Bodrumspor vs Besiktas

Bodrumspor Set for Emotional Super Lig Farewell Against Besiktas

Bodrumspor will bring their historic first Turkish Super Lig season to a close on Sunday with a high-profile home match against European-qualified Besiktas.

For the hosts, it’s the end of a challenging yet groundbreaking campaign, while the visitors arrive having already booked their spot in continental competition next season.

After earning their first-ever promotion to the top flight in 2023-24, Bodrumspor entered the season hoping to make their mark. However, the step up proved difficult, and they now face an immediate return to the TFF 1. Lig. Sitting 18th with 37 points, their relegation has been confirmed with one game remaining.

Despite flashes of resilience—including an impressive six-game unbeaten streak between February and March—their recent struggles sealed their fate. A six-match winless run, featuring three consecutive draws against Sivasspor (0-0), Trabzonspor (1-1), and Kayserispor (1-1), left them five points from safety.

Though they couldn’t avoid the drop, their debut season will be remembered for spirited home performances, valuable lessons learned, and two managerial changes—with José Morais taking charge in February.

Meanwhile, Besiktas head to Bodrum in a more positive mood, having secured a Europa League spot despite a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Caykur Rizespor last time out. While they’ve won only three of their last eight league matches, results elsewhere helped them clinch fourth place—an improvement on last season’s sixth-place finish—ensuring European football returns to Istanbul next term.

Much of their resurgence can be credited to Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who took over mid-season with the team struggling for consistency. The former Manchester United manager has steadied the ship, tightening the defense and restoring tactical discipline. Under his guidance, Besiktas have recorded eight wins, four draws, and four losses in 16 league games—though they enter this match winless in their last two (one loss, one draw).

With their European objective already achieved, Besiktas have little pressure on the final day. Still, they’ll aim to complete a league double over Bodrumspor and finish the season on a high note.