Konyaspor vs Gaziantep

Konyaspor’s battle for survival in the Turkish Süper Lig received a much-needed lift just ahead of the international break, and they will be determined to capitalize on that renewed sense of hope when they face a high-flying Gaziantep side at the Torku Arena this Friday in Matchday 29. The hosts managed to extend their cushion over the relegation zone to four crucial points following a gritty 1-0 triumph over Besiktas, a result that injected fresh belief into their campaign. On the other hand, Gaziantep arrive in Konya riding an impressive wave of form, having strung together a series of victories that have propelled them into contention for a European qualification spot—a scenario that seemed improbable earlier in the season.

The significance of Konyaspor’s recent victory over Besiktas cannot be overstated. Not only did it provide them with vital breathing space in their fight against the drop, but the manner in which they secured the three points demonstrated a level of resilience and determination that had been missing for much of their campaign. The match was far from straightforward—Konyaspor were forced to play with ten men for over an hour after Melih Bostan’s 27th-minute dismissal, yet they still managed to take the lead just before halftime through a moment of brilliance from Ugurcan Yazgili, who curled in a magnificent free-kick. Their resolve was tested even further when Alassane Ndao was also sent off in the second half, leaving them with just nine players for the final 23 minutes. Despite the overwhelming numerical disadvantage, Recep Uçar’s side dug deep, repelling wave after wave of Besiktas attacks to cling onto their slender lead. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation, as the players and fans alike recognized the magnitude of the result—one that lifted them to 31 points, four clear of Sivasspor, who currently occupy the first relegation playoff spot.

For Konyaspor, this victory was only their third in the last 13 league matches, highlighting just how much they have struggled for consistency this season. However, the hope now is that this hard-fought win can serve as a catalyst for a strong finish to the campaign. The challenge ahead, though, is a daunting one. Gaziantep are in the midst of their best run of form this season, having won three consecutive matches, and they will be eager to extend that streak at the Torku Arena. Historically, Konyaspor have found it difficult against Gaziantep in recent meetings—they suffered a 3-1 defeat in the reverse fixture back in October and were held to a 1-1 draw in January. Prior to those results, Konyaspor had enjoyed back-to-back victories over Gaziantep, including a home win, and they will be hoping to rekindle that success on Friday.

Gaziantep, meanwhile, have undergone a remarkable transformation under manager Selçuk Inan. What initially appeared to be another season mired in relegation concerns has now turned into an unexpected push for European football. Their recent 1-0 victory over Kayserispor before the international break marked their third straight win—a feat they had not achieved all season. Prior to that, they secured a stunning 2-1 away win against Besiktas, followed by a convincing 3-1 home victory over Eyüpspor. This resurgence has seen them climb to within six points of fourth place, a position that could potentially offer a route into European competition next season. With eight matches remaining, the possibility of securing continental football is still slim, but the mere fact that it is being discussed represents a significant turnaround for a team that spent much of the first half of the season looking over their shoulders.

One of the key factors behind Gaziantep’s recent success has been their strong home form—they have collected 30 points from a possible 42 at their own stadium, making them one of the most formidable sides on their own turf. However, their struggles away from home have been a major Achilles’ heel. Before their shock win at Besiktas, they had managed just eight points from a possible 36 on the road, a record that had severely hampered their progress. If they are to maintain their push for a top-four finish, improving their away performances will be essential. The victory at Besiktas could prove to be a turning point in that regard, and they will be eager to build on it with another strong showing in Konya.

For Konyaspor, the primary objective remains clear: survival. While their recent win has given them a slight buffer, the threat of relegation is far from over. Every point from here on out will be crucial, and facing an in-form Gaziantep side will be a true test of their mettle. The atmosphere at the Torku Arena is expected to be electric, with the home fans fully aware of what is at stake. If Konyaspor can replicate the fighting spirit they displayed against Besiktas, they stand a good chance of frustrating Gaziantep and perhaps even snatching another vital victory.

Gaziantep, on the other hand, will view this as an opportunity to solidify their European ambitions. Selçuk Inan has instilled a newfound belief in his squad, and their recent performances suggest they are capable of grinding out results even in difficult circumstances. Their ability to adapt tactically, combined with the individual quality of key players, makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in the league. If they can overcome their historical struggles at the Torku Arena and secure another away win, it would send a strong message to the rest of the league that their European aspirations are genuine.

In many ways, this match encapsulates the contrasting narratives of the Süper Lig season. For Konyaspor, it is about survival, resilience, and the determination to preserve their top-flight status against the odds. For Gaziantep, it is about ambition, momentum, and the pursuit of an unlikely dream. The outcome of this clash could have significant implications for both ends of the table, making it one of the most intriguing fixtures of the weekend.

As the players take to the pitch on Friday, the stakes could not be higher. Will Konyaspor’s renewed fighting spirit be enough to stifle Gaziantep’s charge? Or will Selçuk Inan’s men continue their remarkable ascent up the table? One thing is certain—this is a match that promises drama, tension, and potentially season-defining consequences for both clubs.