Derby Descended Into Chaos: Three Red Cards and VAR Controversy
Average Futmetrix Score: 44/100. The Göztepe-Fenerbahçe clash became less about football and more about indiscipline and officiating drama, with three ejections and a contentious VAR decision overshadowing a scoreless result.
Chaos Before Kickoff: Köybaşı's Pre-Match Red Card
Five minutes before the opening whistle, İsmail Köybaşı was sent off following an argument. The dismissal forced Göztepe to begin with nine men—a handicap that would define the entire encounter. Intensity spiked immediately. Every touch carried tension; every challenge invited suspicion. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the home side pressed forward in the opening half, refusing to surrender to the odds.
Midfield Meltdown: Juan's 61st-Minute Dismissal
At the 61-minute mark, Juan followed Köybaşı down the tunnel. Göztepe was reduced to eight players. Fenerbahçe seized control, dominating possession at 60% and completing 397 passes with 85% accuracy. Yet balance had evaporated. The pitch's geometry shifted; Göztepe retreated into pure survival mode while Fenerbahçe hunted angles and space. The visitors fired 12 shots—only one found the target.
The Final Twist: Oosterwolde's Red and VAR's Verdict
The 85th minute brought a third red card: Jayden Oosterwolde was dismissed for a foul. Three ejections, 24 combined shots, three on target—football became secondary. In the 90+2nd minute, VAR intervened to confirm a penalty decision for Cenk Tosun, igniting fresh debate. Yet the result remained deadlocked. Milan Škriniar earned an 8.0 rating for an outstanding defensive display, but even his solidity couldn't unlock Fenerbahçe's breakthrough. The final whistle sounded 0-0, but the controversy lingered.
Key Questions
How did Köybaşı's red card impact the match?
Göztepe began with nine men, forcing them into a defensive shell for 90 minutes. Attacking intent was sacrificed entirely; survival became the only objective.
What was VAR's decision in the 90+2nd minute?
VAR confirmed a penalty award for Cenk Tosun, but the decision did not alter the final scoreline—0-0 stood as the result.
How did Škriniar perform amid the chaos?
Fenerbahçe's defender earned an 8.0 rating as the match's standout performer, maintaining composure and defensive solidity despite the disorder around him.
Why is this match rated 44/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 44/100 places this match in the "Average" category.
