On March 9, 2025, Net Global Sivasspor claimed victory against Göztepe with a score of 3-1 during the 27th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig. This match marked the beginning of Rıza Çalımbay's fourth term as manager for Sivasspor, and what a start it was!
The home team faced considerable hardship right from the beginning as key players Rey Manaj and Veljko Simic were injured early on. Manaj was taken to the hospital after colliding with Göztepe's Koray Günter just three minutes after kickoff, which left Sivasspor scrambling for alternatives.
Despite being reduced to ten men when Koray Günter received a red card at the 43rd minute, Göztepe managed to take the lead. Kuryu Matsuki's powerful shot at the 33rd minute gave Göztepe the upper hand, leaving them 1-0 at halftime.
Sivasspor came roaring back after the break. Charis Charisis found the net just three minutes after the restart. His powerful strike from the edge of the box tied the game at 1-1, igniting hope for the home crowd.
They didn’t stop there. The exhilarating second half saw Bekir Turaç Böke stamp his mark on the match. First, his deft touch deflected Murat Paluli's strike off the post, sending it across the goal line for the second Sivasspor goal at the 66th minute. Just eleven minutes later, Bekir scored again, turning to fire home from close range after receiving a pass from Uğur Çiftçi to secure the 3-1 victory.
Notably, the evening also celebrated International Women’s Day, as women supporters attended the match free of charge, adding to the festive atmosphere.
With this win, Sivasspor improved their standings to 27 points, moving them closer to escaping the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Göztepe remained at 36 points, continuing their winless streak now extended to six matches.
Looking forward, Sivasspor will face Hatayspor away next week, striving to build on their newfound momentum. On the other hand, Göztepe will host Eyüpspor, hoping to turn their fortunes around.
The match not only highlighted the resilience of the Sivasspor squad but also the importance of teamwork and determination, especially evident after their early setbacks. Rıza Çalımbay’s tactical approach, adapting quickly to changes, showed promise for the remainder of the season.
After the match, there were concerns about the health of both Rey Manaj and Veljko Simic, the two players who had to leave for the hospital. Fortunately, reports confirmed their conditions were stable. Upon regaining consciousness, Manaj humorously questioned the medical staff, asking, “Will I be able to play next week?” This indicates his commitment and eagerness to contribute to his team as soon as possible.
Göztepe’s coach expressed frustration over the match, reflecting on how the red card significantly affected their strategy. The team had initially planned to maintain their lead, but the unexpected turn of events tested the resolve of the remaining players.
Both teams are eager to regroup and prepare for their upcoming fixtures, with Sivasspor riding high on momentum, and Göztepe needing to re-strategize to break their losing streak. The adrenaline of this match will carry them forward as they gear up for more thrilling encounters.
Sivasspor’s victory is not just about the points but also about morale. The hope of reestablishing their stronghold this season is ignited again. Football, as they say, is more than just about the score; it's about heart, perseverance, and community.
With each passing game, the predictions become sharper, and the fans remain hopeful for their respective teams. Will Sivasspor continue their winning streak? Can Göztepe find their way back to the top? Only time will tell as the league progresses.