Second Half Goals From Semih Sentürk, Alex Give Fenerbahce Comeback Win Over Galatasaray

A match that started with the hope that Galatasaray supporters would be given a one day sojourn from their nightmare season ended not with an awakening but a downward spiral. Two second half goals from the Yellow Canaries led Fenerbahçe to a comeback victory over their rivals, winning 2-1 at Türk Telekom Arena. The loss sends Galatasaray to a club record 12th league loss while giving Fener a temporary three point lead on Trabzonspor in the Süper Lig.

The match started promising for Galatasaray, who used the energy of their new arena’s first derby to push their opponents on their heels. A strong opening from Lorik Cana neutralized Alex, cut-off the supply line to Mamadou Niang, while allowing Gala to execute Gheorge Hagi’s plan, which appeared to center around attacking Fener left back Andre Santos.

Let’s settle in for a record day in Istanbul, where Turk Telekom Arena is about to host it’s first iteration of the biggest inner-city derby in the world: Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe. The 52,695 seat arena opened in January and is ready for its first main event, where Gala is hoping the home fans set a world record for loudest crowd at a sporting event. Guinness is on notice.

Another mark that could be set tonight would be an unfortunate one: Galatasaray setting a new record for most losses during a league campaign, with their current total of 12 (in 25 matches) already earning a place in the history books. With league-leading Fener taking a nine-match winning streak into today’s contest, Galatasaray is a shocking large underdog in today’s match.

Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahçe -- a thrilling derby, yet one that also presents a challenge. As a Fenerbahçe fan, I know I have no real right to complain, with my club in joint-first place after a nine-game winning streak. I’m not used to following teams that regularly win, and it’s kind of a fun change. But at the same time, following Fenerbahçe is a difficult undertaking. I don’t speak Turkish and it’s difficult to find news, match reports and injury updates without resorting to Google Translate. Often I feel adrift at sea, liking the Yellow Canaries but not always understanding what’s going on.

But at the same time, following the team is rather liberating. Bear with me here. You know how when you’re watching a match and the commentator makes a point, and you find yourself just nodding and agreeing? Or even when you disagree, you’re wasting energy venting about it on Twitter? Well, when you watch a Turkish SuperLig match and all you understand is “goal” and “yellow card”, there’s no side to take. You can’t just parrot what someone else has said and try to pass it off as your own analysis. This is just you, your eyes, and the thoughts rattling around in your head. It’s your call whether Mamadou Niang is playing well, or if Diego Lugano really deserved that sending off.