All eyes on Istanbul as Galatasaray hosts Fenerbahce to decide Super Lig crown

Galatasaray take on Fenerbahce on Sunday in a do-or-die Istanbul derby in Week 31 of the Turkish Super Lig that could likely decide the 2025-26 champion.

The match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. local time (GMT+3) at RAMS Park on Istanbul’s European side, with referee Yasin Kol in charge.

The hosts come in leading the table with 71 points after 22 wins, five draws, and three defeats. Fenerbahce sits second on 67 points, four behind, having recorded 19 victories, 10 draws and just one loss so far this season.

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Rivals trade blows, Galatasaray hold firm at home

The sides have already faced off twice this season. Their league clash on the Anatolian side ended 1-1, with Galatasaray going ahead through Leroy Sane before John Duran struck deep into stoppage time to level.

Fenerbahce got the upper hand in the Turkish Super Cup final, beating their rivals 2-0 at Ataturk Olympic Stadium thanks to goals from Matteo Guendouzi and Jayden Oosterwolde.

Galatasaray head into the derby on the back of a long unbeaten run at home. The team has not lost in its last 33 league matches at RAMS Park.

Their last home defeat came on May 19, 2024, also against Fenerbahce. Since then, they have picked up 26 wins and seven draws on their own ground.

Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwolde (24) celebrates after scoring during the Turkcell Super Cup final against Galatasaray at Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Jan. 10, 2026. (AA Photo)

Osimhen, Asensio return on both sides

Victor Osimhen is set to feature for Galatasaray despite recently undergoing surgery for a broken arm sustained in a UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool. The Nigerian forward is expected to play with a protective brace.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray in action during Turkish Cup football match between Galatasaray and Natura Dunyasi Genclerbirligi at Rams Park in Istanbul, Türkiye, April 22, 2026. (AA Photo)

His absence was felt in a loss to Trabzonspor, although Galatasaray managed wins over Goztepe and Genclerbirligi and a draw with Kocaelispor during that stretch. He also saw late minutes in a Turkish Cup defeat to Genclerbirligi earlier this week.

Fenerbahce, meanwhile, is set to welcome back Marco Asensio.

The Spanish attacker has recovered from injury and resumed individual training during the week. Head coach Domenico Tedesco is likely to include him in the squad.

Marco Asensio of Fenerbahce gestures during Turkish Super Lig week 27 football match between Fenerbahce and Gaziantep FK at the Chobani Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, March 17, 2026. (AA Photo)

Edson Alvarez is expected to miss out despite recovering from injury, with match fitness still an issue.

April 26, 2026 05:32 AM GMT+03:00