by The highly anticipated Fenerbahçe vs Galatasaray derby on December 1, 2025, ended in a exciting 1-1 draw at Ülker Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi in Istanbul, Türkiye, keeping the Turkish Süper Lig title race intensely competitive.
Match Overview and Final Score
Galatasaray took the lead in the 27th minute through Leroy Sané’s clinical finish, assisted by Barış Alper Yılmaz, putting Fenerbahçe on the back foot early in this fierce Istanbul rivalry clash. Fenerbahçe, however, refused to yield, equalizing dramatically in the 90+5th minute with a powerful header from substitute Jhon Durán, assisted by Levent Mercan, securing a vital point in stoppage time.
The match kicked off at 17:00 UTC, with halftime ending 0-1 in Galatasaray’s favor. Full-time stats showed both teams evenly matched, reflecting the tension of this Intercontinental Derby.
Key Moments and Goals
- 27′ – Galatasaray Goal: Leroy Sané slots home after a precise assist from Barış Alper Yılmaz, giving the visitors a deserved lead following Victor Osimhen’s earlier shot attempts.
- 36′ & 40′ – Fouls: N. Semedo and M. Lemina booked for tactical fouls as the game heated up.
- 54′ – Fenerbahçe Booking: J. Oosterwolde cautioned after a foul on Y. En-Nesyri.
- 62′ – Yellow Card: Barış Alper Yılmaz receives a booking for Galatasaray.
- 63′ – Substitutions: Fenerbahçe brings on Jhon Durán for Y. En-Nesyri; Galatasaray introduces Talisca for K. Akturkoglu.
- 90+5′ – Fenerbahçe Equalizer: Jhon Durán rises highest to head in the late leveller, sparking wild celebrations among the home crowd.
- 90+7′ – Final Change: Berkan Kutlu replaces L. Torreira for Galatasaray.
VAR interventions, including a goal cancellation for Fenerbahçe in added time at halftime, added to the drama, but no penalties were awarded.
Team Lineups and Tactical Breakdown
Fenerbahçe lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with key players like Ederson, Jayden Oosterwolde, and Fred featuring prominently. Galatasaray opted for a 4-2-3-1, relying on stars such as Leroy Sané, Victor Osimhen, and Gabriel.
| Team | Formation | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Fenerbahçe | 4-1-4-1 | Ederson, Oosterwolde, Jhon Durán (sub), Fred |
| Galatasaray | 4-2-3-1 | Leroy Sané, Victor Osimhen, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Talisca (sub) |
Both sides showed attacking intent, with Galatasaray dominating early momentum and Fenerbahçe pushing hard in the second half.
League Standings Impact and What’s Next
The draw leaves Galatasaray atop the Süper Lig with 33 points from 14 games (10 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss), while unbeaten Fenerbahçe sits second with 32 points (9 wins, 5 draws). This result keeps the title race on a knife-edge, with Trabzonspor third on 31 points.
Looking ahead, Galatasaray faces Samsunspor next, and Fenerbahçe hosts Başakşehir, both matches crucial in maintaining their positions.
The Rivalry’s Electric Atmosphere
The Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray derby, known as the Intercontinental Derby, draws massive global attention for its passion and history. Played at the 50,000-capacity Ülker Stadium (also referenced as Chobani Stadium in some sources), this fixture lived up to its billing with end-to-end action and late drama. Fans can relive the highlights via beIN SPORTS coverage.
Despite the point shared, Jhon Durán’s heroics denied Galatasaray a statement win, ensuring the rivalry remains as fierce as ever heading into the winter break.
