ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Talisca's clinical 28th-minute penalty set the tone for Fenerbahce's commanding 4-0 demolition of Konyaspor at Ulker Stadyumu on Sunday, as the hosts delivered a statement performance in the Turkish Super Lig. The Brazilian midfielder orchestrated the victory with two goals, while Mert Müldür and Marco Asensio completed the scoring in a match that showcased Fenerbahce's attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when Talisca stepped up to convert from the spot with composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after Konyaspor conceded a penalty. Just two minutes later, Müldür doubled the advantage with a well-taken finish that left the visitors reeling. The right-back's attacking instincts proved crucial as he timed his run perfectly to slot home and give Fenerbahce a comfortable cushion before halftime. Talisca struck again in the 37th minute, showcasing his predatory instincts to make it 3-0 and effectively end the contest before the break. Asensio added the cherry on top in the 87th minute, rifling home a late effort that capped a thoroughly professional display from the hosts.
Fenerbahce controlled the midfield battle throughout, with Fred pulling the strings despite picking up a 34th-minute yellow card. The Brazilian veteran's experience proved invaluable in dictating tempo and breaking up Konyaspor's attempts to build from the back. Kerem Aktürkoglu provided constant threat down the left flank, though he too found his way into referee's book with a 41st-minute caution. Konyaspor's Jin-Ho Jo struggled to contain Fenerbahce's attacking movement, earning an eighth-minute yellow card that set the tone for a difficult afternoon for the visitors.
The statistics told the story of Fenerbahce's dominance. The hosts controlled 53.3% of possession while registering 17 total shots compared to Konyaspor's 17, but crucially put nine efforts on target against the visitors' five. Both sides committed 15 fouls apiece in a physical encounter, while each team earned four corners. Fenerbahce's superior quality in the final third made the difference, converting their opportunities with ruthless efficiency.
The turning point came with Talisca's penalty conversion, which opened the floodgates and allowed Fenerbahce to play with freedom and confidence. Konyaspor manager attempted to stem the tide with a halftime substitution, introducing Pedrinho, but the damage had been done. Ugurcan Yazgili's 48th-minute yellow card epitomized the visitors' frustration as they chased shadows for much of the second half. Fenerbahce boss made tactical adjustments, bringing on Sebastian Szymanski and Ismail Yüksek in the 67th minute to maintain control, before Oguz Aydin and Bartug Elmaz entered in the 78th minute to see out the victory.
Looking ahead, Fenerbahce will host Eyupspor on December 21, while Konyaspor will host Kayserispor on December 21.