Having swept both domestic honours in the 2024–25 season, Galatasaray now turn their attention to the Super Cup semi-final against the Super Lig’s third-placed side from that campaign, determined to reclaim the trophy after last season’s painful setback, Softfootball reported.
Cimbom were humiliated 5–0 by city rivals Besiktas in August 2024 the heaviest defeat in Super Cup history a result that halted their hopes of back-to-back titles following their triumph the previous year. Since then, Okan Buruk’s men have shown clear signs of recovery, delivering big performances in key moments, including a dramatic 3–2 victory over Samsunspor sealed by Victor Osimhen’s last-gasp heroics, a match that underlined their resilience under pressure.
Galatasaray head into this clash in buoyant mood, having won each of their last three matches across all competitions. A narrow Turkish Cup win over Istanbul Basaksehir was followed by emphatic league victories against Antalyaspor (4–1) and Kasimpasa (3–0), results that kept them three points clear at the top of the Super Lig table heading into the winter break.
The reigning champions also come into Monday’s contest well-rested after a two-week pause, and their formidable domestic record further boosts confidence. Galatasaray have won 25 of their last 29 Turkish competition matches, with their only defeat in that run coming against Kocaelispor on November 9, shortly after a goalless draw with Trabzonspor at Rams Park.
That stalemate ended a seven-match losing streak in this fixture for Trabzonspor, who will be eager to build on that result as they look to reverse their recent slump. The Black Sea Storm are without a win in their last three outings across all competitions, starting with a 3–3 draw against Besiktas before suffering a 1–0 Turkish Cup defeat to Alanyaspor and a dramatic 4–3 league loss away to Genclerbirligi.
Despite mounting a comeback from two goals down at Eryaman Stadium through a Felipe Augusto brace, Fatih Tekke’s side were eventually undone, with Ernest Muci’s late penalty offering little consolation. Their struggles have left them third in the league, eight points off the summit, making the Super Cup their most realistic route to silverware this season.
Trabzonspor, however, have recent pedigree in this competition, having won each of the last four Super Cups they have contested, most recently lifting the trophy in 2023. Ahead of the showdown, the club confirmed their readiness on social media, posting on their X handle:
Preparations ahead of the match against Galatasaray are completed.
While Galatasaray have dominated domestically, this fixture has also produced intense drama in recent meetings, including a fiery 1–1 derby draw in which Fenerbahçe were rescued by a late header, highlighting just how fine the margins can be in high-stakes Turkish encounters.
Team News
Galatasaray are expected to remain without right-back Wilfried Singo due to a hamstring injury, while first-choice goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir could again miss out after sitting out the last three matches. Eren Elmali and Metehan Baltaci are suspended for betting violations, while Mario Lemina, Ismail Jakobs and Victor Osimhen are away on international duty at AFCON.
Despite ongoing speculation over his future, Mauro Icardi is expected to lead the line in Osimhen’s absence after scoring in his last outing.
Trabzonspor may be without Stefan Savic after he was forced off against Genclerbirligi. Edin Visca, Anthony Nwakaeme and Rayyan Baniya remain sidelined, while Okay Yokuslu and Tim Jabol-Folcarelli are doubts. Boran Baskan and Salih Malkocoglu are suspended, and Christ Inao Oulai alongside top scorer Paul Onuachu are away on AFCON duty.
Possible Lineups
Galatasaray: Guvenc; Sallai, Bardakci, Sanchez, Karatas; Torreira, Gundogan; Sane, Sara, Yilmaz; Icardi
Trabzonspor: Onana; Pina, Saatci, Batagov, Bosluk; Bouchouari, Tufan; Zubkov, Muci, Olaigbe; Felipe Augusto
Softfootball Prediction
Galatasaray 3–1 Trabzonspor With both sides heading in opposite directions, Galatasaray’s momentum and recent dominance in this fixture should prove decisive. Trabzonspor may threaten in spells, but Cimbom look well placed to secure a spot in the final.
