Talisca's hat-trick propels Fenerbahce's 4-1 victory

Anderson Talisca scored three goals as Fenerbahce defeated Trabzonspor 4-1 in a pivotal Super Lig match at Ulker Stadium on Sunday, reducing the gap with league leaders Galatasaray to just three points.

After falling behind to a Denis Dragus goal late in the first half, Fenerbahce mounted an impressive second-half comeback with Talisca leading the charge, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick for the Istanbul club in league play this season.

Mourinho’s decision to bring on Talisca at halftime proved decisive as the Brazilian midfielder transformed the match with his attacking presence.

“In our team, we never exclude players from the squad as punishment or based on performance. Decisions need to be made. I made this decision today because I thought we needed fresher players.” Mourinho said before the match, explaining his squad selection strategy.

Trabzonspor took the lead in the 49th minute of the first half when Dragus finished a well-orchestrated attack, converting a pass from Simon Banza after Zubkov’s clever play on the right wing.

Mert Muldur (L) of Fenerbahce in action against Oleksandr Zubkov (R) of Trabzonspor during the Turkish Super Lig week 30 football match between Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye on April 6, 2025. (AA Photo)

Talisca’s substitution changes the fate of the match

The hosts came out with renewed determination after the break, and the introduction of Talisca immediately changed the dynamics. The Brazilian converted a penalty in the 51st minute after VAR determined Osayi Samuel had been fouled inside the box.

In the 64th minute, Talisca struck again, finishing off a cross from Saint-Maximin with a clinical left-footed strike. Milan Skriniar added a third goal in the 60th minute, capitalizing on good teamwork following a set piece.

Talisca completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute with a spectacular strike from the edge of the box, curling the ball into the net after a deflection from Sebastian Szymanski’s cross.

The victory sees Fenerbahce close the gap on Galatasaray, who were on a bye week after losing to Besiktas in their previous match. With 68 points from 28 matches, Fenerbahce has reignited the title race with eight games remaining in the season.

Trabzonspor, under new coach Fatih Tekke, remains in 10th place with 36 points and saw their hopes of building on their recent away victory against RAMS Basaksehir dashed.

The match was officiated by referee Mehmet Turkmen, with Polish official Daniel Stefanski serving as VAR referee.