Trabzonspor defeated Başakşehir 2-1 on 24 August 2026. In the second half, Egyptian star Mohammed Salah was brought down in the penalty area; however, referee Ali Şansalan denied a penalty and gave Salah a yellow card. This decision upset both fans and sports writers. The Başakşehir referee, Macar Tamas Bognar, argued that the decision was unfair, even with VAR’s refusal to confirm a penalty. Salah’s two shots from the penalty area, one in the 31st and one in the 41st minute, missed the goalkeeper Muhammed, which could have changed the early half. In the 48th minute, after a through‑ball with Muçi, Salah slipped into the penalty area and delivered a left‑footed corner, challenging the goalkeeper. This shot again showcased the team’s attacking strength. Fatih Tekke played with different 11s throughout the match; he noted that Onuachu’s form was lagging in the first half of the season. Tekke insisted that Onuachu would “explode in one match” and continued to push him. Tekke also criticized the penalty decision, saying the “breeze‑like penalty was a mistake.” Başakşehir started the game at the 9th minute with a shot from Aral Şimşir that hit the net. The 31st and 41st minute shots from the penalty area showed the team’s pressure even when the goalkeeper Muhammed didn’t react strongly. The 48th minute through‑ball with Muçi turned the score from 1‑0 to 2‑1. Başakşehir’s defense was held back by Bouchouari and Ozan Tufan’s wing attacks. Melih Gecen was highlighted as a hero who “disrupted passing stations” and “lifted the defense alone.” Trabzonspor’s 3‑point win strengthened their chances in the championship race, with Fatih Tekke’s search for an ideal 11 and the emphasis on tactics. Fabinho’s transfer was described as a “spot‑on” move; Fabinho played five seasons at Liverpool, three at Al‑İttihad, and three matches for Brazil at the World Cup. After the transfer, Trabzonspor increased its chances of staying in the title race for the rest of the season. Fan support was also highlighted as a key factor; it was emphasized that the stadium should break decibel records at Papara Park. In refereeing, Adnan Deniz Kayatepe’s need for experience was criticized, and VAR’s inability to clarify some decisions was pointed out. In particular, the 19th‑minute cancellation of Oh’s goal, the clash during Aliti’s free kick, and the 66th‑minute Alanya free kick all led to questions about the referee’s and VAR’s decisions. These incidents caused the match to generate debate not only about tactics but also about refereeing and VAR issues.