Galatasaray maintained their grip at the top of the Turkish Super Lig after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against arch-rivals Fenerbahce at RAMS Park. The highly anticipated Intercontinental Derby lived up to its reputation as a heated affair, with both teams battling fiercely for supremacy in a top-of-the-table clash.
A Match Dominated by Tactical Battles and Fouls
Both sides came into the match with high stakes, as Galatasaray looked to extend their unbeaten league run, while Fenerbahce aimed to cut the six-point gap at the top. Given the intense nature of the fixture, both clubs had requested an intervention regarding refereeing decisions, leading to UEFA Champions League final referee Slavko Vincic being appointed to officiate the derby.
Jose Mourinho, managing Fenerbahce, welcomed the appointment, knowing that officiating decisions had played a controversial role in the league in recent months. His team started the game with high intensity, pressing Galatasaray early and forcing several stoppages due to fouls. The stop-start nature of the game disrupted the flow, with Galatasaray struggling to create meaningful attacking opportunities.
Early Drama as Fenerbahce Have a Goal Disallowed
Fenerbahce thought they had taken the lead in the 14th minute when Dusan Tadic found the back of the net with a deflected shot. However, the celebrations were short-lived, as VAR intervened and ruled the goal out. Sebastian Szymanski was adjudged to have fouled Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera moments before the goal, much to the frustration of the visiting fans.
Despite the setback, Fenerbahce continued to push forward, with Mourinho’s men looking the more likely to break the deadlock. Meanwhile, Galatasaray remained patient, focusing on controlling possession and looking for gaps in the visitors’ defensive structure.
A Cautious First Half With Minimal Goal Threats
Galatasaray, led by head coach Okan Buruk, dominated possession throughout the first half, but their control of the game did not translate into clear-cut chances. The home side failed to register a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, struggling to break through Fenerbahce’s disciplined defensive shape.
There was controversy late in the first half when Galatasaray appealed for a penalty after Victor Osimhen was brought down in the box. However, referee Vincic waved away their claims, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
The goalless scoreline at halftime reflected a tense tactical battle rather than an open attacking contest, as both teams prioritized defensive organization over attacking risks.
Fenerbahce Push Forward in the Second Half
The second half mirrored the first, with a cagey approach from both teams and limited attacking opportunities. The game was frequently disrupted by fouls, further hampering the rhythm of play.
Fenerbahce began to pose a greater attacking threat as the match progressed. Caglar Soyuncu had a headed effort comfortably saved by Muslera, while Fred came close with a shot that narrowly missed the target.
Silent night in Istanbul.#GSvFB pic.twitter.com/EOVcTIWRuN
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) February 24, 2025
Alexander Djiku then forced a brilliant save from Muslera, marking Fenerbahce’s best chance of the match. The visitors looked more likely to find a breakthrough, but Galatasaray’s defensive resilience ensured they kept the score level.
Galatasaray Struggle to Create as Fenerbahce Hold Firm
In the final 15 minutes, Galatasaray attempted to push forward in search of a late winner. However, their attacking efforts lacked cutting edge, and Fenerbahce’s disciplined backline ensured that goalkeeper Irfan Can Egribayat was barely tested.
The goalless draw meant that Galatasaray failed to score for the first time in the league this season—a testament to Fenerbahce’s defensive solidity under Mourinho.
What the Result Means for the Title Race
The draw in the 402nd edition of the Intercontinental Derby sees Galatasaray maintain their six-point lead over Fenerbahce at the top of the Super Lig standings. With 12 rounds remaining in the season, Buruk’s men remain in a strong position to claim the league title.
For Fenerbahce, the result leaves them with an uphill task in the title race. Mourinho’s team must now hope for Galatasaray to drop points while ensuring they maintain consistency in their own performances. The Portuguese manager, who has not won a domestic league title since his time at Manchester United in 2017, faces the challenge of leading Fenerbahce to an unlikely comeback in the championship race.
READ NEXT:
