Galatasaray have been crowned Super Lig champions once again. Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce were left empty-handed at the end of a dramatic season.
The Istanbul giants secured their third league title in a row on Sunday. A convincing 3-0 win over Kayserispor sealed Galatasaray’s dominance in Turkish soccer this season.
Galatasaray Secure Third Straight Title in Style
Okan Buruk’s team have been almost flawless in recent months. They claimed their ninth straight league win by beating Kayserispor. This result ensured they stayed eight points ahead of Fenerbahce with only two games left to play.
Galatasaray have now won 25 Super Lig titles, making them the most successful club in Turkish history. Fenerbahce, their closest rivals, have 19, while Besiktas have 16. The current campaign confirms Galatasaray’s ongoing superiority in the domestic game.
Furthermore, Sunday’s result reflected their consistency. The last time they lost was on 29 March against Besiktas, then managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. That run has helped them stay ahead in what was briefly a close title race.
Mourinho Fails to Deliver in Debut Season
Fenerbahce had high hopes after appointing Jose Mourinho. However, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager ended his first Turkish campaign without a trophy.
Mourinho’s team lost momentum at a crucial point. On 20 April, they drew 3-3 with Kayserispor. Just two weeks later, they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Besiktas. Those results widened the gap between them and Galatasaray.
Fenerbahce also struggled in knockout competitions. They were eliminated from the Europa League by Rangers in the round of 16. In the Turkish Cup, they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Galatasaray in the quarter-finals.
Touchline Drama and Disciplinary Setback
The Turkish Cup quarter-final clash between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce wasn’t short on drama. After the final whistle, tensions boiled over between the two managers.
Jose Mourinho appeared to pinch Okan Buruk’s nose during a post-match scuffle. This unsportsmanlike gesture led to a three-match touchline ban for Mourinho. Additionally, he was fined 292,500 Turkish Lira (£5,975; $7,699) by the Turkish Football Federation.
These incidents only added to the disappointment of Fenerbahce’s season. Off-pitch controversies overshadowed their efforts on the field. Ultimately, it was Galatasaray who kept their cool and got the job done.
Victor Osimhen, the Star of the Season
Victor Osimhen has been one of the main reasons for Galatasaray’s success. The Nigerian striker joined the club on loan from Italian side Napoli (1.07). His impact has been nothing short of phenomenal.
He scored his 25th league goal of the season on Sunday. This took his total to 36 goals in all competitions. Osimhen has provided a constant attacking threat and crucial goals at key moments.
His performances have boosted Galatasaray’s title charge and added value to their attacking unit. His loan spell could attract significant interest from other clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
Galatasaray Complete Domestic Double
Galatasaray’s latest league title win also completed a domestic double. Just days before Sunday’s league victory, they beat Trabzonspor 3-0 to win the Turkish Cup.
It was their first Turkish Cup triumph since 2019. The dominant final display proved their superiority across all competitions. Buruk’s men have managed to build a squad capable of delivering results under pressure.
This double strengthens Buruk’s reputation as one of the top managers in Turkish soccer. He has created a balanced team, blending experience and youth. His tactical acumen has been evident throughout the campaign.
What Lies Ahead for Both Clubs?
Galatasaray will now focus on building for the UEFA Champions League next season. They will hope to carry their domestic form into European competition. Retaining key players such as Osimhen could be vital, though difficult, especially given that Osimhen played for them on loan and has reportedly attracted interest from key clubs, including Chelsea.
Fenerbahce, on the other hand, face a tough off-season. Jose Mourinho will be under pressure to improve results quickly. After a trophyless season, the board may invest heavily to support a title push next year.
The rivalry between these Istanbul giants is likely to intensify. With Besiktas also improving under Solskjaer, the 2025/26 season promises another exciting battle. Fans and followers of online sports betting will be watching developments closely.
