Trabzonspor: The “Sun” Isn’t Rising
Trabzonspor suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Goztepe away in the Trendyol Super Lig, disappointing their fans both domestically and in Europe this season.
The burgundy-blue team has won only 4 of their 15 official matches in the Super Lig and European competitions, resulting in a win percentage of just 26%. They drew 8 matches and lost 3.
Unable to win two consecutive league matches, the Black Sea team is far from the title race with just 12 points after 9 weeks, averaging 1.33 points per game. They were also eliminated early from European competitions, failing to reach the group stages, with disappointing results in the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
League Matches
In the first week of the league, Trabzonspor drew 0-0 away against Net Global Sivasspor. After a bye in the second week, their match against Bellona Kayserispor in the third week was postponed due to European cup commitments. In the fourth week, they drew 0-0 away against Ika Eyüpspor, followed by a 1-1 draw at home against Besiktas and a 2-2 draw against Bellona Kayserispor in a postponed match.
In the sixth week, they returned from Gaziantep FK with a goalless draw, but finally secured their first victory in the seventh week with a 3-2 win at home against TUMOSAN Konyaspor. They drew 1-1 in the eighth week against Atakas Hatayspor, then won 1-0 at home against RAMS Basaksehir, only to lose 2-1 at Goztepe in the tenth week.
No Away Wins
Trabzonspor has struggled in away matches under three different coaches, collecting just 4 points from 5 league matches, with 4 draws and 1 loss, averaging 0.8 points. Under Abdullah Avci, they drew 0-0 against Net Global Sivasspor in the first week.
In their next away match against Ika Eyupspor, they drew again under interim coach Ihsan Derelioglu. After appointing Senol Gunes for the fifth time, Trabzonspor played 3 away matches but failed to secure a victory, drawing 0-0 against Gaziantep FK and 1-1 against Atakas Hatayspor, then losing 2-1 to Goztepe.
Unbeaten Streak Ends
Trabzonspor’s unbeaten streak was broken after 175 days when they lost to Goztepe, having last been defeated on May 4 of the previous season against Samsunspor. Following that match, they won 3 consecutive matches, but this season, after 9 weeks, they have recorded 2 wins, 6 draws, and 1 loss.
Early Exit from Europe
After finishing third in the previous season, Trabzonspor began their European campaign in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League, defeating Slovakia’s Ruzomberok 2-0 away and 1-0 at home. However, they were eliminated in the third qualifying round by Austria’s Rapid Wien, losing 1-0 at home and 2-0 away.
Continuing in the UEFA Conference League, they drew 0-0 away against Switzerland’s St. Gallen in the playoff round and 1-1 at home. Trabzonspor was eliminated in the penalty shootouts, saying goodbye to Europe.
Results Under Three Coaches
Under coach Abdullah Avci, Trabzonspor played in European matches and the first week of the Super Lig against Net Global Sivasspor, finishing with 2 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. In the second week, they drew with Ika Eyupspor under interim director Ihsan Derelioglu. After Gunes took over, they experienced 2 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss.
