Alanyaspor Vs Beşiktaş

Besiktas are looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat in their previous Turkish Super Lig outing when they welcome Alanyaspor to the Tupras Stadyumu this Saturday. The Black Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 loss to Adana Demirspor, a result that left fans and analysts questioning the team’s consistency. The match saw Besiktas concede two early goals in the first half, leaving them with a mountain to climb after the break. Though they managed to pull one back in the second half, their efforts were further hampered when defender Tayyip Talha Sanuc was shown a red card in the 76th minute, reducing them to ten men and effectively ending any realistic hopes of a comeback.  

This defeat was particularly frustrating for Besiktas, who had recently shown signs of improvement under interim manager Serdar Topraktepe. The team had secured a morale-boosting victory over arch-rivals Fenerbahce, a result that many hoped would mark the beginning of a resurgence following a turbulent period that led to the dismissal of former head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst on November 30. However, since that high point, Besiktas have struggled to maintain momentum. A defeat in the Europa League to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt was followed by the shocking loss to Adana Demirspor, a team languishing at the bottom of the Super Lig table. These results have raised fresh doubts about the team’s ability to challenge for European qualification this season.  

Topraktepe, who took over on an interim basis, has overseen three league matches so far, with a mixed record of one win, one draw, and one loss. While the victory over Fenerbahce was a bright spot, the inconsistency in performances has left Besiktas in sixth place, just one point behind fourth-placed Eyupspor, who have played an additional game. With the race for European spots heating up, every point is crucial, and Besiktas cannot afford further slip-ups if they hope to secure continental football next season.  

Their upcoming opponents, Alanyaspor, present an intriguing challenge. Historically, Besiktas have enjoyed a strong record at home against Alanyaspor, winning seven of their eight previous encounters at the Tupras Stadyumu. However, last season’s results against them were far from convincing. Besiktas suffered a surprising 3-1 home defeat—their first-ever loss to Alanyaspor in this fixture—before being held to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture. Given their recent struggles, there is a growing concern among fans that history could repeat itself if the team fails to regain its composure.  

On the other side, Alanyaspor arrive in Istanbul with renewed confidence following a recent managerial change of their own. Last month, the club appointed Sami Ugurlu as their new head coach after Fatih Tekke resigned from his position. The decision has proven to be an inspired one, as Ugurlu has guided the team to four wins in his first six matches across all competitions. This impressive run includes two victories in their last four league games, signaling a marked improvement in form.  

Alanyaspor’s recent performances have been encouraging, particularly their response to setbacks. After a disappointing defeat to Kayserispor, they bounced back emphatically with a 3-0 thrashing of Gaziantep in the league. They followed that up with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over second-tier side Amed SK in the Turkish Cup, demonstrating their ability to grind out results even when not at their best. These results have helped lift them to 14th in the table, two points clear of the relegation zone—a significant improvement given their earlier struggles.  

Despite their upturn in form, Alanyaspor’s away record remains a concern. They have managed just five points from seven league matches on the road this season, with only two draws and two losses in their last four away outings. If they are to trouble Besiktas, they will need to address this poor away form quickly. That said, Ugurlu will likely view this fixture as an opportunity to exploit Besiktas’ recent vulnerabilities, particularly given their defensive frailties and lack of consistency.  

For Besiktas, the key to victory will lie in their ability to regain defensive solidity while capitalizing on their attacking strengths. The absence of Sanuc due to suspension will force Topraktepe to reshuffle his backline, and how well they adapt could determine the outcome. Additionally, the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and other key attacking players will need to step up and deliver if they are to break down an Alanyaspor side that has grown in confidence under Ugurlu.  

This match represents a crucial juncture for both teams. For Besiktas, it is a chance to reignite their push for European qualification and prove that their win over Fenerbahce was not a mere flash in the pan. For Alanyaspor, it is an opportunity to continue their climb away from the relegation zone and further solidify their progress under their new manager.  

Given the contrasting forms and historical context, this encounter promises to be an intriguing battle. Will Besiktas rediscover their winning touch, or will Alanyaspor extend their recent resurgence with another positive result? The answer will unfold on Saturday at the Tupras Stadyumu.