Last year Fenerbahçe drew against Trabzonspor in the final game of the season, and as a result handed over the championship to Bursaspor. Last night, Bursaspor drew against Fenerbahçe in Kadıköy responding in a sort of gesture to Trabzonspor saying, "Here's the leadership seat from us."
Last year's revenge… Fenerbahçe's struggle for the championship... Bursaspor's Championship League intentions… Trabzonspor following close behind in second to Fenerbahçe's lead…
Last night a crowded Kadıköy was the scene of 90 minutes of a number of calculations. It could have been considered a match for Europe. Naturally, both the environment and the teams were nervous and on edge prior to the start. It has been practically since the start of the season that Bursaspor has played such cautious defense. In return, the home team tried everything in their power to put the pressure on, however they struggled to keep on solid ground.
There may have been a chance for this new order, devised with Emre and Selçuk's absence; however Özer continued playing with the ball, while Semih continued to lose it and Niang's game increasingly fell by the wayside.
Even though it may have appeared that the game started on Bursaspor's side, Fenerbahçe was unable to create positions. The first dangerous positions in the game came on behalf of Bursaspor's Miller and Ozan in the 12th and 16th minutes respectively, and pushed Fenerbahçe to only take further precaution.
It took until the 34th minute, for Fenerbahçe to make their first shot, which was by Niang, and therefore the hosts went into half-time under duress. Serdar's intervention on Semih brought tension to the field; however it also saved the second half. In the 61st minute, the first serious position took place with Yobo's pass to Niang. The ball was then hit with a header by Alex, who was possibly the most determined player out there; however Ivankov saved the shot from going in. In the 66th minute, another attempt by the Brazilian went out. In the 86th Ivankov prevented another score. The fans' support in the final minutes of the game, managed to push Fenerbahçe further. However Bursaspor's acquired experience and determination to 'not lose' resulted in restricting their rival's positions.
WINNING STREAK COEMS TO AN END, AND THE LEAGUE LEADERSHIP POSITION IS HANDED OVER
Criticism of the referee threesome also made its mark on the night. The loss not only put an end to Fenerbahçe's winning streak, but it also knocked them out of the position as leaders of the league. Kocaman's previous statement that the first team to lose points (between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor) would lose their advantage has now made its mark. However, if Fenerbahçe continues to follow their ambition they may be able to recover their advantage once again.