Fenerbahçe triumphed over Başakşehir with a convincing 3-1 victory this past weekend during the 16th round of the Trendyol Süper Lig, showcasing their determination to regain momentum after suffering their first defeat of the season against Beşiktaş just last week.
The match, held at Fenerbahçe's home ground, saw the hosts take control early. Edin Džeko, the team's captain, opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a clinical finish after receiving a precise pass from Szymański. This goal not only lifted the home crowd's spirits but also marked Džeko’s remarkable 14th goal of the season, bringing his total to nine goals within the league.
Tempers flared as the first half drew to a close, and Başakşehir found themselves down to ten men. Ousseynou Ba received a direct red card after the VAR reviewed his challenge, leaving Zuraw's side to battle on with reduced firepower.
The second half saw Başakşehir come back fighting. Krzysztof Piatek managed to level the score at 1-1 just minutes after the restart, firing home from the right after being set up by Kemen. This brief revival left many wondering if Başakşehir could capitalize on their momentum.
But Fenerbahçe was not to be outdone. Following some strategic substitutions, Youssef En-Nesyri was brought onto the field and quickly made his presence felt. He scored with two brilliant headers—first equalizing the score 2-1 via Tadić's assist and later extending the lead with another header from Kostić's cross, securing the match at 3-1.
This victory marked Fenerbahçe’s 11th win of the season, propelling them to 35 points on the league table. Meanwhile, Başakşehir is left struggling with just 22 points.
Fenerbahçe's coach reflected on the team's resolve and core performance, stating, "After our previous disappointment, we needed this victory to reaffirm our capabilities and continue our fight for the title." The team was clearly relieved and energized by the support of their fans, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Throughout the match, Fenerbahçe had to manage some adversity, with several key players sustaining injuries. Dominik Livakovic was replaced by Ertuğrul Çetin early on, and Oğuz Aydın had to exit the field as well, amplifying concerns heading forward.
Despite the injuries, the overall performance was commendable, especially from the substitutes who stepped up to fill the gaps. En-Nesyri's remarkable display was particularly highlighted as instrumental to the victory, signaling his growing importance to the squad.
The match ended with Fenerbahçe celebrating not just the win but also their strong collective spirit and adaptability. The defeat left Başakşehir with much to reflect upon as they seek to turn their fortunes around.
Fenerbahçe's fans will undoubtedly be hopeful for continued success as they immerse themselves back firmly within the top contenders of the league.
