Fenerbahçe’s title hopes had been left in tatters as Beşiktaş pounced on a pricey first-half blunder to clinch a 1-0 derby win Sunday, rewriting the narrative of the season and silencing a stressed dwelling crowd demanding change.
The Black Eagles’ winner got here within the forty fourth minute, when Fenerbahçe defender Mert Müldür misjudged a protracted ball from Arthur Masuaku.
Gedson Fernandes latched onto the reward, calmly slotting previous goalkeeper Irfan Can Eğribayat to seal a victory that felt a long time within the making.
Beşiktaş not solely claimed bragging rights however made historical past – successful each league fixtures towards Fenerbahçe in the identical season for the primary time since 2004-05.
The win additionally marked their first away derby conquer Fenerbahçe beneath a international supervisor since Mircea Lucescu’s feat in 2003.
This time, it was Ole Gunnar Solskjær, in his first Fenerbahçe conflict, who rewrote the script.
Early promise, acquainted Failings
Fenerbahçe began with intent.
In the twenty sixth minute, Anderson Talisca practically opened the scoring, assembly Oğuz Aydın’s cross with a strong header.
But Mert Günok’s flying save denied the yellow-navy blues an important breakthrough.
Beşiktaş responded with grit. Masuaku’s thunderous drive within the thirteenth minute whistled previous the submit, an indication of issues to return.
Controversy flared within the thirty fourth minute when Masuaku’s cross struck Mustafa Erhan Hekimoğlu’s arm within the field.
Referee Yasin Kol pointed to the spot. But when Gedson Fernandes stepped up, Eğribayat guessed proper and smothered the penalty – momentarily maintaining Fenerbahçe afloat.
Yet their reprieve didn’t final. Ten minutes later, Fernandes made no mistake when gifted a transparent have a look at purpose, ending with medical precision.
Second-half frustration
Jose Mourinho rang in tactical adjustments after the break, however Beşiktaş’s protection, marshaled by Gabriel Paulista and Masuaku, stood agency. Talisca’s 72nd-minute free kick was the closest Fener got here, however Günok once more was equal to the duty.
Mourinho, introduced in to ship silverware, now finds himself beneath scrutiny. The Special One has didn’t win any of his 5 derby matches this season – twice falling to Beşiktaş and Galatasaray and drawing as soon as.
Fans seen sufficient
As the ultimate whistle blew, chants of “Ali Koç Istifa” (Ali Koç resign) echoed throughout the stands, with all main supporter teams united in protest towards the membership’s administration. The ambiance turned mutinous.
Earlier on Saturday, defending champions Galatasaray dismantled Sivasspor 4-1 at RAMS Park, racking up a sixth straight win and tightening their grip on the title race.
The distinction couldn’t be sharper. Fenerbahçe, now trailing with 75 factors, face Başakşehir subsequent week needing greater than only a miracle – they want redemption.
Source: www.dailysabah.com