Analysis The numbers behind the result
Genclerbirligi defy Fenerbahce's dominance with clinical edge
Fenerbahce's 3.27 xG and 71% possession pointed towards a comfortable victory, but Genclerbirligi's clinical finishing secured a 2-1 win against the run of play. Despite having just 29% possession and only 10 total shots (3 on target), Genclerbirligi converted two of their three key chances, with Franco Tongya (37') and Ogulcan Ulgun (56') capitalising on assists from Sekou Koita and Abdurrahim Dursun. Fenerbahce, meanwhile, dominated the shot count (29 total, 11 on target) but only Talisca (13') could find the net, as 10 blocked shots and an inspired goalkeeping display from Irfan Can Eğribayat (10 saves) kept them at bay.
Genclerbirligi's defensive resilience was key, with their 4-4-2 formation absorbing pressure and limiting Fenerbahce's clear-cut opportunities after Talisca's early goal. Fenerbahce's substitutions in the second half failed to alter the momentum, and despite their superiority in corners (12 vs 1), they lacked the precision to break through. The decisive stat was Fenerbahce's 3.27 xG vs Genclerbirligi's 1.18 – a clear indicator of their wastefulness in front of goal.