Sat Oct 04 16:10:00 UTC 2025: **Galatasaray and Beşiktaş Set to Clash in Highly Anticipated Istanbul Derby**

**ISTANBUL** – The RAMS Park is set to host a thrilling Istanbul derby tonight as Galatasaray welcomes Beşiktaş for a Week 8 showdown in the Trendyol Süper Lig. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time, with Yasin Kol officiating the match. Ali Şansalan will be the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Galatasaray enters the match as league leaders, sitting comfortably six points ahead of their nearest rival with a perfect record of seven wins from seven games. The “Lions” aim to extend their winning streak and secure bragging rights in the season’s first derby.

Beşiktaş, currently in 5th place with 12 points from six matches (one game in hand), will be looking to close the gap on their rivals. The “Black Eagles” are coming off two consecutive league victories and hope to continue their momentum against the league leaders.

**Team News and Key Stats**

* Galatasaray will field a strong lineup, including Uğurcan, Singo, Sanchez, Abdülkerim, Jakobs, Lemina, Torreira, Yunus, İlkay (Sane), Barış, Osimhen (Icardi).
* Beşiktaş’s potential starting eleven includes Mert, Gökhan, Djalo, Emirhan, Jurasek, Cerny, Ndidi, Orkun, Rafa, Toure, Abraham (Jota).
* Beşiktaş manager Sergen Yalçın has a mixed record against Galatasaray in the league, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their previous encounters. He aims to improve his record and secure a victory at RAMS Park.
* Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has reportedly promised special bonuses to the players for a win in the derby, following their recent victory against Liverpool.
* Tammy Abraham, who has been recovering from an injury, has returned to training and his availability for the match will be determined closer to kick-off.
* Historically, Galatasaray holds a slight edge in the overall head-to-head record, with 128 wins compared to Beşiktaş’s 116 in their 358 encounters.
* Beşiktaş has struggled in recent away derbies, failing to win their last eight league matches against Galatasaray at their ground, with their last victory dating back to 2017.
* Galatasaray has been formidable at home, remaining unbeaten in their last 28 official matches across all competitions.

**A Fierce Rivalry**

Tonight’s match marks the 359th meeting between these two historic Istanbul clubs, a rivalry that began in 1924. Football fans across Turkey eagerly anticipate this clash of titans, which promises to be a captivating spectacle.

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