Leader Başakşehir remains comfortable as Turkish Super League resumes
ISTANBUL
The Turkish Super League resumes after a two-week break due to a national team campaign followed by the local elections in the country, with leader Başakşehir taking on Konyaspor on April 7.
As it reigns over Turkey’s top-tier league, Başakşehir is comfortable with 58 points, six more than its closest challenger Galatasaray.
In the closing day of match week 26, Başakşehir was held by a draw against Kayserispor away, escaping a loss thanks to a penalty goal that came on the seventh minute of the injury time.
At home, Galatasaray will face Yeni Malatyaspor on April 6, days after a goalless draw with the Anatolian side in the Turkey Cup semi-final first leg game at home.
The Lions missed the opportunity on April 2 to capitalize on the advantage of playing at home, with Malatyaspor coach Erol Bulut saying after the game that they were the side that missed a win.
Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim, for his side, admitted after the game that they did not deserve to win.
“We could not end attacks properly, with wrong choices in the final passes. Our crosses were not correct,” he said, applauding their rival for a tough defense.
On March 8, third-spot Beşiktaş will play against Rizespor in an away match. The Istanbul team now has 47 points and is looking for a Champions League qualification spot, as its title hopes are tied to miracles.
He did not miss a chance to criticize referees for showing many yellow and red cards for his players.
Galatasaray will miss its midfielders Christian Luyindama and Badou Ndiaye against Malatya.
Another Istanbul giant, Fenerbahçe, will play against Ankaragücü in an away match in the Turkish capital on April 7. The struggling Yellow Canaries have been suffering the worst season in their history, with only seven wins in 26 outings. Fenerbahçe is now at the 13th place with 31 points, 27 points away from the top spot.
Elsewhere, Sivasspor will take on Kayseri on April 6 when Bursaspor visits Alanyaspor.
On April 7, İzmir’s Göztepe will play at home against cellar-dweller Akhisarspor.
