The Turkish footballing world eagerly awaits the Turkcell Super Cup Final on Saturday, as arch-rivals Besiktas and Galatasaray lock horns for the coveted trophy.
The clash at Atatürk Olympic Stadium will see Galatasaray, the reigning Süper Lig champions, face off against Besiktas, victors of the Ziraat Turkish Cup. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 pm local time.
The match promises a thrilling encounter between two sides desperate to begin the new season with silverware. Besiktas, under fire for failing to live up to expectations last season, will be looking to make a fresh start under new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
With a revamped squad boasting key additions like Gabriel Paulista, Rafa Silva, Ciro Immobile, and young talent Can Keles, the Black Eagles are determined to impress their fans. Besiktas has previously lifted the Super Cup twice, defeating Galatasaray in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2006, and Antalyaspor on penalties in Doha, Qatar, in 2022.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray, having secured their 24th Süper Lig title with a record-breaking 102 points last season, are aiming for an eighth Super Cup triumph. Manager Okan Buruk has retained the core of his championship-winning side, bolstering their ranks with Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi and Danish right-back Elias Jelert. Despite the departures of Tete, Tanguy Ndombele, Carlos Vinicius, and Serge Aurier, Galatasaray remain a formidable force.
Both teams have undergone intensive pre-season preparation, with Besiktas recording three wins, two draws, and one defeat in their six friendly matches. Youngster Mustafa Erhan Hekimoglu, 17, impressed during training camp and pre-season games, while 18-year-old Semih Kilicsoy is also expected to make a significant impact this year.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, have participated in five pre-season friendlies, achieving two victories and suffering three defeats. The team showcased promising attacking potential, with goals coming from Dries Mertens, Hakim Ziyech, and new signing Batshuayi. Key forward Mauro Icardi has recovered from injury and appears ready to contribute significantly.
The upcoming match marks the 356th encounter between Besiktas and Galatasaray, a rivalry spanning decades. Galatasaray holds a slight edge in the head-to-head statistics, having won 127 matches compared to Besiktas' 114, with 114 draws. Galatasaray also boasts a superior goalscoring record, with 496 goals to Besiktas' 464.
This will be the third Super Cup encounter between the two clubs. Besiktas emerged victorious in the first meeting in 2006, while Galatasaray triumphed in the 2016 final after a tense penalty shootout.
As these two titans of Turkish football prepare to do battle once again, anticipation is high among supporters for a captivating and fiercely contested game. Both sides are eager to claim the Super Cup, laying the groundwork for a successful season ahead.
