The anticipation is building for the highly anticipated Ziraat Türkiye Kupası quarter-final match between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, set to take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 20:45 at Ülker Stadium. This fierce rivalry, known for its intensity and historical significance, will see both teams battle it out in a knockout format, where only one can advance to the semi-finals.
Referee Cihan Aydın will officiate the match, with assistance from Deniz Caner Özaral and Volkan Ahmet Narinç. The match will also feature German VAR referee Pascal Müller, ensuring that all critical decisions are supported by video technology. Fans are eager to witness how the officials manage the high-pressure environment that accompanies such a storied encounter.
Fenerbahçe, coming into this match, has faced challenges in the current season, having not secured a victory in their previous derby encounters against Galatasaray. In their last league meeting, Fenerbahçe lost 3-1 at home and drew 0-0 away. The team is desperate for a win to boost morale and make a statement as they aim to progress in the cup and finally claim their first derby victory of the season.
In terms of injuries, Fenerbahçe will be without several key players, including Diego Carlos, Çağlar Söyüncü, Rodrigo Becao, Jayden Oosterwolde, and Fred, who are all sidelined due to various injuries. This could significantly impact their performance, as they face a formidable Galatasaray side.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray is also dealing with its share of injury concerns. İsmail Jakobs will not participate due to an Achilles tendon injury, while Roland Sallai's status remains uncertain. The star striker Mauro Icardi is confirmed out with an ACL tear, a significant blow to the team's attacking options. Despite these setbacks, Galatasaray has been in strong form, having won three of the last six encounters against Fenerbahçe, with the latter only managing a single victory.
The historical context of this derby adds to the excitement. This match marks the 403rd meeting between the two clubs, with Fenerbahçe winning 149 matches and Galatasaray claiming 129 victories, including one by default. The rivalry is known for its fierce competitiveness, with 124 matches ending in draws. Fenerbahçe has scored a total of 542 goals in these encounters, while Galatasaray has netted 500.
As the match approaches, there are also significant off-field tensions. CHP leader Özgür Özel has called for a boycott of the match broadcast on ATV, suggesting that fans should listen to the game from an alternative source. This boycott stems from political tensions and is expected to influence viewership and attendance. Özel stated, “We are boycotting ATV. We will not watch the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray match on ATV.” This political backdrop adds another layer of complexity to an already intense sporting event.
Fans are flocking to Ülker Stadium, with security measures in place to ensure a safe environment for all attendees. A total of 30,199 police officers will be deployed, including 9,726 around the stadium, to manage crowds and prevent any disturbances during the match.
The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with Fenerbahçe supporters preparing an impressive choreography to cheer their team on. The stakes are high, not only for the cup but also for bragging rights in this historic rivalry. Both teams will be looking to assert their dominance, and the outcome could have lasting implications for their seasons.
With the match set to be broadcast live and unencrypted on ATV, football enthusiasts are eager to see how the teams line up. Possible starting lineups for Fenerbahçe include İrfan Can Eğribayat, Mert Müldür, Skriniar, Yusuf Akçiçek, Oğuz Aydın, Amrabat, Szymanski, Kostic, İrfan Can Kahveci, En-Nesyri, and Dzeko. For Galatasaray, the likely starters are Muslera, Kaan Ayhan, Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı, Lucas Torreira, Lemina, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Mertens, Yunus Akgün, and Osimhen.
As the countdown continues, the excitement is palpable. This is more than just a match; it’s a clash of titans, a battle for pride, and a quest for glory in the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası. Who will emerge victorious and advance to the semi-finals? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion and intensity of this derby will be felt long after the final whistle blows.
