Fenerbahçe secured a dominant 4-0 victory against Sivasspor, climbing to second place in the Turkish Süper Lig despite coach José Mourinho’s absence due to suspension.
Fenerbahçe delivered a commanding 4-0 win against Sivasspor on Sunday, despite the absence of head coach José Mourinho, who was serving a suspension.
This victory, part of the 12th round of the Turkish Süper Lig, saw Fenerbahçe rise to second place in the league standings, trailing only Galatasaray. The result showcased the team’s depth and resilience, especially given the circumstances surrounding Mourinho’s suspension.
The Portuguese manager, known for his fiery demeanor, was dismissed during Fenerbahçe’s previous league match against Trabzonspor. The incident occurred in stoppage time, following a controversial decision by the referee that prompted a strong reaction from Mourinho. As a result, he faced a touchline ban, leaving assistant coach João Sacramento to take charge for the fixture against Sivasspor. Despite Mourinho’s absence on the sidelines, Fenerbahçe displayed tactical discipline and attacking fluidity, qualities that have become hallmarks of the team since his appointment.
The match kicked off with Fenerbahçe setting the tempo early on, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Sivasspor, struggling near the bottom of the league table, had difficulty containing the dynamic play of Fenerbahçe’s midfield, led by the experienced Dusan Tadic. It was no surprise when Fenerbahçe broke the deadlock in the 24th minute through Serdar Akaydin. The defender, who had pushed forward for a corner, found himself unmarked and calmly slotted the ball into the net after a precise cross from Ferdi Kadıoğlu.
This early goal allowed Fenerbahçe to take control of the game, and they never looked back. Sivasspor attempted to mount a response but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Their best chance came in the 30th minute, but a long-range effort was comfortably saved by Fenerbahçe’s goalkeeper Altay Bayındır, who had little to do throughout the match. Fenerbahçe’s defensive line, marshaled by Akaydin and Sebastian Szymański, was solid, allowing Sivasspor few clear chances.
The second half saw Fenerbahçe increase the pressure, and they were soon rewarded with a penalty in the 53rd minute. The ever-reliable Dusan Tadic stepped up to take the spot-kick after Irfan Can Kahveci was brought down inside the box. Tadic, with his signature composure, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, doubling Fenerbahçe’s lead. The Serbian playmaker has been instrumental for the Istanbul side this season, contributing both goals and assists in crucial moments.
With a two-goal cushion, Fenerbahçe continued to dominate possession, dictating the pace of the game. Sivasspor, visibly deflated after conceding the penalty, struggled to regain their composure. Fenerbahçe took advantage of their opponent’s disorganization, launching swift counter-attacks. In the 82nd minute, Sofyan Amrabat, who had been a dominant force in midfield, added his name to the scoresheet. The Moroccan international picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful strike into the bottom corner, leaving the Sivasspor goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The final stages of the match were played at a slower pace, with Fenerbahçe content to control the ball and see out the victory. However, there was still time for one last moment of brilliance. In stoppage time, Allan Saint-Maximin capped off a superb team performance with a stunning solo goal. The French winger picked up the ball near the halfway line, dribbled past two defenders with ease, and finished clinically into the far corner, making it 4-0. It was a fitting end to a dominant display by Fenerbahçe, and the fans at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium erupted in celebration.
This comprehensive win not only boosts Fenerbahçe’s confidence but also solidifies their position as serious contenders in the title race. The three points lifted them above Samsunspor, who suffered a defeat earlier in the day against league leaders Galatasaray. Fenerbahçe now sits on 26 points, just five points behind Galatasaray, who have amassed 31 points after 12 rounds. The victory also underscores the strength of Mourinho’s squad, capable of delivering results even without their charismatic manager on the touchline.
Fenerbahçe’s performance has been one of the highlights of the Turkish league this season. Under Mourinho’s guidance, the team has adopted a more aggressive style of play, characterized by high pressing, quick transitions, and clinical finishing. The arrival of key players like Tadic and Saint-Maximin has added both creativity and firepower, making Fenerbahçe a formidable opponent for any team in the league.
Looking ahead, Fenerbahçe faces a crucial period with a challenging fixture list, including matches against title rivals and tough away trips. Mourinho is expected to return to the bench for their next match, and his presence will be a welcome boost for the players. The Portuguese manager’s experience and tactical acumen will be vital as Fenerbahçe aims to close the gap on Galatasaray and keep their title hopes alive.
For Sivasspor, the defeat marks another setback in what has been a difficult season. The team remains stuck in the lower half of the table, and coach Rıza Çalımbay will need to address the defensive frailties that have plagued them in recent matches. Their inability to handle Fenerbahçe’s attacking threats exposed deeper issues within the squad that must be resolved if they are to avoid a relegation battle.
Overall, it was a statement victory for Fenerbahçe, showing that they are very much in the hunt for the Turkish Süper Lig title. With a squad full of talent and a manager of Mourinho’s caliber, they have the potential to challenge Galatasaray’s dominance and make this season one of the most competitive in recent history. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Fenerbahçe can maintain this momentum and mount a serious challenge for the top spot.
