Göztepe vs Samsunspor Match Recap - Dec 21, 2025

Göztepe Dominates Samsunspor 2-0, Proving Their Playoff Worthiness

Göztepe's decisive 2-0 victory over Samsunspor solidifies their position in the Süper Lig playoff race, showcasing their resilience and tactical superiority. Arda Kurtulan emerged as the standout performer, netting both goals and continuing his impressive form. This match marked a significant turnaround for Göztepe, who had struggled in recent outings but found their rhythm against a Samsunspor side that has been faltering.

Göztepe's recent form has been a rollercoaster, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches. The victory against Samsunspor is a much-needed boost after a disappointing loss to Trabzonspor and a cup final defeat. The team had previously shown defensive vulnerabilities, but today they displayed a more cohesive unit, effectively neutralizing Samsunspor's attacking threats. The expected goals (xG) metric tells a compelling story; Göztepe's xG of 0.40 compared to Samsunspor's 0.18 highlights their efficiency in converting limited chances into goals.

Samsunspor's recent struggles continued, marking their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions. Despite controlling 63% of possession and completing 259 passes, they failed to translate this dominance into meaningful opportunities. Their inability to capitalize on possession has been a recurring theme, as evidenced by their last five matches where they averaged 13 total shots but consistently fell short in finishing. The contrast between their ball control and lack of goal-scoring prowess was stark today.

Kurtulan's performance was pivotal for Göztepe, as he not only scored twice but also contributed defensively, helping to maintain the team's shape throughout the match. His first goal came at a crucial moment, allowing Göztepe to settle into the game and dictate the pace. Following his brace, Kurtulan has now scored in consecutive matches, reinforcing his status as a key player for Göztepe moving forward.

Samsunspor's attacking players, particularly Marius Mouandilmadji and Emre Kılınç, struggled to find their footing against Göztepe's organized defense. Despite their efforts, including several attempts that fell short of the target, they could not break through. The lack of clinical finishing has haunted Samsunspor throughout this season, and today's match was no exception. Their xG of 0.18 reflects a team that is creating opportunities but failing to convert them into goals.

The tactical setup of both teams played a significant role in the outcome. Göztepe's 4-4-1-1 formation allowed them to absorb pressure while remaining dangerous on the counterattack. In contrast, Samsunspor's 3-4-2-1 formation left them vulnerable at the back, especially when transitioning from attack to defense. The lack of defensive cover from their midfielders meant that Göztepe could exploit gaps effectively.

Looking ahead, Göztepe will face Rizespor next, where they will aim to build on this momentum and solidify their playoff position. With 29 points, they are well-placed in the standings and will look to maintain their form against a Rizespor side that has been inconsistent. Meanwhile, Samsunspor must regroup before their match against Genclerbirligi. With only 25 points, they need to find a way to convert possession into points if they hope to remain competitive in the league.

This match serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football; Göztepe capitalized on their chances while Samsunspor faltered under pressure. The narrative of redemption for Göztepe continues, while Samsunspor faces an uphill battle to regain their early-season form. The stakes are high as both teams navigate the challenges of the Süper Lig, but today's result clearly favors Göztepe as they look toward potential playoff glory.