Dusan Vlahovic scored the decisive goal as Besiktas staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Fenerbahce 2-1 in a thrilling Istanbul derby at Kadikoy. The Serbian striker's match-winning performance in his first Turkish Super Lig derby left him full of praise for captain Orkun Kokcu, whose assist he compared to the creative brilliance of Lionel Messi.
Fenerbahce dominated the opening stages, with defender Milan Skriniar breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute. Besiktas responded swiftly, drawing level through Ridvan Yilmaz just 12 minutes later before turning the match on its head. Vlahovic's 73rd-minute finish completed a dominant second-half display that showcased the visitors' resilience and tactical adjustment under pressure.
Vlahovic Lauds Kokcu's Creative Quality
In the immediate aftermath of the victory, Vlahovic reserved special commendation for his captain's performance. "Orkun Kokcu is a world-class star," the 24-year-old told reporters. "He made another fantastic assist tonight — the kind of assist you'd see from Messi. I'm lucky to have the opportunity to play alongside him." The striker emphasized that individual glory mattered less than the collective triumph, stating: "Even though I scored, it wouldn't have mattered if we hadn't won the game."
Kokcu himself revealed the tactical awareness behind the crucial assist, explaining he deliberately passed to Vlahovic despite having space to shoot. "I could have taken the shot for the second goal myself, but I knew Vlahovic would be there," the midfielder said. "Vlahovic is a top-level player who is hungry for goals." The captain also highlighted Besiktas's mental strength after falling behind early: "Our morale took a bit of a hit when we fell behind, but we bounced back quickly. We showed everyone that we are a good team."
Looking Forward in the Super Lig Title Race
The away victory represents a significant statement in the Trendyol Super Lig title race, allowing Besiktas to build crucial early-season momentum. Vlahovic suggested that his goal-scoring output will only improve as he reaches peak fitness levels following his recent move to Turkish football. With the derby psychological advantage now in their favor, Besiktas can approach their upcoming league fixtures with confidence, knowing they possess the attacking depth and tactical flexibility to compete against any opponent in the Super Lig.
