Maxim's Golden Strike: Gaziantep Stuns Genclerbirligi in the Dying Moments

Pflichttermin Futmetrix-Wertung: 91/100. Gaziantep's 71% possession dominance culminated in Alexandru Maxim's 90th-minute penalty—a clinical finish that transformed an otherwise balanced contest into a must-watch thriller.

Early Shock, Late Redemption

Genclerbirligi struck first when Žan Žužek pounced on a quick counter in the 8th minute, converting Gurpuz's assist with clinical precision. For 36 minutes, the visitors held the advantage. But Gaziantep's relentless intensity proved suffocating. Deian Sorescu equalised on 44 minutes from Maxim's assist, restoring equilibrium as the first half closed.

Control and Penalty Drama

The second period belonged entirely to Gaziantep. A 25-7 shot advantage and 71% possession created an attacking siege that Genclerbirligi could barely repel. Fourteen corners and 503 passes illustrated the home side's relentless pressure. Yet the breakthrough remained elusive until the 90th minute, when Michał Nalepa was shown a straight red for a foul. In the same breath, Maxim converted the resulting penalty, restoring balance in the cruelest fashion. Genclerbirligi's faint hopes evaporated with their man's dismissal.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Gaziantep's 88% pass accuracy and 25 total shots painted a picture of dominance thwarted by poor finishing until the penalty arrived. Genclerbirligi's 29% possession and five-man defensive shape proved effective until the numerical disadvantage. Six yellows and one red testified to the match's intensity. Gaziantep's 2.52 xG underlined that the win was no fluke—it was a consequence of relentless pressure finally rewarded.