Gençlerbirliği Edge Past Gaziantep in Dramatic Ankara Encounter
Gençlerbirliği 2-1 Gazişehir Gaziantep
Süper Lig, Round 20 | Eryaman Stadium, Ankara
Gençlerbirliği secured a vital three points with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Gazişehir Gaziantep at the Eryaman Stadium, moving level on 25 points with their opponents in the Süper Lig table.
The hosts made the perfect start when Thalisson Kelven found the net after just 10 minutes, capitalising on an early opportunity to give Gençlerbirliği a deserved lead. Despite enjoying only 34% possession throughout the match, the home side demonstrated clinical efficiency in front of goal.
Gaziantep, who entered the fixture three places above their hosts in eighth position, struggled to impose their usual rhythm despite controlling large spells of the game. The visitors registered nine shots compared to Gençlerbirliği’s six, but found themselves level only in the 63rd minute when M. Bayo restored parity with a well-taken equaliser.
The decisive moment arrived 14 minutes from time as M. Mimaroğlu struck what proved to be the winner, completing a remarkable turnaround for Gençlerbirliği who had appeared vulnerable after surrendering their early advantage.
The statistics reveal a fascinating tactical battle, with Gaziantep’s 66% possession and superior pass completion rate (86% vs 71%) failing to translate into clear-cut chances. The expected goals metric favoured the hosts (0.81 vs 0.52), suggesting their direct approach proved more effective than Gaziantep’s patient build-up play.
Discipline proved problematic for both sides, with referee Erdem Mertoglu showing seven yellow cards throughout a feisty encounter. Gençlerbirliği’s physical approach, evidenced by their 13 fouls, disrupted Gaziantep’s rhythm and contributed to their tactical success.
This victory represents a significant boost for Gençlerbirliği’s mid-table ambitions, ending a mixed run of form (WLDWD) with an impressive display of counter-attacking football. For Gaziantep, the defeat extends their concerning slide, with this loss marking their fourth in five league outings (LDDLL).
