ANKARA
Fenerbahce have surrendered the Spor Toto Super League title to top-seated Galatasaray after suffering a 2-2 draw against Istanbul Basaksehir in Istanbul on Monday.
The Lions have won their 20th league title, becoming the first Turkish top division side to achieve the mark.
With one game to spare, Galatasaray are five points clear, and will directly participate in the UEFA Champions League, while runners-up Fenerbahce will play qualification rounds.
Monday’s game between Fenerbahce and Basaksehir proved a thriller till the last minute.
Basaksehir opened the scoring in 53’ with a header by Turkish striker Mehmet Batdal that left Fenerbahce goalkeeper Volkan Demirel unable to react.
Batdal doubled the score in the 62nd minute, following the ball deflected by Volkan and finishing in the box.
In 81’ Fenerbahce's Brazilian midfielder Diego scored at a tight angle: 2-1.
Two minutes later, Fenerbahce right-back Mehmet Topuz was directly sent off after stepping on Mossoro's foot.
In 89’ Fenerbahce found the equalizer, scored by forward Pierre Webo.
In injury time the referee awarded Istanbul Basaksehir a penalty kick, and Fenerbahce centre-back Bruno Alves was sent off for handballing on the goal line.
Batdal, with two goals in the game, could not convert for Basaksehir, but the penalty decision proved costly for the Yellow Canaries nonetheless, with full-back Caner Erkin also shown the red card after arguing with the referee.
Near the end of the game Fenerbahce striker Webo too was brandished a red card as he kicked a Basaksehir player in the head.
As the final whistle that sealed Galatasaray’s championship was blown, Fenerbahce were scarred, down to seven men on the pitch.
As the Spor Toto Super League comes to a close next week, leaders Galatasaray have 76 points in standings, and Fenerbahce are in second place with 71.
Results:
Istanbul Basaksehir 2-2 Fenerbahce
Akhisar Belediyespor 0-1 Bursaspor
Top scorers:
Fernandao (Bursaspor) 22 goals
Demba Ba (Besiktas) 18 goals
Oscar Cardozo (Trabzonspor) 17 goals
Matchday 34 fixtures:
Mersin Idmanyurdu vs Istanbul Basaksehir, Balikesirspor vs Gaziantepspor, Fenerbahce vs Kasimpasa, Caykur Rizespor vs Galatasaray, Bursaspor vs Torku Konyaspor, Eskisehirspor vs Akhisar Belediyespor, Medicana Sivasspor vs Trabzonspor, SAI Kayseri Erciyesspor vs Kardemir Karabukspor, Besiktas vs Genclerbirligi
