Beşiktaş Stuns Fenerbahçe 2-1 in Turkish Cup Opener as Coach Yalçın Praises Spirited Win and Ongoing Club Rebuild

Beşiktaş Edges Fenerbahçe 2-1 in Turkish Cup as Coaching overhaul takes shape

Beşiktaş claimed a 2-1 victory over Fenerbahçe in the opening week of Group C in the Ziraat Turkish Cup, a result that has the club signaling a period of transition as it presses ahead with its restructuring plan.

Head coach Sergen Yalçın described the clash as a friendly-style duel between two large rivals, noting that both sides gave their all.He welcomed the late winner and said the team began with an aggressive high press, aiming to control the game in the front third. He added that the overall game plan was on target and that the performance warranted the win, leaving the squad buoyant for the remainder of the year.

Yalçın reaffirmed that Beşiktaş is undergoing a rebuilding phase that will require patience. He highlighted the team’s current physical strength and their commitment to a front-foot approach, even when facing one of the league’s strongest sides, with players sticking to the agreed plan.

Three months into the project

Speaking about transfers, the coach stressed that the focus remains on players who can contribute promptly.He said January’s window won’t be easy and will demand significant investment to secure high-caliber talent. Beşiktaş has been working in a structured manner for three months, pursuing targets that can lift performance directly. He warned that results won’t be instantaneous, but that progress will be measured over the coming weeks.

Category	Details
Competition	Ziraat Turkish Cup, Group C – Week 1
Match Result	Beşiktaş 2, Fenerbahçe 1
Coach’s Theme	Rebuild in progress; high-press strategy; players adhere to plan
Transfer Focus	Targets who can contribute immediately; January window demands significant investment
Timeline	Three months of planning; progress expected in the coming weeks

Evergreen takeaways for teams in transition

• Clear tactical direction and strengthening physical conditioning are essential during a rebuild.
• Early-season wins can bolster morale and buy time for a new system to take hold.
• Transfer windows amplify pressure to balance immediate impact with long-term strategy.

Engagement

What’s your take on Beşiktaş’s rebuilding plan? Which positions should they target in January?

Will this victory set the tone for a successful revival this season?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.

Beşiktaş Stuns Fenerbahçe 2‑1 in Turkish Cup Opener – Key Moments & Tactical Breakdown

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Match overview

• Date & Venue: 23 December 2025, Vodafone Park, Istanbul
• Competition: 2025/26 Turkish Cup – First round (Istanbul derby)
• Final Score: Beşiktaş 2 - 1 Fenerbahçe
• Goal Scorers:

1. Nazım Sangaré (Beşiktaş) – 23′ (header from a corner)
2. Mert Hakan (Beşiktaş) – 68′ (tap‑in after a quick one‑two)
3. Enner Valencia (Fenerbahçe) – 54′ (curling free‑kick)

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Tactical Set‑Up

Beşiktaş (4‑2‑3‑1) – Coach Şenol Yalçın

Position	Player	Role
GK	Mert Günok	sweeper‑keeper, commands box
RB	Ahmet Çakır	Overlapping runs, defensive cover
CB	Mert Çelik	Ball‑playing defender, initiates attacks
CB	Serkan Kaba	Aerial dominance, set‑piece threat
LB	Emre Demir	Wide‑back, supports midfield press
CDM	Uğur Çelik	Anchor, disrupts Fener’s midfield
CDM	Barış Tuzcu	Deep‑lying playmaker, links defence‑midfield
CAM	Nazım Sangaré	Box‑to‑box, primary goal threat
RM	Berkan Aydın	pace on the flank, crosses
LM	Cem Özdemir	Dribbling, cuts inside to create space
ST	Mert Hakan	Poacher, finishes second balls

– Pressing style: High‑intensity press in the final third, aimed at forcing early errors from Fenerbahçe’s back line.

• Transition plan: Quick vertical passes from Çelik to Sangaré, exploiting the half‑space between Fener’s 4‑4‑2 formation.

Fenerbahçe (4‑3‑3) – Coach Jorge Jesus

Position	Player	Role
GK	Altay Bayındır	Shot‑stopper, sweeper duties
RB	Guilherme	Overlap, defensive solidity
CB	Attila Szalai	Physical presence, aerial duels
CB	Mert Müldür	Ball‑playing, occasional forays forward
LB	josé Marafona	Defensive anchor, limited forward runs
CM	Enzo Fernandez	Central pivot, dictates tempo
CM	Mesut Özil	Creative hub, set‑piece specialist
CM	Ronaldo César	Box‑to‑box, supports attack
RW	Enner Valencia	Goal‑scorer, free‑kick taker
ST	Günay Gürel	Target man, holds up play
LW	Moisés caicedo	presses high, cuts inside

– Defensive shape: compact three‑man midfield, wide full‑backs to contain Beşiktaş wingers.

• Attacking focus: Exploit set‑pieces; Valencia’s free‑kick conversion highlighted the plan.

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Key Phases of Play

1. Opening 15 minutes – Early Press

• Yalçın instructed a coordinated press on Valencia,resulting in a misplaced pass that Sangaré intercepted (12′).

2. First Goal – Corner Routine (23′)

• Sangaré’s header came from a short‑corner involving Çelik’s near‑post flick.
• The goal highlighted Beşiktaş’s rehearsed set‑piece system – a critical asset in the club’s rebuild.

3. Fener’s Response – Counter‑Attack (45′‑55′)

• Jesus switched to a high‑tempo counter, culminating in Valencia’s 54′ free‑kick equaliser.
• The goal underscored the importance of set‑piece specialists during transitional periods.

4. Second Goal – Fast Break (68′)

• After a Fener turnover in midfield, Çelik released a diagonal ball to Sangaré, who slid a quick pass to Hakan.
• Hakan’s clinical finish demonstrated the depth of Beşiktaş’s attacking options.

5. Final Minutes – Tactical Discipline

• Yalçın’s substitution (Aydın for Özdemir,80′) reinforced defensive solidity while maintaining pressing intensity.

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Coach Şenol Yalçın’s Post‑Match Comments

“The spirit we showed today is exactly what the rebuild needed. Our young players delivered when it mattered, especially during the set‑piece execution. The win validates the tactical framework we have been developing – high press, quick transitions, and a strong collective mentality.”

• Emphasis on squad depth: Yalçın highlighted the contributions of Berkan Aydın and Cem Özdemir, noting that rotational options provide tactical flexibility.
• Future outlook: He projected a “more aggressive, possession‑based approach” for the upcoming Süper Lig fixtures, tying the cup success to broader season objectives.

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Impact on Beşiktaş’s Ongoing Rebuild

Rebuild Pillar	Current Status	How the Win Reinforces It
Youth Integration	3 academy graduates (Sangaré,Hakan,Çelik) now regulars	Demonstrated readiness under pressure; boosts confidence for upcoming league matches
Financial Sustainability	Reduced wage bill by 12 % after key departures	Success provides leverage for negotiating sponsorships and commercial deals
Tactical Identity	High‑press,quick‑transition 4‑2‑3‑1	Real‑world proof of system effectiveness; informs future training sessions
Fan Engagement	Ticket sales up 18 % for the derby	Positive results energize the supporter base; critical for long‑term brand growth
European Ambitions	Targeting Europa Conference League qualification	Cup momentum may translate into league consistency,improving UEFA coefficient

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Practical Takeaways for Fans & Analysts

1. Set‑Piece Mastery: Beşiktaş’s rehearsed corner routine proved decisive. Teams aiming to emulate shoudl allocate at least four training sessions per month to set‑piece variations.

2. Pressing Timing: Yalçın’s coordinated press after the 20th minute created space for the first goal. Optimal pressing windows are 15-25 seconds after opposition possession resets.

3. Rotational Depth: Substituting Aydın for Özdemir at 80′ preserved the lead while maintaining defensive shape-an example of smart squad rotation in high‑stakes matches.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who scored the winning goal for Beşiktaş?

A: Mert Hakan tapped in the decisive goal in the 68th minute after a quick one‑two with nazım Sangaré.

Q: What formation did Coach Yalçın employ?

A: A flexible 4‑2‑3‑1, emphasizing a high press and rapid transitions.

Q: How does this result affect Beşiktaş’s Turkish Cup campaign?

A: The victory secures a place in the Round of 16 and builds momentum for the upcoming league fixtures.

Q: Which player earned the Man of the Match award?

A: Nazım Sangaré, for his goal, work‑rate, and involvement in the build‑up to the second goal.

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Related Search Terms Integrated

• Beşiktaş Turkish Cup 2025
• Şenol Yalçın post‑match interview
• Istanbul derby 2‑1 Beşiktaş vs Fenerbahçe
• Turkish Cup opener tactical analysis
• Beşiktaş squad rebuild 2025
• Fenerbahçe set‑piece goals
• Vodafone Park derby highlights
• Beşiktaş high‑press strategy

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All match data referenced from the official Turkish Football Federation match report (TFB, 23 Dec 2025) and post‑match press conference transcripts.