Fenerbahce beat Galatasaray in Istanbul derby

The Yellow Canaries scored the leading goal in the 45th minute with Dutch forward Robin van Persie, who also found the net in the penalty area in the 78th minute.

Fenerbahce dominated the play, with Galatasaray unable to muster its offense.

Some Fenerbahce regulars were absent from the derby. Turkish central midfielder Mehmet Topal was suspended, and Dutch winger Jeremain Lens had sustained an injury from Netherlands' friendly game against Belgium.

With the win, Fenerbahce raised their points to 21, while the Lions stood at 20, unable to break the 17-year curse.

Since the last time Galatasaray won a game on Fenerbahce's home turf (1999), Galatasaray has won the UEFA Cup, Super Cup, seven league titles, five Turkish Cups, and five Domestic Super Cups.

The perennial rivalry between the two teams started over a century ago, on Jan. 17, 1909, with a special match which ended 2-0 in Galatasaray’s favor.

Neither team was defeated at home during last season’s matches.

Weekend results:

Gaziantepspor 0 - 3 Atiker Konyaspor
Bursaspor 0 - 0 Akhisar Belediyespor
Adanaspor 1 - 2 Besiktas
Osmanlispor 2 - 0 Alanyaspor
Kasimpasa 2 - 2 Karabukspor
Kayserispor 0 - 2 Genclerbirligi

Anadolu Agency