Rizespor vs Fenerbahce Match Recap - Nov 23, 2025

Fenerbahçe's Dominance Continues: Rizespor Left Reeling in 5-2 Defeat

Fenerbahçe's relentless pursuit of the Süper Lig title remains unscathed as they dismantled Rizespor 5-2, showcasing their offensive prowess and tactical superiority. This match marked Fenerbahçe's eighth consecutive win, solidifying their position at the top of the league with 28 points from 12 matches. The visitors displayed a clinical edge, converting opportunities with precision, while Rizespor struggled to maintain their early momentum.

Rizespor's initial promise quickly faded as they conceded five goals, a stark contrast to their recent form where they had shown flashes of resilience. Despite taking an early lead through Sowe and Laci, Rizespor's defense crumbled under pressure, allowing Fenerbahçe to exploit gaps with ruthless efficiency. The home side's inability to sustain their early advantage reflects a troubling trend; they have now conceded 11 goals in their last five matches, highlighting defensive frailties that need urgent addressing.

Fenerbahçe's attacking unit was spearheaded by Marco Asensio, who scored twice and assisted another goal, continuing his impressive form. Asensio's contributions have been pivotal; he has now netted six goals this season, proving to be a game-changer for his team. Alongside him, Anderson Talisca and Youssef En-Nesyri also found the net, demonstrating the depth of Fenerbahçe's attacking options. The team's ability to score from various positions makes them a formidable opponent for any defense.

Statistically, Fenerbahçe dominated the match in nearly every category. They outshot Rizespor 16 to 5 and held 60% possession, reflecting their control over the game. Their pass accuracy of 88% compared to Rizespor's 78% further emphasizes their superior ball movement and tactical execution. The visitors' ability to create chances was evident in their expected goals (xG) of 0.94, which, while lower than Fenerbahçe's 1.94, still indicates that they had opportunities that went unconverted.

Rizespor's recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches. Their struggles were evident in this fixture as they failed to capitalize on their early lead. The team averaged 1.2 goals per match in their last five outings but could not maintain that scoring rate against a high-caliber opponent like Fenerbahçe. The red card issued to Laci in the 63rd minute compounded their woes, leaving them vulnerable and unable to regroup effectively.

Fenerbahçe's tactical setup under coach Domenico Tedesco has proven effective throughout the season. The team's formation allowed for fluid transitions between defense and attack, with midfielders like İsmail Yüksek facilitating ball distribution and creating space for forwards. This tactical flexibility has been crucial in maintaining their unbeaten streak in the league.

Rizespor's next challenge will be against Kayserispor, where they must find a way to shore up their defense and regain confidence after this heavy defeat. The team needs to address its defensive lapses and find a way to convert chances into goals if they hope to climb the table from their current mid-table position.

Fenerbahçe will face a significant test against Galatasaray in their upcoming match, a fixture that promises to be a fierce contest given the historical rivalry between the two clubs. Maintaining their current form will be essential if they wish to continue their title challenge.

This match serves as a stark reminder of the gulf in class between the two sides. Fenerbahçe's ability to capitalize on Rizespor's mistakes and convert chances into goals underscores their championship credentials. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see if Rizespor can bounce back or if Fenerbahçe will continue their march towards the title unimpeded.