Fenerbahçe secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası with a resounding victory over Gaziantep FK, winning the match 4-1 on September 14, 2025. The thrilling encounter took place at the Gaziantep Büyükşehir Stadyumu, where the yellow and navy team asserted their dominance early.
The match started off with Fenerbahçe launching attacks, with Anderson Talisca finding the net twice before the 30-minute mark—specifically at the 17th and 27th minutes. His impressive performance has once again reminded fans of his significant contributions to the team.
Not to be outdone, Youssef En-Nesyri also marked his name on the scoreboard, scoring the third goal for his side just minutes later at the 23rd minute. This left Gaziantep FK scrambling to keep up. The momentum remained with Fenerbahçe throughout the match, showcasing their strong squad depth and tactical execution.
It wasn't until the 75th minute when Gaziantep FK’s Anel Husic managed to score their lone goal of the match, providing their fans with a moment of celebration, even though it wasn't sufficient to turn the tide.
Fenerbahçe sealed their victory with another goal from Kostic just before the match concluded at the 83rd minute, taking the final score to 4-1. Following this win, the Istanbul club finished the group stage with nine points, earning them first place and advancing to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Gaziantep FK, on the other hand, finished the group stage at the bottom, securing merely three points from their three matches and leading to their elimination from the cup. Coach suffered from tactical missteps and players’ unfit forms impacted their performance throughout the group stages.
Before the match, there was anticipation surrounding Fenerbahçe's starting lineup, especially after much speculation about the participation of star player Edin Dzeko, who was sidelined due to injury concerns. Dzeko sustained a hand injury during Fenerbahçe's previous match against Anderlecht, creating questions about his fitness level for the Gaziantep showdown.
Even without their star striker, Fenerbahçe coach Jose Mourinho showcased his effective rotation strategy, bringing players like Cenk Tosun and Talisca to the forefront, who proved their mettle with outstanding performances.
Reports from various sports news outlets noted, "Fenerbahçe, who won the match 4-1 with goals scored by Talisca and En-Nesyri, solidified their place as group leader and advanced to the quarterfinals," highlighting the team’s successful season so far.
Despite the loss, Gaziantep FK fans showed support as they acknowledged the team’s efforts throughout the tournament. Coach has said, "We faced strong opposition today from Fenerbahçe," acknowledging their fierce opponents. The challenges faced by Gaziantep FK highlight the unpredictability of cup matches and the fierce competition they entail.
While Fenerbahçe looks forward to the upcoming quarterfinals, expecting to maintain their current form, Gaziantep FK aims to regroup and reflect on their performances, dissecting the patterns both on and off the field they need to improve moving forward.
The atmosphere was electric at the Gaziantep Büyükşehir Stadyumu as Fenerbahçe fans celebrated their team's victory, showcasing their unwavering support and loyalty. The salute to players at the end of the match illustrated the significant role fans play throughout the tournament.
Fenerbahçe supporters hope the team's momentum will carry them through to lift the cup, with players like Talisca leading the charge. Gaziantep FK will have to absorb the lessons learned this season and focus on their league campaign as they bid farewell to their cup dreams.