Beşiktaş vs Rizespor Match Recap - Dec 20, 2025

Beşiktaş Grinds Out a Narrow Victory Over Rizespor, Solidifying Their Top-Five Position

Beşiktaş's 1-0 victory over Rizespor underscores their resilience amid a season marked by inconsistency. The win not only secures three crucial points but also highlights Milot Rashica's growing importance to the squad, as he netted the decisive goal in the 64th minute. This match serves as a testament to Beşiktaş's ability to grind out results, a skill that has been elusive in recent weeks.

Possession was a key factor, with Beşiktaş dominating the ball at 64% compared to Rizespor's 36%. This control allowed them to dictate the pace of the game, a stark contrast to their previous matches where they struggled to convert possession into tangible results. The statistics from their last five games reveal a pattern: despite holding significant possession, they often failed to capitalize on it. Against Trabzonspor, for instance, they had 76% possession but could only manage a draw. Today, they turned that narrative around, effectively utilizing their ball control to create scoring opportunities.

The attacking prowess of Beşiktaş was evident as they registered 8 total shots, with 3 on target, compared to Rizespor's 6 total shots and none on target. This disparity in offensive output reflects Beşiktaş's improved efficiency in front of goal, particularly from players like Tammy Abraham, who has been pivotal in their attacking strategy. Abraham's presence continues to draw defenders, allowing space for others like Rashica to exploit.

Rizespor's recent form had shown promise, especially after their impressive 3-0 win against Eyüpspor. However, they struggled to replicate that attacking flair against Beşiktaş. Despite their recent resurgence, today's performance highlighted their vulnerabilities, particularly in converting chances into goals. Their inability to register a shot on target is alarming, especially given their recent scoring form. The contrast between their last match and this one raises questions about their consistency and mental fortitude when facing stronger opposition.

Defensively, Beşiktaş showcased a more organized backline today, limiting Rizespor's chances effectively. The home side's defensive unit, led by Gabriel Paulista, managed to neutralize threats from Rizespor's attackers, including Ali Sowe and Ibrahim Olawoyin. This marked improvement is crucial for Beşiktaş as they aim to solidify their position in the top five of the league standings.

Rizespor's midfield struggled to maintain possession against Beşiktaş's pressing game. The visitors recorded only 157 passes with an accuracy of 75%, which pales in comparison to Beşiktaş's 281 passes and 84% accuracy. This lack of control in midfield limited Rizespor's ability to transition effectively from defense to attack, ultimately stifling their offensive creativity.

The match statistics reveal that Beşiktaş's expected goals (xG) stood at 0.88, while Rizespor's was a mere 0.26. This disparity underscores the effectiveness of Beşiktaş's attacking play compared to Rizespor's struggles in creating meaningful chances. The home side's ability to convert one of their few opportunities into a goal proved decisive in securing the win.

Looking ahead, Beşiktaş will face Kayserispor next, where they will need to build on this momentum and continue refining their attacking strategies. The challenge will be maintaining consistency and converting possession into goals against teams that may not allow them the same space as Rizespor did today.

Rizespor's upcoming match against Göztepe presents an opportunity for redemption. They must address their offensive shortcomings and find ways to capitalize on scoring chances if they hope to climb the league table. The pressure is on for them to demonstrate that their recent form was not merely a flash in the pan.

This match encapsulates the ongoing narrative of both teams: Beşiktaş striving for stability and success amidst fluctuating performances, while Rizespor seeks to establish themselves as a competitive force in the league. The stakes are high as both teams navigate the complexities of the Süper Lig season, making every point crucial as they push toward their respective goals.