The anticipation was palpable as Turkish football giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe squared off in the Turkcell Süper Kupa final on January 10, 2026, at the iconic Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadium. The clash, marking the 405th meeting between these two storied rivals, had the city of Istanbul buzzing with excitement and nerves in equal measure. Scheduled initially for a later hour, the match’s kick-off was moved up to 18:45 after a last-minute warning from the Istanbul Governorship about heavy rain and storms. The decision, made by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), ensured fans could enjoy the spectacle in safer conditions, even as the weather threatened to add another layer of unpredictability to this already electrifying fixture.
Fans who couldn’t make it to the stadium tuned in to ATV, which broadcast the match live and free-to-air—a treat for millions of football lovers across Turkey and beyond. With ATV’s straightforward digital and traditional streaming options, supporters watched on everything from TVs to tablets, making the Süper Kupa final a truly national event. The network’s broadcast schedule was clear: the main event at 18:45, followed by the much-anticipated trophy ceremony at 20:50.
Galatasaray, having dispatched Trabzonspor in the semi-finals, entered the match with a lineup featuring Günay between the posts, a defensive quartet of Sallai, Sanchez, Abdülkerim, and Eren, and a midfield anchored by Torreira and Lemina. The attacking responsibilities fell to Sane, Yunus, Barış Alper, and the ever-dangerous Icardi. Fenerbahçe, who bested Samsunspor in their own semi-final, countered with Ederson in goal, and a backline of Mert, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, and the tireless Levent Mercan. The midfield and attack boasted the talents of İsmail, Guendouzi, Musaba, Asensio, Kerem, and Duran.
Before the action began, a poignant moment of silence was held in memory of the late Gökmen Özdenak, Galatasaray’s beloved former national footballer and sports writer. The gesture, however, was marred by whistles from the Fenerbahçe section, leading to a brief but intense exchange of disapproval between the rival supporters. Despite this flashpoint, the crowd—especially the 33,000-strong sea of red-clad Galatasaray fans—remained focused on the spectacle ahead, their energy palpable from the stands.
The significance of this match extended far beyond the silverware on offer. Since their first-ever meeting in 1909 at Papazın Çayırı, the rivalry between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe has grown into one of football’s most passionate and enduring. Heading into this 19th Süper Kupa showdown, Fenerbahçe held the historical edge with 149 wins to Galatasaray’s 130 (including one by forfeit), and a superior goal tally of 544 to 505. Yet, recent history favored Galatasaray, who had claimed victory in five of the last ten official encounters, notching up 15 goals to Fenerbahçe’s two wins in that stretch.
The Süper Kupa has often served as a microcosm of this storied rivalry. In their four previous finals, Galatasaray emerged triumphant in 2012 (3-2) and 2013 (1-0), while Fenerbahçe clinched the 2014 edition on penalties. The 2024 final was awarded to Galatasaray by forfeit after Fenerbahçe walked off the pitch—a controversial episode that only added to the lore. This year’s edition promised another chapter of drama, skill, and, of course, intense competition.
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into the match was the role of foreign stars in shaping derby outcomes. In the past 27 meetings, a staggering 36 out of 43 goals had been scored by non-Turkish players, underscoring the international flavor and quality of both squads. For Galatasaray, 22 of their last 25 derby goals came from foreign boots, while Fenerbahçe’s imported talent accounted for 14 of their most recent 18. It’s no wonder all eyes were on the likes of Leroy Sane and Marco Asensio as the teams took to the field.
Yet, on this particular night, it was a homegrown hero who captured the headlines for Fenerbahçe. Levent Mercan, the team’s left back, put on a defensive masterclass, especially in his duel with Galatasaray’s German winger Sane. Mercan’s relentless marking and timely interventions effectively neutralized one of Galatasaray’s primary attacking threats. Social media buzzed with praise, with fans declaring, “Sane didn’t get to play his game. Levent went forward, dribbled past everyone, and nearly scored himself. In the last five minutes, with no substitutions left, he played injured, running on one leg to help the defense. We’ll never forget what he did for the jersey!”
This wasn’t Mercan’s first heroic display of the season. Not only had he played the full 90 minutes in the semi-final against Samsunspor in Adana, but he’d also found the net in a 3-0 Süper Lig win over Eyüpspor, showing that his contributions extend well beyond defense. The moniker “Fenerbahçe’s new courageous heart” seemed more than fitting after his performance in the final.
On the officiating side, Halil Umut Meler took charge of the match, assisted by İbrahim Çağlar Uyarcan and Abdullah Bora Özkara. Ozan Ergün served as the fourth official, while VAR duties were handled by Ömer Faruk Turtay, with Anıl Usta and Ali Şansalan as AVAR. Their presence was crucial in maintaining order in a match where tempers can flare and every decision is scrutinized by millions.
As the evening unfolded, Fenerbahçe seized the initiative and, with clinical finishing and resolute defending, secured a 2-0 victory over their archrivals to lift the Süper Kupa. The win marked another memorable chapter in the history of the Istanbul derby, with Fenerbahçe’s blend of youthful vigor and tactical discipline proving decisive on the night. The trophy ceremony that followed was broadcast live, allowing fans everywhere to revel in the moment, whether they were in the stadium or watching from home.
For Galatasaray, the defeat was bitter, but the team’s recent dominance in derby matches and their passionate fanbase suggest they’ll be back stronger. For Fenerbahçe, the victory was sweet vindication—a reward for tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and unwavering determination in the face of a formidable foe. And for Levent Mercan, it was a night that cemented his place in the hearts of Fenerbahçe supporters, a testament to courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Turkish football’s greatest rivalry.
With the Süper Kupa now in Fenerbahçe’s hands and another epic derby consigned to the history books, all eyes turn to the rest of the season. If this match was any indication, Turkish football fans are in for a thrilling ride.
