Fenerbahçe–Galatasaray Derby (1 December 2025)

The match between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray in the 14th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig has been recorded as their 404th encounter. The game kicked off at 20:00 at the Chobani/Ülker Stadium in Kadıköy and was officiated by referee Yasin Kol.

Teams’ League Positions

Galatasaray’s Overall Performance

Galatasaray has won 10, drawn 2 and lost 1 of their 13 league matches, accumulating 32 points to enter derby week at the top of the table. The team will compete to maintain its lead. Galatasaray has scored 28 goals and conceded only 8, giving them the best goal difference in the Süper Lig.

Fenerbahçe’s Overall Performance

Fenerbahçe is the only team in the league yet to suffer a defeat. The yellow-and-navy side has secured 9 wins and 4 draws, earning 31 points and entering the derby in second place. A victory for Fenerbahçe in this match would allow them to top the table at the end of the week. Additionally, the team has won their last five league matches and has gone undefeated in their last 11 official matches.

Team Squad Status and Absences

Galatasaray’s Missing Players

A total of seven Galatasaray players will be unavailable for the derby due to various reasons. Injured players Wilfried Singo, Ismail Jakobs, and Kaan Ayhan, along with suspended player Roland Sallai, will not feature in the matchday squad. Additionally, Eren Elmalı and Metehan Baltacı are also ruled out due to disciplinary sanctions under ongoing investigations.

Issues in the full-back rotation have particularly affected the left and right flank positions. With Eren Elmalı and Jakobs absent, Kazımcan Karataş appears to be the only available option at left-back. The absence of Singo and Sallai has also limited Galatasaray’s choices at right-back.

Galatasaray Players Returning from Injury

Three players who have recovered from injuries have returned to training. Yunus Akgün, Victor Osimhen, and Mario Lemina have rejoined the squad. It is expected that Osimhen and Lemina will start in the starting eleven, while Yunus Akgün is unlikely to be risked in the starting lineup.

Fenerbahçe’s Squad Status

Aside from players listed as unavailable, Fenerbahçe has no other absences. A decision on whether Çağlar Söyüncü and Sebastian Szymanski, who have recovered from injuries, will be included in the matchday squad will be made at match time. It is indicated that neither player is expected to start in the starting eleven.

The only player at risk of suspension due to yellow card accumulation is Jayden Oosterwolde. It has been confirmed that if Oosterwolde receives a yellow card in this match, he will miss the next fixture.

Managers’ Situations in the Derby Context

Domenico Tedesco at Fenerbahçe

Since taking charge of Fenerbahçe, manager Domenico Tedesco has led the team to the most wins and the highest points tally in the league among all clubs. The team’s consistent upward form has also drawn attention during this phase of the season.

Domenico Tedesco (AA)

Okan Buruk at Galatasaray

Okan Buruk’s derby performance, particularly his results in away matches at Kadıköy, has stood out. Under Buruk’s management, Galatasaray has played three official matches at Kadıköy, winning two and drawing one.

Okan Buruk (AA)

The History of the Rivalry

Origins and Overall Record

The rivalry between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray began on 17 January 1909 with a special match played at Papazın Çayırı, which Galatasaray won 2-0. Since then, the two teams have met 403 times.

Fenerbahçe has won 149 of these matches, Galatasaray 130, and 124 have ended in draws. Fenerbahçe has scored 543 goals compared to Galatasaray’s 504.

Fenerbahçe - Galatasaray rivalry infographic (AA)

Rivalry in League Matches

The two teams have faced each other 136 times in Süper Lig history. Fenerbahçe has won 53 of these matches, Galatasaray 38, and 45 have ended in draws. Fenerbahçe has scored 164 league goals, while Galatasaray has scored 133.

Recent Years in Kadıköy

In the last eight seasons, Galatasaray has played nine official matches in Kadıköy, winning five, drawing three, and losing only once. During this period, Galatasaray has scored 13 goals against Fenerbahçe, who have managed only six.

Historical Highlights in the Rivalry

The first goal in the rivalry was scored by Galatasaray’s Emin Bülent Serdaroğlu. Fenerbahçe secured their first victory over Galatasaray approximately five years later, in 1914. Additionally, the 2024 TFF Süper Cup final, which lasted only one minute, stands as an unusual event in the history of this rivalry.

The match between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray in the 14th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig has been recorded as their 404th encounter. The game kicked off at 20:00 at the Chobani/Ülker Stadium in Kadıköy and was officiated by referee Yasin Kol. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with goals from Leroy Sane and John Duran.

Kadıköy Chobani/Ülker Stadium, 1 December 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

Starting Lineups

With the official team announcements, the anticipated lineup for the derby became clear. Both teams’ starting elevens largely matched the probable lineups shared prior to the match.

Fenerbahçe

Ederson, Samedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Brown, Alvarez, İsmail, Asensio, Nene, Kerem, En-Nesyri.

Galatasaray

Uğurcan, Davinson, Abdülkerim, Kazımcan, Lemina, Torreira, Sara, İlkay, Sane, Barış, Osimhen.

Match Venue and Referee Team

The match was played at Fenerbahçe’s home stadium, the Chobani Stadium FB Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex. Yasin Kol served as the central referee. Abdullah Bora Özkara and Bahtiyar Birinci were the assistant referees, while Ali Yılmaz acted as the fourth official.

Yasin Kol (AA)

Galatasaray Fans’ Movement to Kadıköy for the Fenerbahçe Derby

Galatasaray supporters gathered at RAMS Park before boarding buses bound for the Chobani Stadium, where the match was held.

Galatasaray Board Member Bora Bahçetepe also joined the fans on site and made statements to the press. Bahçetepe recalled that Galatasaray had left Kadıköy with positive results in the last four years and emphasized that the fans, players, coaching staff, and management had once again traveled to the away match with the same determination. He expressed confidence that his team would secure three points and affirmed his belief that Galatasaray would win the league title by the end of the season, overcoming all obstacles along the way. He stated he was certain his team would return with three points from today’s match.

Bahçetepe also commented on the recent management changes at Fenerbahçe, noting that it had slightly reduced the tension surrounding the derby. He underscored that Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray derbies rank among Türkiye’s most intense, high-stakes, and action-packed matches, and stressed that the atmosphere would inevitably rise once the teams stepped onto the pitch. Bahçetepe said his only wish was for no injuries or negative incidents to occur on the field and for no refereeing errors to take place. He reiterated that victory was their goal and that they remained confident of securing three points.

Galatasaray fans (AA)

Pre-Match Statements

Okan Buruk’s Remarks

Okan Buruk stated that the match was being followed by the entire country and emphasized that calmness shown on the road would be reciprocated. He referred to the congested match schedule during the week and explained his decision to select Lemina based on the player’s physical readiness. He confirmed that Yunus, Berkan, Kaan, and Osimhen had been included in the starting lineup.

Domenico Tedesco’s Remarks

Domenico Tedesco said his team had analyzed past derbies but stressed that their focus was solely on their own performance. He emphasized that tactics would play a limited role in this match and that energy and club spirit would be decisive factors.

Mert Hakan Yandaş’s Remarks

Mert Hakan Yandaş acknowledged the high expectations of the fans and noted a positive atmosphere within the team. He stated that the derby did not require additional motivation.

Arda Ünyay’s Remarks

Arda Ünyay said he had been unable to experience the derby atmosphere last season due to injury and expressed the team’s aim to continue their current winning streak. He added that he was ready to make the most of any opportunity given to him.

Before the Match

Pre-Match Tension

Shortly before kickoff, tension arose on the pitch between the two teams. A dispute between Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen and Fenerbahçe goalkeeper İrfan Can Eğribayat escalated, drawing in other players and coaching staff. Security personnel intervened to defuse the situation, allowing preparations to resume as normal.

Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray match before kickoff (AA)

Tribune Atmosphere and Choreographies

A unique atmosphere was created in the stands before the derby. Fenerbahçe supporters in the Fenerium and behind-the-goal areas unveiled a large-scale choreography, accompanied by light displays that transformed the stadium into a visual spectacle. This organized display added a visual richness to the start of the derby.

Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray match choreography (AA)

Protocol and Notable Attendees

Among the dignitaries watching the derby from the stands was former Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç, who was seated alongside former general secretary Burak Kızılhan and Chobani’s founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya.

Under-19 Team Derby

On matchday, the two clubs’ under-19 teams also faced each other. Fenerbahçe won 2-0 at the Dereağzı Facilities, with goals scored by Ercüment Sancaklı in the 8th minute and Haydar Karataş in the 88th minute.

Match Summary

First Half

The first half of the match between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray in Kadıköy during the 14th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig was a high-tempo, intense contest marked by constant positional pressure from both sides. Galatasaray created their first threat in the 23rd minute when Victor Osimhen headed a shot toward goal from inside the penalty area. Three minutes later, Fenerbahçe came close to scoring after Gabriel Sara fired a powerful shot from outside the box, but the ball narrowly missed the target. In the 27th minute, Galatasaray took the lead through a precise strike from Leroy Sané, who cut in from the left flank of the penalty area.

Following the goal, Fenerbahçe increased their pressure in search of an equalizer, but a goal they scored was later disallowed after a VAR review. In the latter stages of the first half, Galatasaray remained dominant: in the 42nd minute, Asensio attempted a close-range shot from a cross by Semedo but failed to direct it on target. In stoppage time, Fenerbahçe had another chance as Asensio’s long-range effort in the 45+4 minute drifted just wide. The first half ended with Galatasaray leading 1-0.

Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray match (AA)

Second Half

The second half of the match was characterized by increased tempo and a clear determination from both teams to secure a decisive result. Play alternated between Galatasaray’s transitional attacks and Fenerbahçe’s set-piece efforts, with both sides creating multiple goal-scoring opportunities.

The first dangerous attack of the second half came from Galatasaray in the 49th minute. Victor Osimhen, receiving a pass from Sané, struck a powerful shot from the right diagonal outside the penalty area; goalkeeper Ederson stretched out to divert the ball into the corner. Galatasaray threatened again in the 60th minute when Sanchez, advancing into the penalty area from the right after a pass from Osimhen, delivered the ball into the goal area, where Sané struck it forcefully; however, Skriniar intervened at the last moment to clear the danger with a corner kick.

Fenerbahçe earned a chance from a free kick in the 85th minute after Fred was fouled; Anderson Talisca directed the free kick straight toward the goal. The Brazilian player’s shot went over the crossbar. Three minutes later, in the 88th minute, Galatasaray created a strong opportunity: Alvarez, receiving a pass from Brown, broke away from his marker and fired a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Uğurcan prevented a goal.

In the 90th minute, Fenerbahçe generated another threat from a corner won on the left flank: Oğuz Aydın’s cross into the goal area was met with a powerful header by Skriniar, who rose well but sent the ball just over the crossbar. The home side found the goal they sought in the 90+5th minute. Levent Mercan, collecting the ball on the left wing, delivered a cross into the penalty area; Jhon Durán rose above the defense and headed the ball past goalkeeper Uğurcan on the left side into the net, equalizing the score at 1-1.

No further goals were scored in the remaining time of the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray match (AA)

Post-Match Statements

Domenico Tedesco’s Remarks

Fenerbahçe head coach Domenico Tedesco made statements following the Galatasaray derby.

"Today we did many things well. In the first half we wanted to start the match simply, as we experienced against Beşiktaş. We aimed to let Galatasaray defend our long balls during the first 10 to 15 minutes on their own ground. We did this effectively, but the reason we fell behind was a personal action by Sané. We completely controlled the game in the second half."

"We are playing against Galatasaray, not some ordinary team. I do not believe they controlled the game during this period. We did our very best. Sometimes you control the game, sometimes you do not."

Domenico Tedesco (AA)

Okan Buruk’s Remarks

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk made statements following the Fenerbahçe derby.

"Let us not overanalyze the match. Everyone saw what happened today. Everyone saw what occurred on the pitch. There is little need for extensive evaluation. We saved ourselves. Kazım’s eyes were blind. Two of our players could have broken their legs."

Okan Buruk (AA)

Fenerbahçe Players’ Remarks

Fred, in his post-match assessment, said he has now completed his third year with Fenerbahçe and views the club as family. Fred noted that reaching his 100th appearance for the team holds special meaning for him and expressed his view that the game was frequently interrupted and that the added time was too short. The Brazilian player emphasized his pride in the team, stating they are united in pursuing the same goal and will continue giving their all in the championship race despite earning only one point.

İsmail Yüksek, in his post-match statement, highlighted the difficulty of the match and stated that while they wanted to win against the league leaders, their first-half performance did not reflect their true standard. Yüksek said they showed their real game in the second half and expressed confidence that their last-minute goal would be a sign of better days ahead. The young player noted that the choreography prepared by the fans was impressive and said he was disappointed not to have secured the three points but was proud of his team’s effort throughout the 90 minutes. He explained that in the first half they struggled to retain possession and often resorted to long balls, but in the second half they took full control of the game and produced a much more productive performance. Finally, he congratulated both teams and the referee for the competitive match.

Jhon Durán, in his post-match assessment, said he did not see himself as a hero but simply as someone working to contribute to his team. The young footballer emphasized that every player gave their best on the pitch and noted that derbies are always difficult; he recalled that they won their first derby but drew this one. Durán expressed his satisfaction at being able to help the team and said the result obtained was important.

Statements from Galatasaray Players

Leroy Sané, in his statement, described the draw as “a good result for us” and pointed out that they emerged in a stronger position than their opponent in an away derby. Sané said they played well in the first half and started the second half effectively, but acknowledged that the goal they conceded late changed the scoreline. Nevertheless, he expressed satisfaction at not losing. The German player added that the second half was more challenging as the opponent increased their intensity, and emphasized that he greatly enjoys football in Türkiye and finds playing in front of his own fans at home particularly special.

Kazımcan Karataş, in evaluating the match, said they did not compete on the pitch with just 11 players but with millions of fans beside them. Emphasizing the team’s confidence with the phrase “We came as leaders, we leave as leaders,” Kazımcan stated his belief that the team will win the championship by the end of the season. The young player highlighted that even in an away match, the fans made them feel as if they were at home and thanked them for their support.

Uğurcan Çakır, in his post-match remarks, said the last-minute goal caused disappointment and that he believed Galatasaray had been closer to winning. Çakır noted that the majority of the match was under their control and pointed out that Fenerbahçe failed to create any clear chances. The experienced goalkeeper stressed that they arrived at the match as leaders and returned as leaders, and said they were generally satisfied with the outcome.