Konyaspor Outlasts Başakşehir in Six-Pointer: Bardhi's Red Card Turns the Tide

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 57/100. Despite Başakşehir's 70% possession stranglehold, Konyaspor held firm to claim a 2-1 victory that proved possession means nothing without precision in the final third.

Early Strikes Set the Tone

Konyaspor struck with purpose from the opening whistle. Alassane Ndao swept home from Muleka's delivery at 16 minutes, and the hosts appeared to be cruising when Opoku's own goal at 45 minutes gifted Konyaspor a commanding 2-0 lead into the break. The intensity of Konyaspor's early pressure had already shifted the match's balance decisively in their favour.

Shomurodov's Reply and the Turning Point

Başakşehir emerged with renewed purpose. Eldor Shomurodov reduced the deficit at 57 minutes, courtesy of Crespo's assist, reigniting hopes of an improbable comeback. The visitors peppered Konyaspor's goal with 17 shots—yet only 4 found the target, a damning indictment of their wastefulness. Then came the moment that decided everything: at 65 minutes, Enis Bardhi received his marching orders for a foul, and Başakşehir's numerical disadvantage proved insurmountable.

Possession Without Purpose

This match epitomised the gap between dominance and effectiveness. Başakşehir controlled 70% of the ball, corralled 11 corners, and unleashed 30 combined shots across both teams. Yet Konyaspor's clinical finishing—5 shots on target from just 13 attempts—exposed the visitors' bluntness. The lead changed hands twice, but Bardhi's expulsion at 65 minutes was the decisive blow. With 25 minutes to play down to 10 men, Başakşehir's elaborate build-up play crumbled. Konyaspor's defence, suddenly emboldened, held firm to secure three crucial points in the title race.