When it comes to football rivalries, few matches worldwide rival the intensity, passion, and drama of the Beşiktaş-Galatasaray derby, one of Turkey's iconic football fixtures.
As two of the three giants of Turkish football, collectively termed the "Big Three", their face-offs are more than just about bragging rights.
They encapsulate the spirit and culture of Istanbul, and with a reported 90% of fans in Turkey supporting the Big Three, the stakes have never been higher.
The history between these two titans of Turkish football is vast and intricate. Their first-ever encounter on the pitch dates back to 1909, making it one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the world of football.
Over the years, both teams have left an indelible mark on Turkish football, boasting a plethora of trophies and honours. Galatasaray's most illustrious achievement came in 2000 when they won the UEFA Cup, defeating Arsenal in a nail-biting final, becoming the first and only Turkish club to win a major European competition.
On the other hand, Beşiktaş's history is equally embellished, with their crowning moment coming in 1987 when they went the entire Süper Lig season unbeaten.
In the numerous battles between these two sides, the stats show a neck-to-neck competition. The results in their official Süper Lig & Cup matches are as follows:
Matches played: 153
Galatasaray Wins: 58
Beşiktaş Wins: 43
Draws: 52
The most recent fixture, played on 30/04/2023, saw Beşiktaş triumph over Galatasaray with a 3-1 victory. Although Galatasaray took the lead with a goal from Mauro Icardi, Beşiktaş showed resilience and determination.
Romain Saïss equalised before halftime, setting the stage for Amir Hadžiahmetović and Vincent Aboubakar to seal the win for the Black Eagles.
This victory for Beşiktaş was not just about three points. It was a testament to their grit, character, and determination to come from behind against their fierce rivals. It set the tone for what promises to be another enthralling chapter in the rich tapestry of the Beşiktaş-Galatasaray rivalry.
The Beşiktaş-Galatasaray derby is not just a game. Each fixture is a fresh chapter in an age-old saga, and football fans across the globe wait with bated breath for the next encounter.