Fenerbahce’s stunning comeback seals 3-2 victory over Rizespor
Milan Skriniar (37) of Fenerbahce celebrates a goal during the Turkish Super lig week 22 football match between Fenerbahce and Caykur Rizespor at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 02, 2025. (AA Photo)
Fenerbahce mounted a thrilling comeback to defeat Caykur Rizespor 3-2 in a dramatic Turkish Super Lig clash on Sunday.
Played at Fenerbahce‘s home ground, Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, the hosts overcame an early deficit to secure a vital victory.
Rizespor started the match strongly, taking a 2-0 lead with two goals from Ali Sowe in the 6th and 13th minutes.
Fenerbahce’s Milan Skriniar scored in the 42nd minute, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review.
After falling 2-0 behind, Fenerbahce pushed forward. A penalty by Edin Dzeko in the 45+8th minute reduced the deficit to 2-1 just before halftime, with Rizespor holding on with 10 men.
Fenerbahce finds decisive victory in 2nd half
In the second half, Fenerbahce dominated possession, spending most of the game in the opponent’s half, but missed several opportunities. Dzeko hit the post twice in the 56th and 76th minutes, Oguz Aydın followed suit in the 77th, and Fenerbahce’s new signing Anderson Talisca, who wore the yellow-navy jersey for the first time also struck the post in the 85th minute.
In the 78th minute, Rachid Ghezzal was sent off, reducing Rizespor to nine players.
In the 79th minute, Fenerbahce’s experienced striker Edin Dzeko scored again to level the match at 2-2, bringing his total to 12 goals in the league this season.
Fenerbahce continued to press, and in the 89th minute, Youssef En-Nesyri found the back of the net to seal the 3-2 win. However, the Moroccan striker, who started the match on a yellow card limit, was sent off after taking off his jersey to celebrate the goal, earning a second yellow card.
With this victory, Fenerbahce secured their 5th consecutive win in the Turkish Super Lig, raising their points total to 51. They cut the gap to 54-point leaders Galatasaray to 3 points, with a match in hand. Meanwhile, Rizespor remained on 27 points.
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