Title hopefuls fumble in Super League

ISTANBUL

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Two Istanbul club racing for the championship trophy in the Spor Toto Super League failed to beat their opponents in Week 27 games.

League leader Beşiktaş lost 2-1 to Kasımpaşa on April 4, one day after its closest rival, Fenerbahçe, was held to a goalless draw at home by Osmanlıspor.

Beşiktaş currently leads the league with 63 points, three ahead of Fenerbahçe, which has a game in hand. An Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, postponed on March 20 due to security concerns over a possible terror attack, is scheduled to be played on April 13.

Beşiktaş’s Argentinian midfielder Jose Sosa put his side ahead in the 28th minute against Kasımpaşa. However, the visitors could not celebrate for long as Kasımpaşa’s Venezuelan Yonathan del Valle scored an equalizer right after the kick off.

The home side’s Argentinian midfielder Oscar Scarione scored a second goal in the 49th minute, giving his side a prestigious victory against the city rival.

Beşiktaş coach Şenol Güneş said the early response from Kasımpaşa was the main factor in the loss.
“We were ahead, but an early and unexpected goal affected us,” he told reporters during a post-game press conference. “Not to be able control the game after going ahead cost us dearly.”

The experienced coach said Beşiktaş was still a serious title contender.

“The league competition would continue whether we had lost or won,” he said. ”We will continue to give our best, just like we have done until this far. To compensate this loss, we should win our upcoming games. We are sorry, but giving up is not an option.” 

Elsewhere in the Spor Toto Super League, defending champion Galatasaray’s poor run continued on April 2 with a 4-3 loss at Eskişehirspor, which is fighting to stay in the league. Trabzonspor won 1-0 at Gaziantepspor, while Gençlerbirliği lost 1-0 at home to Torku Konyaspor with a last-minute goal.

Başakşehir continued it good form on April 3 with a solid 3-0 victory against cellar-dweller Mersin İdmanyurdu at home, while Bursaspor won 2-1 at Sivasspor and Antalyaspor was held to a 2-2 draw at home by Akhisar Belediye. 

Çaykur Rizespor and Kayserispor shared the spoils in a goalless game on April 4.

Week 28 of the Spor Toto Super League kicks off on April 8 when Gaziantepspor hosts Sivasspor.