Eyüpspor vs Antalyaspor

Eyüpspor’s 2024-25 Turkish Süper Lig campaign will conclude this Saturday as they welcome Antalyaspor to the Kasımpaşa Stadium in what promises to be an intriguing season finale. Though the match may lack significance in terms of European qualification or relegation battles, both teams will be eager to end their campaigns on a high note. For Eyüpspor, this fixture represents an opportunity to salvage some pride after a disappointing run of form, while Antalyaspor will look to finish in a respectable mid-table position.  

The hosts currently sit sixth in the league standings with 50 points, a commendable achievement for a side that has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. However, their hopes of securing European football next season were dashed following a hard-fought 2-1 defeat to Fenerbahçe on May 18. Despite the loss, Eyüpspor demonstrated resilience, particularly in the dying moments of the match, where they generated significant attacking pressure. According to advanced metrics, they registered an expected goals (xG) total of 1.68 against Fenerbahçe, with nearly 70% of that output (1.16 xG) coming in second-half stoppage time alone. This late surge highlights their fighting spirit, even if it ultimately proved insufficient to alter the outcome.  

Offensive struggles have been a recurring theme for Eyüpspor this season. Despite their respectable league position, they have only managed to score 50 goals in the top flight—the lowest tally among the top nine teams in the division. This lack of cutting edge in front of goal has often undermined their efforts, particularly in recent weeks. Their form has taken a sharp downturn, with five consecutive losses in which they conceded 14 goals while scoring just twice. Such a dismal run has raised questions about the team’s mentality and tactical approach, leaving head coach Arda Turan under increasing scrutiny.  

Turan, a former Turkish international with a storied playing career, has been at the helm of Eyüpspor since February 2025. However, his tenure may be nearing its end, as reports suggest he is close to agreeing on a move to Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk. If these rumors prove true, this weekend’s match could mark his final game in charge. In the meantime, Turan will be desperate to address his team’s recent woes, particularly their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of attacking efficiency. Eyüpspor’s home form has also been far from convincing, with just two wins in their last eight matches at the Kasımpaşa Stadium. Additionally, they have suffered defeats in their previous two home fixtures, further compounding the pressure on Turan to deliver a positive result in his potential farewell.  

On the other side, Antalyaspor arrives in Istanbul in 12th place with 44 points, having played out a goalless draw against Gaziantep FK in their most recent outing. That result extended their unbeaten run to two matches, though they were fortunate to escape with a point. Gaziantep squandered two clear opportunities, while Antalyaspor’s Deian Sorescu came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock when his second-half effort struck the post. Like their opponents, Antalyaspor has struggled for goals in recent weeks, finding the net only twice in their last five matches. This lack of firepower has been a persistent issue, leaving manager Emre Belözoğlu with plenty to ponder ahead of the season’s conclusion.  

Belözoğlu, another former Turkish international turned coach, will be keen to avoid a repeat of the reverse fixture against Eyüpspor, where his side suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat on January 4. That result was one of the low points of Antalyaspor’s season, and the team’s inconsistency since then has prevented them from mounting a push for the top half of the table. Their recent form has been patchy, with just one win in their last five matches, alongside two defeats. Away form has been a particular concern, as they have lost 18 of their last 29 matches on the road, drawing seven. Such a poor record away from home does not bode well as they prepare to face an Eyüpspor side desperate to end their season positively.  

Tactically, this match could be defined by which team manages to overcome their recent struggles in front of goal. Eyüpspor’s inability to convert chances has been a major factor in their slump, while Antalyaspor’s lack of creativity and finishing prowess has similarly hindered their progress. Both managers may look to tweak their attacking setups, whether through personnel changes or adjustments in build-up play, to inject some much-needed potency into their forward lines.  

Defensively, Eyüpspor must address their tendency to concede in clusters, having allowed 14 goals in their last five outings. Turan may consider reinforcing his midfield to provide greater protection for the backline, particularly against an Antalyaspor side that, while not prolific, possesses players capable of exploiting defensive lapses. Antalyaspor, meanwhile, will need to remain compact and organized, ensuring they do not allow Eyüpspor’s attackers—who have shown glimpses of threat despite their struggles—too much space in dangerous areas.  

The psychological aspect of this fixture cannot be overlooked. Eyüpspor’s players may be affected by the uncertainty surrounding their manager’s future, while Antalyaspor’s squad could be playing for their own positions ahead of potential summer reinforcements. A strong performance in the season finale could serve as a statement for individuals hoping to remain key figures next term.  

In terms of key players, Eyüpspor will rely on their top scorers to step up and deliver in what has been a difficult period. Meanwhile, Antalyaspor’s creative talents, such as Sorescu, will need to be more clinical if they are to capitalize on any defensive errors from the hosts. Set-pieces could also play a crucial role, given both teams’ struggles in open play, making aerial duels and dead-ball situations potential game-changers.  

Ultimately, this match may not have major implications for either side’s league position, but pride and momentum heading into the next season are at stake. Eyüpspor will want to give their fans something to cheer about after a frustrating end to the campaign, while Antalyaspor will aim to finish on a high note and build confidence ahead of the 2025-26 season. With both teams desperate to rectify recent shortcomings, this encounter could prove more competitive than the league table suggests.  

As the final whistle blows on Saturday, one team will walk away with a sense of closure, while the other may be left reflecting on what might have been. For the managers, players, and supporters, this match represents more than just three points—it’s an opportunity to lay down a marker before the long offseason begins.