Penalty Theatrics Leave Konya and Rize Deadlocked

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 33/100. Two Süper Lig strugglers locked in a relegation battle squandered the chance to ease their crisis with a 1-1 draw that leaves both marooned in the basement.

Rize Strike First

The intensity tilted towards Rizespor in the opening period. In the 45+1st minute, Queta Laci's delivery found Serdar Akaydin, who punished a moment of Konya's defensive lethargy. Rize controlled proceedings with 52% possession and 11 shots, dictating the rhythm until the interval.

Nayir's Golden Moment

The turning point arrived in the 66th minute. A foul in Konyaspor's attacking third awarded a penalty. Umut Nayir stepped up and fired low past the goalkeeper, restoring parity with clinical precision. Nayir's 7.9 rating underscored his role as Konya's sole attacking outlet. Pedrinho's two key passes hinted at creative intent, but Konya lacked the sniper's touch in the final third.

Fractured Balance

The balance of this contest swung wildly. Rize accumulated 12 fouls and three yellow cards, reflecting a more combative approach. Konya's 80% pass accuracy (335 of 418) masked their impotence in the box—only two goals from limited clear-cut chances. Konya's 1.34 xG versus Rize's 0.77 exposed a familiar pattern: Konya created more but converted less.

Konya's form line (D-L-D-L-L) and Rize's wobble (D-L-L-D-W) continue to define their seasons. Konya sit 11th on 16 points; Rize 12th on 15 points after 15 games. This draw offers temporary respite from the relegation vice, but both must find wins to escape the basement before the campaign concludes.