Trabzonspor delivered a resounding performance at the Senol Güneş Sports Complex on February 26, 2025, securing a decisive 5-2 victory over Çaykur Rizespor. This thrilling encounter, part of the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası A Grubu, saw Trabzonspor assert their dominance early on and maintain control throughout the match.
The scoring began with Lundstram's goal in the 13th minute, setting the tone for Trabzonspor's impressive display. Following his lead, Edin Visca found the net in the 41st minute, followed closely by Batista Mendy just before halftime, bringing the score to 3-0 at the 45-minute mark. The second half continued to showcase Trabzonspor's attacking prowess with Cham scoring from a free kick at the 59-minute, increasing the tally to 4-0.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, Çaykur Rizespor managed to bounce back, earning two goals through penalty kicks. The first came as Jurecka converted from the spot after Lundstram fouled Zeqiri inside the box at the 63rd minute, reducing the deficit to 4-1. Hojer added another for Rizespor at the 89th minute, resulting from Nielsen's shot outside the box, ending the game at 5-2.
The match was not without its unique incidents, most significantly the injury of referee Ümit Öztürk in the 77th minute, which led to fourth official Davut Çelik stepping up to officiate the remainder of the match. This unusual occurrence left fans discussing the unexpected turn of events as Trabzonspor continued their relentless pursuit of additional goals.
With this victory, Trabzonspor topped their group, advancing to the quarter-finals, which highlights their status as contenders for the cup. Coach Trabzonspor remarked, "After our strong start, we aimed to control the match for the cup progression," emphasizing their intention to maintain momentum as the tournament progresses.
On the other hand, Çaykur Rizespor, coached by İlhan Palut, finished the group stage at the bottom with only one win. He expressed pride in his team's effort but acknowledged the gap between the clubs, stating, "We gave our best, but it wasn't enough against such quality." Their struggle to secure points highlights the challenges they face as they look to improve their standing.
The match will undoubtedly be remembered not only for the scoreline but also for the spirited contest between teams, showcasing both the highs and lows of cup football. Fans of Trabzonspor left the stadium satisfied and hopeful for what lies ahead, as their team embarks on the next stage of their cup campaign.
This encounter adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between Trabzonspor and Çaykur Rizespor and reinforces the competitive spirit present within Turkish football's cup competitions.