Trabzonspor celebrated a decisive 3-0 victory over Alanyaspor during the first match of the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası A Grubu, held at Papara Park on January 8, 2025. The match kicked off at 18:00, drawing attention as Trabzonspor sought to rebound from recent league setbacks.
With their eyes set on securing their 10th Turkish Cup title, Trabzonspor entered the match determined to send a message to their fans and rivals alike. Historically, they have been formidable competitors, with nine titles to their name and 16 appearances in cup finals. Their last successful campaign was during the 2019-2020 season when they defeated Alanyaspor 2-0 in the final, and this year they are eager to replicate such success.
The match momentum shifted significantly during the second half, where Trabzonspor showcased their offensive prowess. Edin Visca opened the scoring with a well-placed shot from close range at the 51st minute. Continuing their momentum, Simon Banza added another goal just seven minutes later, breaking through the Alanyaspor defense after capitalizing on a defensive error.
The third goal came from Anthony Nwakaeme, who found the net after receiving a precise pass from Visca, sealing the victory at 69 minutes. These three goals highlighted Trabzonspor's attacking dynamism and the effective coordination between their forward players.
Despite the win, Trabzonspor was missing key players, including Eren Elmalı, who was absent due to transfer discussions with Galatasaray, alongside injuries to other squad members. This led to tactical adjustments by the coaching staff, which proved effective against Alanyaspor. The match was officiated by Atilla Karaoğlan, whose decisions were met with the usual scrutiny from the home crowd.
Alanyaspor, seeking to improve their standings after struggling lately, were hoping for a different outcome. Their attempt to penetrate Trabzonspor’s defense was thwarted repeatedly, with notable chances falling to Rony Lopes and Augusto, who both failed to convert close opportunities.
The result of this match not only gives Trabzonspor the full three points but also serves as a solid morale booster for the team as they navigate through the Turkish Cup. With upcoming matches on the horizon, this early victory is expected to generate confidence and possibly reinvigorate their league performance.
Following this win, Trabzonspor's next challenge will be facing İskenderun away, where they aim to keep their momentum going. Meanwhile, Alanyaspor will look to rectify their approach when they host Karagümrük. This initial cup match sets the stage for what promises to be another intense season of Turkish football, with several teams vying for glory.