José Mourinho's Fenerbahçe thwarted in stoppage time in Turkey

Fenerbahçe, under the leadership of renowned Portuguese manager José Mourinho, experienced a dramatic and disappointing evening as they drew 2-2 against Göztepe in a match that saw them surrender a hard-earned victory in the dying moments of the game.

The encounter, part of the second round of the Turkish Süper Lig, was marked by intense moments and a rollercoaster of emotions, reflecting both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Mourinho’s squad.

The match began with Fenerbahçe demonstrating their intent to bounce back from the recent disappointment of being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Lille. The Istanbul giants, still reeling from their European exit, needed a strong domestic performance to regain momentum. Mourinho, known for his tactical acumen and ability to galvanize teams in challenging circumstances, set his team up to dominate from the start.

Fenerbahçe’s persistence paid off in the first half's added time. In the 45+3 minute, Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, who joined the club in the summer and has quickly become a key figure in their attack, confidently converted a penalty to give the visitors a deserved lead. Dzeko's experience and composure were on full display as he slotted the ball past the Göztepe goalkeeper, sending the Fenerbahçe fans into raptures.

Just minutes later, in the 45+7 minute, Moroccan forward Youssef En Nesyri doubled Fenerbahçe’s advantage with a powerful header. The goal, which came from a well-executed set-piece, highlighted En Nesyri's aerial prowess and Fenerbahçe's ability to capitalize on their physical presence in the box. This two-goal cushion at the break seemed to set the stage for a comfortable win, especially given the dominance Fenerbahçe exhibited during the first half.

However, the second half told a different story. Göztepe, playing in front of their passionate home crowd, refused to capitulate. They gradually grew into the game, and their persistence was rewarded in the 68th minute when Gunter scored to reduce the deficit. This goal injected new life into the hosts, who began to believe they could salvage something from the match.

As the game progressed, Fenerbahçe, perhaps feeling the effects of their midweek European exploits, started to show signs of fatigue and complacency. Mourinho’s side, known for its usually disciplined and organized defense, began to invite pressure, allowing Göztepe to gain more possession and territory. The tension in the stadium escalated as the clock ticked towards the final whistle.

In a dramatic twist, Göztepe found their equalizer deep into stoppage time. In the 90+5 minute, Rômulo, who had been a thorn in Fenerbahçe’s side throughout the second half, capitalized on a lapse in concentration from the Fenerbahçe defense to score the crucial goal. The home fans erupted in celebration as their team snatched a point from the jaws of defeat, leaving Mourinho and his players to rue the missed opportunity to secure all three points.

The draw, while disappointing, leaves Fenerbahçe with four points from their opening two matches of the season, placing them in second place in the league standings. However, the manner of the result will undoubtedly be a cause for concern for Mourinho, who prides himself on his teams’ defensive solidity and ability to close out games. The Portuguese manager will be looking for a quick response from his players in their next fixture as they aim to challenge for the league title.

Elsewhere in the Turkish Süper Lig, Kayserispor, another team with high aspirations this season, suffered a setback as they were defeated 2-1 at home by Sivasspor. Despite a goal from Portuguese winger Miguel Cardoso, Kayserispor was unable to secure their first points of the campaign, leaving them near the bottom of the table. Cardoso’s goal was a moment of individual brilliance, but it was not enough to overcome Sivasspor, who managed to hold on for the victory.

The early stages of the Turkish Süper Lig season are already proving to be unpredictable, with teams like Fenerbahçe and Kayserispor facing unexpected challenges. For Mourinho, the focus will now be on regrouping his squad, addressing the defensive lapses that cost them victory, and ensuring that they can turn promising performances into consistent results as the season progresses.