Rizespor
Trabzonspor snatched a 4-3 victory from the jaws of defeat in a Süper Lig classic against Rizespor, mounting a sensational second-half comeback after trailing 2-0 in Round 9 of the Turkish top flight. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Franculino’s late winner sealing a dramatic turnaround for the visitors.
Rizespor’s Early Dominance
Rizespor roared out of the gates, taking the lead in the 12th minute through Gennaro Borrelli, who latched onto a precise pass and slotted home calmly. The home side doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Borrelli struck again, this time benefiting from Adedire Mebude’s pinpoint assist. The first half saw Rizespor in control, with 47% possession and six shots on target, leaving Trabzonspor shell-shocked.
Trabzonspor’s Second-Half Resurgence
Trabzonspor emerged from the break with renewed vigor. Mehmet Kabasakal kickstarted the comeback in the 49th minute, finishing off Ernest Muci’s clever pass. Just two minutes later, Aral Şimşir leveled the score with another Muci-assisted goal. The momentum swung decisively Trabzonspor’s way in the 57th minute when Franculino found the net, completing a rapid-fire trio of goals.
Back-and-Forth Drama
Rizespor refused to go quietly, with Qazim Laci equalizing in the 68th minute after another assist from Mebude. The home fans roared, believing their side could salvage a point. But Franculino had other ideas, netting the winner in the 83rd minute, once again set up by the influential Muci, who finished the match with three assists.
What This Means
This thrilling victory propels Trabzonspor up the Süper Lig table, showcasing their resilience and attacking firepower. For Rizespor, the heartbreak of surrendering a two-goal lead will sting, but their performance against a strong opponent offers hope for the season ahead. Both teams will look to build on this clash as the Süper Lig campaign continues into Round 10.
Key Moments
12′ ⚽ Rizespor — G. Borrelli
32′ ⚽ Rizespor — G. Borrelli (assist: A. Mebude)
49′ ⚽ Trabzonspor — M. Kabasakal (assist: E. Muci)
51′ ⚽ Trabzonspor — A. Simsir (assist: E. Muci)
