Analysis The numbers behind the result
Göztepe wasteful as Gençlerbirliği punish missed penalty
Göztepe's failure to convert their dominance into goals handed Gençlerbirliği a narrow 1-0 victory, a result that slightly flattered the visitors. Despite posting a superior xG (2.00 vs 1.52), Göztepe were undone by a missed penalty from Malcom Bokele in the 50th minute and clinical finishing from Sekou Koita, who capitalized on his side's first clear opportunity moments later. Göztepe's 16 total shots, including 13 inside the box, underscored their attacking intent, but Gençlerbirliği's goalkeeper, İrfan Can Eğribayat, made six crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
Tactically, Göztepe's slight edge in possession (51%) translated into more chances, but their inability to convert left them vulnerable to a counterattack. Gençlerbirliği, while less proactive in attack, proved more decisive, with Koita's 51st-minute strike proving the difference. Göztepe's higher number of corners (7 vs 5) and shots inside the box (13 vs 8) highlighted their territorial advantage, but their finishing let them down. Ultimately, Göztepe's 2.00 xG without scoring tells the story of a game defined by missed opportunities and clinical counterattacking.