Fenerbahçe cruised past Gaziantep FK with a commanding 4-1 victory on February 27, 2025, securing their spot in the quarter-finals of the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası. The match, held at Gaziantep Büyükşehir Stadium, witnessed Fenerbahçe's dominant performance, capped off with goals from Anderson Talisca, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Filip Kostić, all of whom contributed to the team's triumph.
After completing their preparations in Istanbul, Fenerbahçe arrived by private jet to Gaziantep, where they met Gaziantep FK for their third group stage match. The match began with Fenerbahçe asserting immediate pressure, and it was Talisca who opened the scoring early on. Just 16 minutes in, he found the net, and by the 27th minute, he doubled the lead, marking his contribution with two goals before the half-time break.
Youssef En-Nesyri added to the tally at the 22nd minute with another well-placed shot, showcasing Fenerbahçe's attacking prowess, as they took a commanding 3-0 lead going to halftime. Gaziantep, desperate to respond, managed to pull one back through Anel Husic at the 74th minute, but it was too little, too late.
Filip Kostić sealed the fate of the home side with his goal at the 83rd minute, ensuring Fenerbahçe's place at the top of their group by finishing the match with four goals to one. Manager José Mourinho displayed strategic acumen by rotating his squad, allowing key players some rest for upcoming league fixtures.
Fenerbahçe's previous two performances had already laid the groundwork for this dominant display; they crushed Kasımpaşa 3-0 and followed it up with a 5-0 victory against Erzurumspor FK. With these results, the team topped Group B, amassing nine points from three matches. This match not only highlighted Fenerbahçe's scoring capabilities but also demonstrated their depth and tactical versatility under Mourinho's guidance.
The match was critically important for Gaziantep FK as well. Despite showing promise earlier by defeating İstanbulspor 4-0, they found themselves unable to keep up with the relentless pace and precision of Fenerbahçe's attack. Gaziantep FK ended the group stage with three points, placing them third and eliminating them from the competition.
This victory is emblematic of Fenerbahçe's ambition this season, which includes aspirations of winning not only the domestic cup but performing well across all fronts. The squad's strong showing brings back memories of their formidable history and builds excitement among their fanbase.
Fenerbahçe will receive their next challenge with renewed confidence, as this latest performance sets the stage for what promises to be an electric progression through the cup and league. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see if Fenerbahçe can maintain this momentum and continue their chase for silverware this season.