The countdown has begun for one of Turkey's most anticipated Süper Lig fixtures, as Beşiktaş prepares to host Galatasaray on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 20:30 at the Tüpraş Stadium. This derby clash promises intense rivalry and drama, with both teams eager to secure crucial points in the championship race.
As fans gear up for the high-stakes match, ticket availability has been a hot topic. Pre-sale tickets became available on the BJK SuperApp starting on March 24 at 10:00, and general sales opened the following day, March 25, 2025, at 10:00. Ticket prices vary significantly, catering to different budgets and preferences:
- Loca 152 and 162: 30,000 lira
- VIP 100: 22,500 lira
- VIP 101-126: 20,000 lira
- Doğu Alt 115-116 Blok: 5,200 lira
- Batı Alt 102-125 Blok: 5,200 lira
- Doğu Alt 114-117 Blok: 4,800 lira
- Batı Alt 103-124 Blok: 4,150 lira
- Doğu Alt 113-118 Blok: 4,150 lira
- Batı Üst 430-401 Blok: 3,900 lira
- Doğu Üst Tüm Bloklar: 2,350 lira
- Güney Alt Tüm Bloklar: 1,150 lira
- Kuzey Üst Tüm Bloklar: 1,000 lira
One critical point to note is that, per a decision by the Provincial Security Board, only Beşiktaş logo Passolig cardholders can purchase tickets for this match. Additionally, fans who have canceled their Galatasaray logo cards since March 29, 2023, are not eligible to buy tickets. Moreover, ticket transfers will not be allowed for purchased or combined ticket holders, raising the stakes for eager fans hoping to attend this iconic derby.
On the pitch, injuries have become a narrative leading up to the fixture. Galatasaray fans are elated to hear that Ismail Jakobs has returned to training after a two-month absence due to a serious Achilles injury sustained during the Konyaspor match on January 25, 2025. Jakobs, who has previously dealt with knee injuries, participated partially in the training session on March 24, as head coach Okan Buruk aims to prepare him for the upcoming matches, particularly focusing on the significant fixture against their rivals, Fenerbahçe, in the Turkish Cup.
At the same time, Beşiktaş has declared a mobilization to recover its injured players, including Rafa Silva, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Mert Günok, Jonas Svensson, and Onur Bulut. Specifically, the club is working tirelessly to ensure these players are fit and ready as they face off against their historic rivals. The recent friendly match against İstanbulspor proved costly, as several players were injured, adding to the pressure on the medical team to have these key players back in shape for the derby.
Chamberlain’s status, however, is uncertain; he is not expected to be fit for the derby, leading coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to consider alternatives like Amir Hadziahmetovic or Salih Uçan in his position.
Alongside the on-field preparations, there’s growing discussion around referee appointments for the match. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) is set to deliberate on whether to assign a foreign referee for the derby, given that both TFF President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu and MHK President Ferhat Gundogdu advocate for local referees. Yet, Beşiktaş has publicly stressed the necessity of fairness in officiating standards, declaring that they will not accept decisions that compromise integrity. Concern around potential double standards has fueled this call, particularly because of prior instances where foreign referees were appointed in critical matches yet there’s hesitance in similar appointments here. In their statement, they proclaimed, "Do not endorse injustice. No one should underestimate the Beşiktaş community!"
As March 29 approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Not only are the stakes high regarding points in the league, but the very conditions under which the derby is played remain a topic of fervent discussion. With both teams grappling with injury challenges and broader contexts around fairness in officiating, support from fans will surely amplify. As fans fill the Tüpraş Stadium stands, the energy, local rivalry, and thrills promise a memorable evening for Turkish football.
