Super League leader Fenerbahçe ends year with Kayseri game

ISTANBUL

Fenerbahçe’s stunning run, was interrupted last week, when it suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kardemir Karabükspor. AA Photo

Already confirmed as Turkey’s winter champion, Fenerbahçe could well extend its dominance heading into the break when it faces relegation-threatened Kayserispor on Dec. 29.

The Yellow Canaries, who can comfortably gaze down on their challengers from a distance, have collected 38 points from 16 games, dropping only 10 points all season so far. The Istanbul giants could heap more misery on the team from Central Anatolia, with Kayserispor currently four points adrift from safety.

Second-placed Kasımpaşa has 31 points, while the other Istanbul giants, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş, have 30 and 29, respectively.

Fenerbahçe’s stunning run, however, was interrupted last week, when it suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kardemir Karabükspor, who continued a mastery over the Istanbul side that belies its comparatively modest league position. The defeat, Fenerbahçe’s first since a first-week defeat at Torku Konyaspor, gave hope to other contenders, who cut the gap behind the top.
Earlier on Dec. 29, Trabzonspor hosts Karabük.

Kasımpaşa and Beşiktaş were both set to play late Dec. 27, with Beşiktaş visiting Gençlerbirliği and Kasımpaşa welcoming Akhisar Belediye Gençlik.

Galatasaray entertains Kayseri 'bis'

Galatasaray will face Kayseri Erciyesspor on Dec. 28. After a hard-fought victory over Trabzonspor last week, the Lions will try to maintain their momentum in the final round of the year.

Also on Dec. 28, Elazığspor hosts Çaykur Rizespor in a game between two relegation battlers. Gaziantepspor, enjoying a rebirth after the appointment of former football star Sergen Yalçın as head coach, hosts Bursaspor on the same day.

The second part of the Super League campaign will start on Jan. 24, 2014.