Trabzonspor Vs Rizespor

Two teams desperate to break free from their recent struggles will clash this Sunday as Trabzonspor prepares to host Çaykur Rizespor at Papara Park in a crucial Turkish Süper Lig encounter. Both sides find themselves in precarious situations, with neither able to secure a victory in their last few league outings. The hosts, Trabzonspor, are winless in their previous two matches, while the visitors, Rizespor, are enduring an even more concerning three-game streak without a win. This match presents a vital opportunity for both clubs to reverse their fortunes and gain much-needed momentum as the season progresses.  

Trabzonspor’s recent form has been a mix of promise and disappointment since the appointment of new manager Fatih Tekke. His tenure began in spectacular fashion with an emphatic 3-0 away victory over Istanbul Başakşehir, a result that ignited hope among the Trabzonspor faithful. However, the initial optimism has been tempered by a frustrating 1-1 home draw against Göztepe, followed by a demoralizing 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Fenerbahçe last weekend. The match against Fenerbahçe was particularly disheartening, as Trabzonspor had taken the lead just before halftime through Denis Drăguș, only to collapse in the second half, conceding four goals in a dismal display.  

Despite their league struggles, Trabzonspor still have silverware within reach, having narrowly defeated Bodrumspor 3-2 after extra time in the Turkish Cup quarter-finals. However, their league performances remain inconsistent, leaving them just five points above the relegation zone—a position far below the expectations of a club with their stature. Their home form, once a reliable foundation for their climb up the table, has also faltered recently, with a defeat to Hatayspor and a draw against Göztepe in their last two matches at Papara Park.  

Historically, Trabzonspor has dominated this fixture on home soil, winning 19 of their 23 previous encounters with Rizespor in front of their own supporters. This includes a dominant 5-2 victory in the Turkish Cup earlier this season, a result that will surely give them confidence heading into Sunday’s clash. However, Rizespor will not be intimidated, having secured a 3-1 win in the reverse league fixture earlier this campaign. In fact, they now have the opportunity to complete a league double over Trabzonspor for the second consecutive season—a feat that would further compound the hosts’ recent woes.  

Rizespor, however, arrive in Trabzon in equally concerning form, having failed to win any of their last three league matches, with two defeats and a solitary draw in that span. Losses to Antalyaspor and Bodrumspor were followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw against Sivasspor in their most recent outing. In that match, Rizespor appeared to be on course for victory after taking the lead from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, only to concede a late equalizer just six minutes from time—a recurring theme in their season.  

Their overall league form has been inconsistent at best, with just four wins in their last 12 matches. Even more alarming is their record over the past eight games, where they have suffered five defeats—a run that has left them hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, just three points above the bottom four. With performances lacking both creativity and defensive solidity, Rizespor are in genuine danger of seeing their two-year stay in the top flight come to an abrupt end.  

For both teams, this match represents more than just three points—it is a chance to halt their respective slides and regain some stability in what has been a turbulent season. Trabzonspor will be eager to re-establish their home dominance and avoid slipping further toward the relegation battle, while Rizespor desperately need a positive result to ease their own fears of dropping into the lower tier.  

Tactically, Trabzonspor will likely look to exploit their historical superiority at Papara Park, utilizing the attacking talents of players like Drăguș to break down Rizespor’s defense. Meanwhile, Rizespor will aim to replicate their success from the reverse fixture, possibly adopting a counter-attacking approach to catch Trabzonspor on the break.  

The psychological aspect of this match cannot be understated. Both teams are low on confidence, and the first goal could prove decisive in determining the outcome. If Trabzonspor can start strongly and feed off the energy of their home crowd, they may be able to overpower Rizespor. Conversely, if Rizespor can weather the early storm and frustrate their opponents, they might find opportunities to capitalize on Trabzonspor’s defensive vulnerabilities.  

Ultimately, this is a fixture that promises high stakes, intense emotions, and potentially season-defining consequences for both clubs. As the final whistle blows, one team will emerge with renewed hope, while the other could be left staring at an even deeper crisis.