Galatasaray management has activated a special 1.5 million euro financial incentive for the squad ahead of the Süper Lig ninth-round derby against Fenerbahçe, Sabah reported. The club maintains the exact monetary reward structure used for high-profile fixtures last season, targeting a victory on Monday at RAMS Park.
Dursun Özbek Prepares Kemerburgaz Visit
Galatasaray Dursun Özbek plans to visit the Kemerburgaz Facilities ahead of kickoff to deliver a personal morale boost to the players. The squad enters the matchday holding 19 points through the opening eight rounds, putting them three points clear of their visiting rivals, who have accumulated 16 points.
Aziz Yıldırım Opts Out of RAMS Park Trip
Fenerbahçe Aziz Yıldırım will not travel to RAMS Park for the fixture, according to reports covered by Sabah. Yıldırım has only accompanied the team to one match this season, including European away fixtures. Referee Atilla Karaoğlan will officiate the 21.30 local time kickoff on Monday, October 26, assisted on the sidelines by linesmen Ceyhun Sesigüzel and Süleyman Özay.
Historical First Goal Dynamics in the Intercontinental Clash
Statistical records across 138 previous Süper Lig meetings highlight the critical weight of the match’s opening goal. Teams that score first in this historic fixture rarely surrender a victory, having suffered defeat on only 10 occasions across the entire history of the matchup. Galatasaray secured a 3-0 win in the corresponding home fixture last season at Rams Park.
Squad Availability and Recent Form Leading Up to Kickoff
Galatasaray will face their rivals without Portuguese star Rafael Leao, who sustained a mild-to-moderate groin strain during the 77th minute of a 1-0 victory against Gençlerbirliği. Manager Okan Buruk chases his 120th league victory at the helm of the club. On the opposing side, Fenerbahçe anticipates the return of right-back Mert Müldür to the matchday squad while carrying a four-match domestic clean-sheet streak under manager İsmail Kartal.
Tickets for the Derby Go on Sale via Passo
Tickets for the clash at Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park went on sale starting October 23 at 14.00 for GSPlus Premium and GSPara credit and bank card holders, and on October 24 at 11.00 for GS-logo Passo Fan Cards via the Passo application and passo.com.tr. Each fan holding a Passo Fan Card is restricted to purchasing one ticket by entering their Turkish Identification Number, with Passo service fees included in the price. Ticket holders have no matchday stadium parking rights, and the Rams Park Aslanlı Yolu Ticket Booths operate daily from 09.00 to 18.00, supported by call center number 444 1905. Under Article 53/3 of the Football Disciplinary Instruction, electronic tickets for spectators in South Tribune block 118 and North Tribune blocks 106 and 107 are blocked due to unsporting chants, allowing them to transfer their combined seat rights to one of three registered Turkish citizens. Fans may only purchase tickets for themselves through their Passo accounts, and unauthorized ticket sales outside official club channels carry criminal penalties under Law No. 6222, ranging from six months to three years of imprisonment alongside judicial fines. Returning a season ticket through the club yields a 60% discount on the 2027-2028 season ticket purchase if the seat sells.
Player Comments and Expected Lineups Before Kickoff
Ahead of the 26 October fixture, players from both camps shared their perspectives with beIN SPORTS. Fenerbahçe forward Vedat Muriqi stated, We are preparing well for the derby,
adding that they are a step ahead despite a disappointing Champions League draw during the week. Meanwhile, Galatasaray national winger Yunus Akgün emphasized their desire to dedicate a victory to their community while playing a heavy fixture schedule spanning the league, Champions League, and upcoming Turkish Cup. Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen enters the contest carrying an undefeated personal record in official matches against Fenerbahçe, having notably scored two goals in a 2-1 Turkish Cup quarter-final victory during the 2024-25 season.
Galatasaray yönetimi, Fenerbahçe derbisi için 1,5 milyon euroluk prim belirledi. (Sabah) pic.twitter.com/YHT1R1Bktk
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