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The matchday ten of the Turkish Super League between Galatasaray and Göztepe, held on October 26, 2025, at RAMS Park, ended with a 3-1 home victory.
Göztepe took the lead with a goal from E. Bekiroğlu in the 6th minute, putting the visitors ahead at halftime (1-1 after V. Osimhen equalized in the 19th).
Galatasaray came back in the second half with goals from Gabriel Sara (63′) and Mauro Icardi (67′), securing the points in a match marked by intensity and controversy.
This result catapulted Galatasaray to 28 points from 10 matches (9 wins, 1 draw), extending their lead at the top of the table to five points over second-placed Trabzonspor (who also won 3-0 at Eyüpspor that same day, reaching 23 points).
Before the weekend, Galatasaray held a five-point lead after nine matches; the victory maintains their dominance and reinforces their status as title favorites, having scored the most goals in the league (25) and conceded the fewest (5).
As for Göztepe, the defeat leaves them with 16 points after 10 matches (4 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses), relegating them to fifth or sixth place, depending on other results. Despite coming into the match with the league’s most robust defense (only three goals conceded in nine matches), the defeat halted their momentum in the fight for the upper mid-table, leaving them now between seven and 11 points behind the top four.
Approximate standings after Matchday 10, based on pre-weekend data and confirmed results; minor adjustments possible for simultaneous matches.
For Galatasaray: The win boosts morale after the midweek Champions League draw, highlighting their depth and resilience. Osimhen’s goal (his third in as many league matches) cements their position, while Icardi’s precision eases injury concerns.
However, controversial moments in the match—a second yellow card for a Göztepe player in the 45th minute, perceived by some as a refereeing maneuver after Göztepe’s early lead—have fueled accusations of favoritism by the opposition, which could draw scrutiny from the TFF or a backlash from fans. It also widens the gap on rivals Fenerbahçe (now at 6 points), putting pressure on them ahead of the upcoming derbies.
For Göztepe: The early goal demonstrated their dangerous counterattacking prowess, but the red card disrupted their structure, leading to defensive lapses. This marks their first defeat since returning to the top flight, which dented their confidence and exposed their vulnerabilities against elite teams.
Coach Stanimir Stoilov could face questions about squad rotation, and the result could affect their Europa Conference League hopes if they seek a top-six finish.
Frustration from the fans is evident, with complaints reminiscent of last season’s “disallowed penalty” against Galatasaray, intensifying calls for greater VAR consistency.
Reactions from the league and fans: The match intensified debates about refereeing integrity, with analysts such as Reha Kapsal criticizing “game balancing” tactics. Social media erupted with accusations against Galatasaray’s “untouchable” status, including criticism from Fenerbahçe circles linking it to unrelated political noise.
This could increase tensions in the upcoming matches, but it also underscores the competitiveness of the league: Galatasaray’s unbeaten streak now stands at 10 matches.
Galatasaray’s comeback exemplifies their record in the championship: withstanding pressure, capitalizing on set pieces, and relying on their star power to turn things around.
This victory isn’t just three points, but a statement of intent in a season in which they are on track for a potential record points tally. For Göztepe, it’s a harsh lesson in how to maintain an advantage against elite attacks, but their defensive solidity remains the foundation for a comeback.
Overall, the match exposes the continued failings of VAR and refereeing in the Süper Lig, urging reforms to preserve credibility. As the title race intensifies, Galatasaray are expected to aim for more than 30 points by the international break, while Göztepe bounces back against weaker opponents. An exciting, if polarizing, chapter in the Turkish football saga.
