Super Lig Weekly: Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce clinch vital wins on big weekend in title race

Before the clash between Trabzonspor and Galatasaray on Saturday, off-field troubles arose, as Ugurcan Cakir, formerly Trabzon's captain and now Galatasaray's goalkeeper, faced harsh online harassment from a handful of supporters.

Fan rivalry is part of the game, and jeering an ex-player every time he gets involved is usually light-hearted, yet situations like this persist in football and go too far.

True to Turkish football's style, Trabzon's officials alleged that Galatasaray poached Ugurcan prior to his summer transfer, plus they claimed the leaders snatched Renato Nhaga from under their noses, despite his near-deal in January.

Once more, nonsense overshadowed the build-up, a frequent occurrence in Turkey that underscores deeper issues and explains why international observers sometimes laugh at the Super Lig.

Still, let's focus on the match.

With all that drama beforehand, Trabzon's crowd was extra fired up, aware that a victory could thrust their side into the championship fight, showcasing the excellent work by manager Fatih Tekke.

Galatasaray led by four points with an extra fixture to play, holding a commanding spot. Success for them would seal the title, whereas a loss would invite challengers.

Trabzon burst forward energetically, pressing Galatasaray intensely from the start.

This led to an quick opener, as Paul Onuachu nodded in after just four minutes, his 22nd league strike this term, leading rivals by six.

Galatasaray gradually settled, but minus Victor Osimhen, sidelined by an arm problem for upcoming matches, they struggled for sharpness up front, allowing Trabzon to manage well.

Okan Buruk introduced two substitutes at the interval to revive Galatasaray's chances. They responded swiftly, with Wilfried Singo arriving late to volley Baris Alper Yilmaz's delivery right after restart, marking his second goal in consecutive league outings.

Galatasaray appeared to gain momentum, yet Trabzon struck back shortly past the hour. Anthony Nwakaeme delivered a fine free-kick, which Chibuike Nwaiwu powered home past Ugurcan.

The visitors dominated possession late on, searching for openings, but produced little threat.

Mauro Icardi seems far from his peak form and contributes minimally compared to Osimhen, and Gabriel Sara's minor injury absence hurt them too.

Ultimately, Trabzon secured a crucial 2-1 triumph against the reigning champions from Istanbul, even without Ernest Muci, Arseniy Batagov, Christ Inao Oulai, or Edin Visca.

Post-match tension flared when Abdulkerim Bardakci received a red card for confronting a Trabzonspor academy player on the field. Galatasaray insists the youth insulted him first, while Trabzon maintains Bardakci started it. Typical drama.

This result placed Trabzon only one point adrift of Galatasaray, though with an extra game played. Despite modest spending versus the Istanbul powerhouses, their contention for the crown merits huge praise.

For Galatasaray, the display was lacklustre, revealing their heavy dependence on Osimhen. His absence disrupts their style entirely.

That said, they remain favourites. Their postponed match at Goztepe on Wednesday could extend their lead to four points with six rounds left. No need for alarm yet.

Fenerbahce edge Besiktas

Following Galatasaray's slip, Fenerbahce could narrow the gap to the leaders by winning their Sunday derby against Besiktas.

Under Sergen Yalcin, Besiktas are progressing towards a rebuild for future title bids, but this season's aim is European qualification.

Fenerbahce controlled much of the action, though without a true striker, they lacked a central figure to hold up play or arrive in key moments.

The contest seemed headed for a goalless stalemate. In the dying stages, Fenerbahce risked dropping points, while Besiktas eyed a key draw.

Then, as expected, drama unfolded.

In deep stoppage time, Dorgeles Nene bore down on goal with a Besiktas defender tracking back.

Emmanuel Agbadou lunged boldly to dispossess him.

Nene tumbled, prompting a spot-kick award.

Upon review, Agbadou appeared to touch the ball initially before clipping Nene. Was the ball contact sufficient? It's debatable.

Crucially, the challenge likely occurred just outside the box, suggesting a free-kick as the fair call.

The call was tricky, and while I first thought it wasn't a penalty, doubts linger now.

In any case, Agbadou's challenge was impulsive and needless, especially late with cover behind and a draw in sight, forcing the referee's hand.

After deliberation, Kerem Akturkoglu converted in the 11th minute of injury time, clinching a vital 1-0 success.

This elevated them to Trabzon's points total, trailing Galatasaray, and they anticipate Goztepe troubling the leaders midweek.

A three-horse race now promises thrilling spectacle for everyone.

Team of the Week

Trabzon's Nwaiwu and Samsunspor's Carlo Holse earned Flashscore's Player of the Week honours via our internal ratings, the latter scoring twice in a 2-2 stalemate with Konyaspor.

Kasimpasa, Karagumruk, and Antalyaspor each feature two players in this edition's lineup.