On March 16, 2025, at Çaykur Didi Stadium, Bodrum FK triumphed over Çaykur Rizespor with a decisive 2-0 victory, marking their fourth win under the guidance of new coach José Morais. This match, part of the 28th week of the Turkish Süper Lig, showcased Bodrum FK's determination to escape the relegation zone, with this victory elevatting their points total to 30, placing them at 15th position on the league table.
The scoring opened controversially when Husniddin Alikulov of Çaykur Rizespor scored an own goal, mistakenly directing the ball past his own goalkeeper from Fredy’s attempt to find the net, solidifying Bodrum FK’s 1-0 lead just 22 minutes in.
Despite early pressure from Rizespor, which included attempts by players like Ghezzal and Zeqiri, it was Bodrum FK who capitalized on their chances. Rizespor's efforts to equalize suffered when Samet Akaydin received his second yellow card for handball, leading to his dismissal from the pitch at the 40-minute mark, significantly weakening Rizespor's prospects.
With Rizespor down to ten men, Bodrum FK pressed their advantage. Enis Bardhi extended their lead to 2-0 with a precise shot after receiving the ball from Mohammed. This came at the 62nd minute, effectively sealing the match for the visitors.
Rizespor, who had been riding the momentum of a relatively stable season up to this point, found themselves struggling not only against Bodrum FK’s organized defense but also battling their internal challenges, marked by Akaydin’s red card fallout. Meanwhile, Bodrum FK displayed marked improvement since Morais took over, highlighting his impact with 14 points garnered from just six matches compared to only 16 from the prior 22 under different management.
Despite their efforts, Rizespor maintained their points tally at 33, placing them at 11th on the league table. With Olawoyin slated to miss their next match against Sivasspor on April 5 due to accumulated yellow cards, the stakes are raised significantly for Çaykur Rizespor as they aim to recover.
Bodrum FK, rejuvenated under Morais, prepares to host Fenerbahçe, hoping to continue this winning momentum and solidify their position away from relegation threats. The team now demonstrates not only increased confidence but has also inculcated the tactical acumen Morais is instilling.
Observers note the back-and-forth exchanges during the match reflected high stakes and both teams' desperate bids for survival and advancement within the league structure. Rizespor needs to recover quickly to avoid falling down the ranks, and the forthcoming fixture will be pivotal.
With the season pressing on, this match will be remembered as one where opportunistic deficits led to fortuitous gains for Bodrum FK, reshaping their path and giving fans hope for their survival. Rizespor, on the other hand, faces yet another harsh reality check as they confront the reality of their current form.