Gaziantep FK secured a commanding 3-1 victory against Eyüpspor on March 3, 2025, during the 26th week of the Trendyol Super Lig, showcasing their determination to climb up the league table.
The match, held at the Gaziantep Büyükşehir Stadyumu, witnessed the hosts take control after both teams battled to a goalless first half. The second half, as it unfolded, featured key performances and turning points.
Emmanuel Boateng emerged as the star for Gaziantep FK, scoring two goals at the 52nd and 78th minutes, propelling his team forward. Boateng opened the scoring with a well-placed header following a free kick taken by Alexandru Maxim. With the momentum on their side, Gaziantep FK continued to press for more goals.
Eyüpspor managed to find the back of the net with Tayfur Bingöl's header at the 65th minute, temporarily leveling the score 1-1. This equalizer momentarily shifted the dynamic of the game, with both teams searching for dominance.
Yet, Gaziantep fired back. It was Boateng again who broke through, scoring his second goal to regain the lead and restoring the pressure on Eyüpspor. The hosts sealed their victory with another strike from David Okereke, who scored effectively during stoppage time (90+4'), sending the home crowd roaring.
The match had its fair share of drama, particularly with Caner Erkin of Eyüpspor receiving a red card at the 90+9 minute mark due to dissent against the referee, leaving his team with one player down as they attempted to salvage the match.
Following the match, Selçuk İnan, head coach of Gaziantep FK, expressed satisfaction with his players' performance, stating, "The victory is important for us to regain confidence in the league." This win lifted Gaziantep FK to 32 points, moving them higher on the table.
Conversely, Eyüpspor, who have been struggling lately with no wins over the last four matches, remained on 40 points. Coach Arda Turan reflected on the challenges his team faced, saying, "We must learn from our mistakes and improve." The loss marks another setback for Eyüpspor, which must regroup as they prepare to face Konyaspor next week at home.
Overall, this match has been pivotal for Gaziantep FK as they aim to escape the mid-table and aspire for higher positions within the league. Their next challenge awaits against Beşiktaş, where they hope to build on their current form and approach each game with renewed vigor.
Eyüpspor, now with pressing concerns over their recent form, has to shuffle their strategy as they look to turn their fortunes around. The upcoming matches will be equally pivotal for them as they strive to avoid slipping down the standings.