Somaspor Stuns Isparta 32 Spor in Late Draw, Leaving Both Sides with Questions
A late equalizer from Pektas salvaged a point for Somaspor in a tense 1-1 draw against Isparta 32 Spor at the Soma Atatürk Stadyumu. This result leaves Somaspor still mired in the relegation zone, while Isparta's promotion hopes take a hit after failing to secure all three points.
Somaspor entered this match desperate for a turnaround after a dismal run of form that saw them collect just one point from their last five matches. The home side had been on the brink of another defeat, trailing until the 75th minute when Pektas found the net, igniting hope in a season that has been largely bleak. His goal marked a rare moment of joy for a team that had previously struggled to find the back of the net consistently.
Isparta 32 Spor, on the other hand, came into this fixture riding high after a commanding 4-0 victory over Ankara Demirspor. However, they were unable to replicate that form against a Somaspor side that had been defensively frail but showed resilience when it mattered most. After Basyigit equalized for Isparta just seven minutes later, it was clear that both teams were grappling with their own demons.
The match was a microcosm of Somaspor's season: flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency. Their only win prior to this match came in an astonishing 7-1 rout against Yeni Malatyaspor, but since then, they had conceded ten goals in three matches. The pressure was palpable as they faced an Isparta team that had been solid in the league but was now left questioning its ability to close out games.
Kaya, who had been instrumental for Isparta with four goals in his last three appearances, was kept quiet throughout the match. His inability to influence the game was a stark contrast to his recent form and highlighted the challenges Isparta faced in maintaining momentum. The visitors had opportunities to extend their lead but failed to capitalize, allowing Somaspor to claw back into contention.
The draw leaves Somaspor with just five points from eleven matches, firmly planted in 16th place. Their struggles are evident, but this late equalizer could serve as a catalyst for change. Perhaps it will ignite a spark that has been missing in their campaign thus far. The upcoming match against Kırklarelispor will be crucial as they seek to build on this newfound momentum.
For Isparta, sitting in 7th place with 21 points, this result is a missed opportunity. They had aimed to solidify their position in the playoff spots but now face pressure to regain their winning form against Aliağa FAŞ next week. The inconsistency that plagued them earlier in the season seems to have resurfaced at an inopportune time.
Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a tactical battle favoring Isparta due to their recent form and psychological edge. Instead, Somaspor's resilience proved me wrong, showcasing that even teams at the bottom can surprise when the stakes are high.
As both teams look ahead, Somaspor must harness this draw as a stepping stone while Isparta needs to regroup and find their rhythm again. The narrative of survival versus ambition continues, and with each passing match, the stakes only grow higher.