Super Lig Weekly: Galatasaray Take Advantage of Fenerbahces Latest Stumble Before Crucial Derby

Fenerbahce faced off on Friday night, trailing Galatasaray by only a single point at the summit, offering them another shot at claiming the lead, if only briefly.

Such moments have arisen frequently for them, not merely this term but across prior seasons too, though they consistently fall short, unable to exert real strain on their competitors.

Facing Rizespor at their own ground, one might expect a swift start from the team, yet they appeared oddly subdued and uninspired, achieving little noteworthy before the interval.

The break at half time brought no improvement. Quite the reverse, in truth.

Shortly past the restart, Rize surged ahead, Ali Sowe nodding in close range at the far post, leaving the local supporters stunned.

Time slipped by, and Fener seemed unlikely to breach the resilient Rize backline.

Everything shifted in the 72nd minute when ex Fener stopper Samet Akaydin picked up a second booking and was dismissed.

This spark ignited Fener, leading swiftly to their leveller, Anderson Talisca converting from the penalty spot following a foul on him.

Afterwards, another strike appeared certain as they intensified their assault, Kerem Akturkoglu eventually poking the ball over the line to ignite the stands in joy.

That had to be the decisive moment. Leading 2 1 at home versus ten players. The top spot beckoned.

Yet, as so often befalls Fenerbahce, calamity ensued.

In the 98th minute, Rizespor earned a free kick deep in their territory. Fenerbahce merely needed to endure.

The keeper hoisted a long ball towards the Fener box, posing little apparent threat.

But ex Manchester City shot stopper Ederson inexplicably rushed forward. He missed the ball entirely, abandoning his net in the process.

Rizespos Modibo Sagnan nodded it, arcing it high above Ederson and into the empty goal for a dramatic 2 2 tie, leaving the home crowd in utter dismay and confusion.

A stunning chance squandered by Fenerbahce. Instances like this recur endlessly for them.

Each time they near a position to challenge Galatasaray more fiercely, regardless of the opposition or their numbers, a late concession robs them of victory.

Earlier in February, they netted deep into added time against reduced Kasimpasa for a 1 0 edge that would have lifted them highest, only to yield in the 101st minute for a stalemate.

These represent merely a pair amid numerous such lapses in recent times. It points towards an issue with handling the weight of expectation when the chance to lead arises.

One harsh setback follows another. Might Galatasaray seize the moment?

Galatasaray Build Useful Lead Before Derby Showdown

Galatasaray entered the fray next day, travelling to face Genclerbirligi in their battle against the drop.

Victor Osimhen remained sidelined by his arm problem, the team cautious about deploying him prior to the Fenerbahce encounter.

Thus Mauro Icardi led the line, the Argentinian netting inside two minutes for a 1 0 advantage via a smart touch after fine interplay involving Leroy Sane.

By the 35th minute, they extended to 2 0, Yunus Akgun tapping home unattended following Gabriel Saras perfect delivery.

Galatasaray dominated with ease thereafter.

They believed a third had arrived when Sane struck, but VAR disallowed it due to an astonishing offside call.

The flag went against Yunus for offside, despite his distance from the action and lack of interference. It was baffling.

Galatasaray staff and players erupted in frustration, their irritation growing as MBaye Niang soon pulled one back for Genclerbirligi.

The contest turned chaotic and fraught for the visitors from then, as they battled possession while Genclerbirligi pushed forward desperately for a precious draw in their survival bid.

In the end, Galatasaray clung to a crucial 2 1 win, creating a valuable four point gap with four matches remaining.

This buffer proves timely before hosting Fener. A non loss there secures their path, whereas Fener must triumph to stay in contention.

Moreover, Osimhen should return. Their strength doubles with the Nigerian spearheading the attack.

They hold the advantage clearly, their position bolstered further by Trabzonspors late concession in a 1 1 draw with Istanbul Basaksehir, leaving them six adrift.

Team of the Week

Gaziantep custodian Zafer Gorgen earns our internal ratings Player of the Week honour after seven stops in their 3 0 triumph over Kayserispor.

He shares the lineup with club mates Deian Sorescu, Alexandru Maxim and Mohamed Bayo, plus Galatasarays Yunus and Fenerbahces Kerem.