Dusan Vlahovic scored the decisive goal as Besiktas defeated Fenerbahce 2-1 in a tense Istanbul derby that rekindled one of European football's most heated rivalries. The Serbian striker's 73rd-minute winner capped a dramatic comeback at Kadikoy, where the former Serie A antagonists locked horns once again in the Turkish Super Lig.
Milan Skriniar opened the scoring for Fenerbahce in the 26th minute, but Ridvan Yilmaz equalized just 12 minutes later to level the contest. Vlahovic then turned the match on its head midway through the second half, securing all three points for the visiting Black Eagles and extending their unbeaten run in the campaign.
Old Rivalries Ignite in Turkey
The animosity between Vlahovic and Skriniar traces back years of Serie A battles. Vlahovic spent formative seasons at Fiorentina before his high-profile move to Juventus, while Skriniar established himself as one of Europe's premier centre-backs during his time at Inter Milan. Their most memorable clash came in April 2022 when Juventus faced Inter, with Skriniar's commanding defensive performance limiting Vlahovic's influence in that fixture.
The tension between them boiled over in the 51st minute when referee Halil Umut Meler allowed play to continue following a contested handball incident. Vlahovic's frustrated reaction sparked a physical confrontation with Skriniar, forcing teammates to separate the pair. Both players received yellow cards, though the incident only seemed to fuel Vlahovic's determination.
Victory and Redemption in Istanbul
Vlahovic's winning goal represented more than just three points—it was a measure of redemption against an old nemesis on unfamiliar turf. With this victory, Besiktas claimed early bragging rights in the Super Lig title race and demonstrated their credentials as serious contenders this season. Fenerbahce pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages but could not break through the Besiktas defensive line as the hosts held firm to secure an important away triumph.
