RAMS Park will host one of the biggest matches in Turkish football on Sunday, April 26, 2026, as Galatasaray face Fenerbahçe in the Intercontinental Derby. With only four games left in the season, Galatasaray are top of the table with a four point lead. A win for the home team would almost secure the league title. A win for Fenerbahçe would reduce the gap to just one point and keep the title race alive.
Galatasaray come into this match looking to recover from a surprise 2 – 0 defeat to Genclerbirligi in the Turkish Cup quarter final. That result ended their chance of winning a domestic double. Fans have also been checking A SPOR official YouTube channel to review their recent 2 – 0 league loss over their opponent.
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Fenerbahçe arrive with strong motivation, knowing this match is their biggest chance to close the gap and fight for the title.
Team News and Squad Updates
Fenerbahçe have secured an important long term boost as Anderson Talisca has signed a new contract until 2028. He has been a key player this season with over 30 goal contributions and will remain the creative leader of the team.
Galatasaray are still dealing with disappointment from their Champions League exit. Liverpool beat them 4 – 0 in a comeback win at Anfield in March, overturning Galatasaray’s first leg advantage and ending their European run.
Softfootball understands that both teams now see the league title as their main focus for the rest of the season.
Key Players and Absences
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has received a boost with Victor Osimhen returning after a forearm injury. He made a short appearance in midweek. However, Baris Alper Yilmaz is suspended, and Mauro Icardi is still doubtful due to a muscle injury.
For Fenerbahçe, Anderson Talisca and Allan Saint Maximin will be key players in attack. However, Irfan Can Kahveci is expected to miss the match due to injury.
Head to Head Record
This rivalry is very balanced. In the last 26 meetings, Galatasaray have won 8 matches, while Fenerbahçe have won 7. The last meeting between the two teams ended in a draw. Both teams have shown strong defensive form this season, which suggests another tight match.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Predicted Starting Lineups
| Position | Galatasaray (4-2-3-1) | Fenerbahçe (4-3-3) |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Ugurcan Çakir | Dominik Livaković |
| Defenders | Jakobs, Sanchez, Bardakci, Boey | Müldür, Djiku, Becão, Oosterwolde |
| Midfielders | Torreira, Gabriel Sara, Mertens | Fred, Amrabat, Talisca |
| Attack | Sane, Osimhen, Akgün | Saint-Maximin, En-Nesyri, Tadić |
This match could decide the Turkish league title. Galatasaray will become champions if they win. Fenerbahçe will keep the title race alive if they take all three points. With so much at stake, this derby is expected to be intense, physical, and very close from start to finish.
