What else did you expect? Chaos in the biggest Turkish derby
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 01.12.25. | 22:29
In one of the biggest derbies in the football world, everything was pointing toward a Galatasaray victory, but Jhon Duran made sure that didn’t happen, bringing his team level at 1–1 in the final seconds
In the Asian part of Istanbul, at the “Sukru Saracoglu” Stadium, the 281st “Intercontinental Derby” was played (at least when it comes to official matches between these two teams). The Matchday 14 clash of the Turkish Super League between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray ended in a 1–1 draw (0–1).
Full time.#FBGS pic.twitter.com/mC9YS4bEw0
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) December 1, 2025
The goal for the visitors from the European side of the city came courtesy of Leroy Sane in the 27th minute. The Germany international beat Ederson — his former teammate from Manchester City — with a shot that deceived the Brazilian goalkeeper after taking a deflection off the home defenders.
This Goal by Leroy Sane is beautiful 👏🏾! pic.twitter.com/0qEvtD5WQU
— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) December 1, 2025
In the 44th minute, a bizarre moment unfolded in which Domenico Tedesco’s side appeared to have equalized. If Milan Skriniar, Fenerbahce’s captain, hadn’t used his hand to stop the ball, the goal would have been credited to Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez, but referee Yasin Kol overturned the goal after a VAR check.
Fenerbahçe'nin iptal edilen golü. Karar: Elle oynama.#FBvGS pic.twitter.com/6SaWuWYnnq
— Maç & Gol Burada (@redsportz29) December 1, 2025
Galatasaray showed more initiative in the first half, while the second was somewhat more subdued. It began with a chance for Victor Osimhen in the 50th minute, but the well-known Nigerian’s shot was saved by Ederson.
What followed was a series of rough challenges, though not enough for Kol to send anyone off. The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Tedesco’s “jokers” off the bench — Levent Mertcan and Colombian Jhon Duran — were the heroes of the equalizer.
Mertcan entered the pitch in the 89th minute, and with fresh legs delivered a ball into the penalty area. It was a fine cross, and Duran — who came on in the 63rd minute — headed it in for 1:1.
Goal 🥅 “Fenerbahçe 1 - 1 Galatasaray”
— FutDball ⚽️ (@FutDball) December 1, 2025
⚽️ 90+5' Jhon Durán
pic.twitter.com/Jg1WgeBU60
Naturally, an eruption of joy followed on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, but it’s certain that neither set of supporters expected a draw — especially not Fener’s fans.
The reason is simple: only one point now separates the two biggest rivals in the Turkish league table, with the defending champions remaining on top, while the navy-and-yellows saw their run of five straight Super League wins come to an end.
