Fatih Karagümrük 0 - 2 FT Göztepe

Göztepe's Masterclass: Karaçümrük's Relegation Alarm Sounds

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 35/100. Fatih Karaçümrük's possession-heavy approach crumbled against Göztepe's ruthless counter-attacking, exposing a season-defining vulnerability for a side in free fall.

Possession Without Purpose

Fatih Karaçümrük dominated the ball—65% possession, 437 passes—yet created nothing of substance. Eleven shots attempted, only two on target. The balance of control meant nothing when clinical finishing was absent. Jure Balkovec's commanding defensive display couldn't mask the team's creative void. Every Göztepe counter-attack, by contrast, carried a dagger's edge.

Göztepe's Surgical Efficiency

Göztepe operated on 35% possession and 1.71 expected goals (xG)—a masterclass in economy. Janderson orchestrated the opening: a perfectly weighted pass to Junior Olaitan in the 40th minute for the opener. Sixty-five minutes in, Janderson finished the job himself from A. Cherni's delivery. Two goals from two clinical moments—the antithesis of Karaçümrük's wastefulness.

The Relegation Narrative Deepens

This loss crystallizes Karaçümrük's nightmare start: three games, zero points, zero goals scored, seven conceded. They sit 18th, adrift in a relegation battle. Göztepe, meanwhile, sits 4th with seven points and a perfect defensive record (zero goals conceded). The stakes couldn't be starker. Karaçümrük must reverse course immediately—another defeat and the psychological weight becomes unbearable. This wasn't just a loss; it was a statement of intent from a side climbing while another drowns.

Karagümrük fight for survival, Göztepe smell blood

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 26/100. This is a survival test for Fatih Karagümrük and a statement chance for Göztepe to cement themselves in the top bracket.

The Setup

On 22 August 2025, this Süper Lig Round 3 clash already carries the feel of a relegation battle for the home side. The league table tells the story: two clubs heading in opposite directions.

Göztepe have dropped points rarely, losing only 2 of 14, collecting 26 points and building a double-digit goal difference. They look settled, structured and confident – the kind of early-season Form that usually underpins a top-half campaign.

Fatih Karagümrük are the mirror image. Ten defeats in 14, just 8 points and a -13 goal difference outline a side that crumbles in key moments. They concede too easily, chase games too often and live permanently under pressure. Here, though, they have one thing in their favour: home crowd energy and the freedom – or necessity – to take risks in a direct rival’s visit.

On paper, the Balance is clearly tilted towards Göztepe. They have the better structure, the cleaner defensive record and more ways to create chances. But the Stakes for Karagümrük are enormous: drop this at home, and the psychological weight of the relegation fight grows even heavier.

Key Battle

One duel could shape the entire evening down Göztepe’s right. For Fatih Karagümrük, left-sider Çağtay Kurukalıp must juggle containment and support. He needs to lock his flank defensively yet still offer an outlet when Karagümrük break. Opposite him, Malcom Bokele arrives as Göztepe’s in-form threat: 1 goal in 2 matches, with an impressive 7.7 average rating. When he drifts inside, he can drag markers out of shape and open lanes for runners. If Kurukalıp loses that duel, Karagümrük’s already fragile back line could be stretched beyond breaking point.

Our Prediction

Expect Karagümrük to start cautiously, lines compact, trying to avoid an early punch. Göztepe will patiently circulate, probing especially down Bokele’s side, waiting for cracks to appear. Once the visitors edge in front, the home side will be forced to open up, committing more bodies forward and leaving space behind. That’s where Göztepe’s composure and superior organisation should decide it. Prediction: Fatih Karagümrük 1-2 Göztepe, with the decisive moments coming after the hour as the game stretches.