Trabzonspor vs Galatasaray

Mere days following their league showdown, Trabzonspor and Galatasaray lock horns once more, this time on neutral turf in Gaziantep for the Turkish Cup final this Wednesday.

For the second consecutive year and an impressive sixteenth time in their history, Trabzonspor have secured a spot in the Turkish Cup final, having calmly dispatched Goztepe 2-0 in the April 20 semifinal, paving the way for another opportunity to claim a trophy.

After a shaky group stage, Galatasaray found their stride in the knockout rounds, narrowly overcoming fierce rivals Fenerbahce 2-1 in a heated Istanbul derby before crushing Konyaspor 5-1 to charge into their record-setting 24th Turkish Cup final.

This marks the fourth occasion these bitter rivals will battle for the national cup, with Galatasaray aiming for a third victory in such matchups, though they’ll be wary of repeating their 1994-95 final loss when Trabzonspor dominated them 4-2 on aggregate.

Despite their commendable consistency in reaching the cup final for two years straight, Trabzonspor face an uphill battle, mirroring last season’s disappointment, as their recent record against the Istanbul giants is dismal—five consecutive losses and 14 goals conceded, including a 2-0 defeat days ago that edged Galatasaray closer to their 25th Super Lig title.

Trabzonspor won’t enter Wednesday’s marquee clash ready to surrender, but it’s tough to see them rattling a red-hot Galatasaray side, who are riding a blistering seven-game winning streak, fueled by a lethal attack that’s netted four or more goals in three of their last four matches.

Trabzonspor’s persistent effort in this tournament merits praise, yet they seem to lack the roster depth and versatility to match a rampant Galatasaray team that’s been obliterating opponents and is determined to clinch a domestic double by midweek.