In a highly anticipated showdown, Fenerbahçe is set to host their fierce rivals Galatasaray in the quarter-finals of the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası on April 2, 2025. The match will kick off at 20:45 at the iconic Ülker Stadyumu in Kadıköy, marking the 403rd encounter between these two storied clubs.
Both teams have announced their starting lineups, with Fenerbahçe fielding: İrfan Can Eğribayat (K), Çağlar Söyüncü, Skriniar, Yusuf Akçiçek, Oğuz Aydın, Kostic, Amrabat, Fred, Szymanski, Talisca, and En-Nesyri. Meanwhile, Galatasaray will lineup with: Günay Güvenç, Kaan Ayhan, Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı, Torreira, Lemina, Yunus Akgün, Barış Alper Yılmaz, and Osimhen.
This clash is generating significant excitement as both teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals, with the winner facing the victor of the TÜMOSAN Konyaspor vs. İskenderunspor match. The stakes are high, and both sides are prepared to give their all in pursuit of glory.
As the match unfolds, the atmosphere outside the stadium is electric. Approximately two thousand Galatasaray fans gathered earlier at Rams Park, from where they were escorted to the stadium in 32 buses under tight security. The excitement among the supporters is palpable, as they chant and cheer for their team.
Historically, this match is crucial not just for the cup but also for the psychological edge it can provide in the ongoing league campaign. Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray have a long-standing rivalry that adds to the intensity of the cup match, and both clubs are looking to assert their dominance.
Fenerbahçe's head coach, José Mourinho, expressed the importance of focusing on this match, stating, "We need to get past this round first. We are facing a team with dreams of their own. If we advance, we will face a tough match against Konyaspor. But first, we must concentrate on tonight's game." He emphasized that despite being a knockout match, the psychological advantage in the league remains with the team currently leading.
On the other side, Galatasaray's coach Okan Buruk echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for mental and physical readiness. He noted, "This match is just 90 minutes long, but we must be prepared for anything, including penalties. Our goal is to win, and we are ready for the challenge ahead." Buruk has made some changes to his lineup, opting to start Mertens, while Sara and Yunus Akgün will begin the match on the bench.
The match is being officiated by referee Cihan Aydın, with German VAR official Pascal Müller overseeing the video assistant referee duties. The presence of VAR is particularly significant in a match of this magnitude, as it can help ensure that critical decisions are made accurately.
As the teams take to the pitch, the first half kicks off with Galatasaray quickly asserting themselves. In the 10th minute, Osimhen scored the opening goal, putting Galatasaray ahead 1-0 with a powerful shot from inside the box. The momentum shifted further in their favor when Osimhen converted a penalty in the 27th minute, extending their lead to 2-0.
Fenerbahçe, however, refused to back down. They responded with vigor, and just before halftime, Szymanski found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1 after a VAR review overturned an initial offside decision. The first half ended with Galatasaray leading, but Fenerbahçe had given their fans hope.
The second half started with Fenerbahçe pushing hard for an equalizer. The intensity on the pitch was palpable, with both teams creating opportunities. In the 70th minute, En-Nesyri had a golden chance to level the score but was denied by Galatasaray goalkeeper Günay Güvenç, who made a crucial save.
As the match progressed, tensions ran high, resulting in several yellow cards and a few red cards, including those for Kerem Demirbay, Barış Alper Yılmaz, and Mert Hakan Yandaş from Fenerbahçe, as well as Mourinho's assistant Salvatore Foti. The match was briefly halted due to these incidents, but the players quickly regained their focus.
With the clock ticking down, the excitement in the stadium reached a fever pitch. Fenerbahçe fans rallied behind their team, urging them to push for a dramatic comeback. The final minutes were filled with nail-biting moments as both teams fought fiercely for control of the game.
As the match neared its conclusion, Fenerbahçe continued to press forward, hoping to find an equalizer that would send the match into extra time. The atmosphere was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats, cheering and shouting for their teams.
Regardless of the outcome, this match is sure to be remembered as a classic encounter in Turkish football, showcasing the passion and intensity that both Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray bring to the pitch. As the clock ticks down, the anticipation builds for what could be a thrilling finish to this historic rivalry.
