Galatasaray vs Trabzonspor Derby (1 November 2025)

In the 11th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor faced each other on 1 November 2025 at RAMS Park in Istanbul. The match marked the 141st encounter in the 51-year rivalry between the two historic clubs. The game ended in a goalless draw, with both teams leaving the field with one point each.

Galatasaray - Trabzonspor match (AA)

Pre-Match Preparations and General Situation

Before the match, both clubs were positioned in the upper half of the table after the first quarter of the season. Galatasaray led the league with 28 points from 10 matches, while Trabzonspor stood second with 23 points. Both teams regarded this fixture as one of the decisive encounters in the title race.

Galatasaray had not suffered a defeat in their last 32 official matches at RAMS Park. During this period, the yellow-red team recorded 23 wins and 8 draws across 23 Süper Lig, 5 European cup, 2 Turkish Cup, and 2 UEFA Champions League matches. This streak signified a significant period of stability at home.

At Trabzonspor, a new restructuring process was underway under manager Fatih Tekke. Since the start of the season, the bordeaux-blue team had strengthened its squad with young players and quickly climbed to the top of the table. The primary goal-scoring burden fell on Paul Onuachu and Felipe Augusto. Onuachu led the team with 7 league goals, while Augusto followed with 5. Together, the two players accounted for 12 of the team’s 17 total goals, contributing 70 percent of the goals scored.

Pre-Match Statements

Before the match, Galatasaray’s head coach Okan Buruk and his players adopted a cautious approach against a formidable opponent. Buruk noted that the match would be played at a high tempo and that the opposition excelled particularly in transition play.

Trabzonspor’s head coach Fatih Tekke stated, “We have no easy matches. We are facing one of the most in-form teams in Europe right now. If we break their pressure, we will leave here with three points. We must perform well in every moment to secure victory.” Tekke also emphasized that his team was newly assembled and striving to build a distinct playing identity through a blend of young and experienced players.

History of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor began in the 1974-1975 season when Trabzonspor was promoted to the Süper Lig. As of 2025, the two teams have met in 140 official and friendly matches. Galatasaray has won 65 of these encounters, Trabzonspor 44, and 31 have ended in draws.

In 104 league matches, Galatasaray has secured 47 wins and Trabzonspor 32. In Süper Lig fixtures, Galatasaray has scored 142 goals and Trabzonspor 119. In the 52 league matches played in Istanbul, Galatasaray has won 28, Trabzonspor 12, and 12 have ended in draws.

In recent years, Galatasaray has held the upper hand in this rivalry. After the 0-0 draw in the first half of the 2022-2023 season, Galatasaray won all six subsequent matches against Trabzonspor.

Galatasaray - Trabzonspor match infographic (AA)

Friendship Dinner

Before the match, a traditional friendship dinner was held between the two clubs. Galatasaray Sports Club President Dursun Aydın Özbek and Trabzonspor Club President Ertuğrul Doğan met at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park.

Ertuğrul Doğan said, “President Dursun always hosts us very well. Let it be a match where the better team wins.” Dursun Özbek replied, “Trabzonspor’s president Ertuğrul is one of the important figures in Turkish football. Galatasaray-Trabzonspor matches are always enjoyable. I wish for a clean and beautiful match without injuries.”

Lineups

Galatasaray

Uğurcan Çakır, Sallai, Lemina, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı (85’ Ahmed Kutucu), Torreira, Sara (74’ Jakobs), Leroy Sane, Yunus Akgün (67’ Kaan Ayhan), Barış Alper Yılmaz (74’ Icardi), Osimhen.

Galatasaray starting XI (AA)

Trabzonspor

Onana, Pina, Savic (51’ Rayyan Baniya), Batagov, Mustafa Eskihellaç, Oulai, Folcarelli, Zubkov (83’ Bouchouari), Augusto (76’ Okay Yokuşlu), Muçi (83’ Sikan), Onuachu.

Trabzonspor starting XI (AA)

Match Progression

First Half

Both teams started the match cautiously. The first threat came from Trabzonspor. In the 12th minute, Batagov’s header from a corner kick delivered by Zubkov from the left flank was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır.

In the 15th minute, Galatasaray’s attack involving Osimhen saw a powerful shot from the left corner of the penalty area denied by goalkeeper Onana. In the 21st minute, Torreira’s shot from approximately 20 meters went over the crossbar.

In the 28th minute, Osimhen’s header from a Sara corner kick struck the post and went out for a goal kick. In the 31st minute, Abdülkerim Bardakçı’s long-range shot went wide, grazing the base of the post.

In the remaining minutes of the first half, Galatasaray controlled possession more frequently, while Trabzonspor attempted to threaten on the counterattack. No goals were scored, and the half ended 0-0.

Galatasaray - Trabzonspor match (AA)

Second Half

Trabzonspor started the second half strongly. In the 47th minute, goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır stretched to deny Zubkov’s header from a Muçi cross. In the 61st minute, Osimhen received a pass from Eren Elmalı and laid the ball off to Yunus Akgün, whose shot went wide.

In the 71st minute, Zubkov’s shot struck the post. In the 77th minute, Leroy Sane’s shot on goal was disallowed for offside. In the 80th minute, Galatasaray created consecutive chances. Onana saved Osimhen’s header from a Sane cross, then denied Icardi’s follow-up attempt.

In the final minutes of the match, Trabzonspor focused on defense. In the 90th minute, Bouchouari received a red card for a harsh challenge on Roland Sallai. The score remained unchanged, and the match ended 0-0.

Galatasaray - Trabzonspor match (AA)

Coach Statements

After the match, Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk said:

“We did not start well but improved as the game progressed. Especially in the second half, we fully controlled the match. We moved forward comfortably but lacked technical precision. Our expectation of scoring was higher than our opponent’s. We could have used set pieces better. We cannot criticize the referee’s performance. Turkish referees generally interrupt the game too often. Enough stoppage time was not added at the end, but we will prepare for our match against Ajax.”

Trabzonspor head coach Fatih Tekke stated: “We were the better side in the early part of the first half. We lacked quality in our final passes, but overall we played with courage. Savic’s injury disrupted our balance slightly. We are a newly assembled team, yet we defended well. I am proud of my players.” Tekke added, “Sometimes it is better to remain silent. I am proud of my team. Everyone who came on or off the pitch fought hard. We need support.”

Player Reactions

After the match, Galatasaray’s Barış Alper Yılmaz said: “I congratulate my teammates. We created many chances but failed to score. Fan support has always been important to me. I started from zero and will never give up.”

Uğurcan Çakır, reflecting on playing against his former club Trabzonspor, said: “I am now a Galatasaray player and I want to win every match.” Lucas Torreira added: “We knew Trabzonspor would push us hard. We gave our best, but there are areas we need to improve.”

The match ended 0-0. Galatasaray extended their lead at the top of the table with 29 points, while Trabzonspor remained in second place with 24 points. The bordeaux-blue team finished the match with 10 players.

With this result, Galatasaray maintained their unbeaten position at the summit, while Trabzonspor earned a point away against a strong opponent. Galatasaray will travel to Kocaelispor next week, while Trabzonspor will host Corendon Alanyaspor at home.