Derby Fire Extinguished: Fenerbahçe's Perfection Meets Başakşehir's Resilience
Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 70/100. This 1-1 draw marks Fenerbahçe's first blemish in an otherwise flawless campaign, while Başakşehir's late equaliser injects life into their relegation fight.
Intensity Unleashed: 28 Shots and Unrelenting Pressure
At Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium, the intensity reached boiling point. A combined barrage of 28 shots—18 from Başakşehir, 10 from Fenerbahçe—turned the pitch into a shooting gallery. The visitors dominated with 48% possession and 13 fouls, yet Başakşehir's 52% control kept them threatening. Milan Škrinar's 64th-minute header, assisted by Marco Asensio, appeared to have settled the contest. Fenerbahçe's defensive wall seemed impenetrable—until it wasn't.
The Upset Factor: Yıldırım's Equaliser Rewrites the Script
Substitute Bertuğ Yıldırım entered the fray at 71 minutes. Ten minutes later, Olivier Kemen's incisive pass found him unmarked, and Yıldırım finished clinically in the 81st minute. The lead had changed hands twice—a balance shift that deflated Fenerbahçe's unbeaten run. With 9 wins and 6 draws from 15 matches, Fenerbahçe's near-perfect season took its first real knock.
Stakes and Title Race Implications
Fenerbahçe sit second on 33 points, 19 clear of Başakşehir in ninth place with 17. This draw stalls the title race momentum. Başakşehir, fighting relegation, secured a point that feels like a victory—proof that even in the depths of a difficult season, the Istanbul Derby offers no guarantees. The upset factor was real: a nine-point gap, a second-place side, and a late equaliser that shook the foundations of Fenerbahçe's dominance.
Key Questions
What does this result mean for Başakşehir's season?
A lifeline. Ninth-placed Başakşehir earned a crucial point against the title contenders, boosting morale in their relegation battle and proving they can compete at the highest level.
How did Yıldırım's substitute appearance shift the balance?
Fresh legs and precise finishing. Yıldırım's 81st-minute equaliser broke Fenerbahçe's defensive composure, turning a defeat into a draw and reviving Başakşehir's hopes.
Did derby intensity compromise the quality of play?
Partially. Twenty-eight shots and 18 corners showed aggression, but xG stayed close (1.08 vs 1.10). Derby fire fragmented rhythm but created drama.
What is the Istanbul Derby?
The Istanbul Derby is the rivalry between Başakşehir and Fenerbahçe, a heated local derby that ignites the surrounding area.
Why is this match rated 70/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 70/100 places this match in the "Highly Entertaining" category.