controlling game but it couldnt pass Karius who showed great performance.

This blog during its title race of Basaksehirspor even through did state few times that their have great advantage, did discuss about how team could have an issue at responding at games which it would recieve with high amount of pressure and among them without doubt would be an away game against Besiktas. This factor has become clear a lot during 2nd half when Basaksehirspor couldnt get any control of the game and has been stuck at defence and not being able to prevent Besiktas to create chances and more importantly find winning goal. In fact, this factor would be totally unusual for Basaksehirspor as it used to control game prior to this game but quality factor and supporters issue did play its role at the game against Besiktas. Basaksehirspor still has control of its league title without doubt but this loss did make it more complicated.

Basaksehirspor right now needs to stay focussed for last 6 games of the season and find ways how to get rid of this pressure if it doesnt to lose title.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 28th week:
Kayserispor 0:2 Ankaragucu
Antalyaspor 1:0 Kasimpasa
Yeni Malatyaspor 1:1 Alanyaspor
Fenerbahce 1:1 Galatasaray

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 28th week:
20:00 Erzurumspor - Akhisarspor

In other news:

- Trabzonspor considers to extend contract with its head coach Unal Karaman at the end of the season.

- Porto has made transfer deal with Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma.

- Besiktas and Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Middlesborough player Muhamed Besic.

What happened in Turkish football today? 13/04/2019

Besiktas has got an important win against Basaksehirspor as 7 games left at the season.

Besiktas has got very important win against Basaksehirspor as we are entering to the last 6 weeks of the Super League with 2:1 scoreline at home ground at the high tempo and high concentration from both sides and has reduced point difference with leaders to 8 points.

As would been remembered this blog in its preview has provided that key for Besiktas during this important game to provide strong attacking game which it did even through it needs to be admitted that Basaksehirspor has provided also strong performance especially during 1st half. It needs to be admitted that Besiktas didnt play a great game during 1st half apart of starting game with high number of chances 1st 15 minutes and has provided not very impressive game which has led to Basaksehirspor finding score however a goal which was scored by Atiba Hutchinson prior to half time which has provided strong motivation and confidence to players for 2nd half. This high motivation from Atiba Hutchinson has provided strong motivation and rightfull change of tactics which has led Besiktas to show much more attacking game and due of age difference from both sides, Besiktas has provided an upper hand. Besiktas has provided strong attacking game and did what it needs to do against team like Basaksehirspor which has much higher older players at its table.

Basaksehirspor in other hand did provide fast-pacing game against Besiktas and did provide much an attacking game with finding 1st goal and after that did create some chances as game has progressed. However, after conceding goal from Hutchinson and also not being able to keep their pace fast or at least reduce pace of Besiktas during 2nd half has played an important role. It is true that
Basaksehirspor did want to play game but it has been stated that if Besiktas would play an attacking game with high tempo it would have problems with that. Despite of losing its need to be stated that Basaksehirspor still favourite to get league title but it would become even more clearer regarding results during Fenerbahce - Galatasaray derby game which will show how crucial is this loss of 3 points would have effect for their chances to get league title at the end of this week as Basaksehirspor would hoping for Galatasaray to keep its unwinning period at Kadikoy.

Besiktas has reduced point difference right now to 8 points and with 21 points still available during this season it still got some, even through small chance to aim for league title.

Trabzonspor carries on showing confident attacking game and got win against Bursaspor.

Trabzonspor carries on showing good performance at the last period of Super League as it has managed among one of the difficult away games at this league, even through if its around drop zone right now, against Bursaspor with great goal from Abdulkadir Omur.

With Trabzonspor slowly securing its top 4 spot for Europa League, it also start viewing to get at one step ahead as it keeps its race behind Besiktas, but as Besiktas carrying on winning it still has ended with 4 points difference against them. More importantly for Trabzonspor it has provided a very attacking game and also shows its leadership mainly with its academy players which does service not only for its service as club for future of the country without doubt. Among incredible goal for Abdulkadir Omur, it needs to be stated in general that Trabzonspor has provided right attitute for upcoming games as we are entering to last 6 games of the season and also would be aiming to end season at highest spots and results which it is capable to do so. With Besiktas also keep on winning, it is important for Trabzonspor to keep highly motivated and dont mind what opponents does if it doesnt want to risk top 4 spot but until now it doesnt seem to be affected from that and has got confidence and motivation at highest level for sure.

Trabzonspor carries on showing high level performance which would keep fans and head coach Unal Karaman to be happy with team and would be aiming to do so until end of the season.

Galatasaray cant lose any points against Fenerbahce if it wants league title. 

Without doubt, whole Turkish sports and especially football community would be focussed to the Super League 28th week an important derby game between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, as Galatasaray would be aiming to end its unlucky period at Kadikoy.

It is known that Galatasaray are showing high focus towards Fenerbahce games as win against them would end this unlucky period of losing at Kadikoy for 19 years, which includes famous 6:0 win of Fenerbahce, and more importantly to reduce point difference with league leaders to 3 points. With this taking account, Galatasaray has provided all focus and preparation to end this unlucky period as their dont have any chances to lose any points for getting league title at the end. Meanwhile, Galatasaray needs to be remembered that it needs to stay focussed for 90 minutes as Fenerbahce despite of poor performance this season didnt lose (but same didnt win)derby games this season and coming back from 2:0 against Galatasaray at 1st half of the season and recent game against Besiktas from 3:0. Whatever you can say for overall performance of Fenerbahce during this season, it needs to be stated that Fenerbahce is providing different focus and performance during derby games and this all related to fans, so table standings will not mean anything as game would start as both sides would give all their best.

Galatasaray also cant afford to lose against Fenerbahce, while Fenerbahce has much less pressure as it has 5 point advantage right now from drop zone and even if it would be relegated surprisingly it wont happen in this game. Therefore, Fenerbahce has less pressure and this could turn into advantage for them.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 28th week: 
Rizespor 1:0 Goztepe
Konyaspor 1:1 Sivasspor
Besiktas 2:1 Basaksehirspor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League,28th week:
13:30 Kayserispor - Ankaragucu
16:00 Antalyaspor - Kasimpasa
16:00 Yeni Malatyaspor  - Alanyaspor
19:00 Fenerbahce - Galatasaray

In other news:

- Besiktas administrator Huseyin Yucel: For us Besiktas is very important but Turkish National Team is beyond that, so we are not angry and dissapointed with Senol Gunes. We would give farewell at highest level at end of the season. We are not looking for new coach due of election.

- Galatasaray would release special T-shirt in case if team manages to beat Fenerbahce during Super League 28th week game.


- Fenerbahce head coach Ersun Yanal plans to introduce Andre Ayew into 2nd half of the Super League 28th week game against Galatasaray if his team will not score.

- Galatasaray player Ahmet Calik expects to be starting at staring 11 during Super League 28th week game against Fenerbahce.

-  TottenhamHotspur and Liverpool are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Eljif Elmas.