Analysis The numbers behind the result
Trabzonspor edged seven-goal thriller with superior xG
Trabzonspor deserved their 4-3 victory, outperforming Rizespor on expected goals (2.63 to 1.81) despite near-even possession (53% to 47%) and identical corner counts (4 each). The visitors' clinical second-half turnaround – netting three goals between the 49th and 57th minutes – was powered by Ernest Muçi's two assists and Franculino's brace, converting 57% of their 7 shots on target compared to Rizespor's 50% conversion from 6 on target.
Gennaro Borrelli's first-half double (12', 32') for Rizespor masked defensive vulnerabilities, with Trabzonspor dominating shots inside the box (13 to 6). Muçi's creative influence (3 assists) proved decisive, particularly in the 83rd-minute winner for Franculino. The xG gap (+0.82) ultimately reflected Trabzonspor's superior chance quality, with both goalkeepers equally culpable (goals prevented: -0.93 each).