Besiktas - Fenerbahçe: former Real Madrid player assaulted

Europe 03 November 2025 at 04:44

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

02.11.25 FT Super Lig Turkey

Besiktas

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Fenerbahce

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A rollercoaster night for Marco Asensio. The former Real Madrid and PSG man experienced an Istanbul derby as electric as it was emotional, as Besiktas clashed with Fenerbahçe (2-3). Having joined Turkey this summer, the Spanish attacking midfielder initially put his team in a tough spot before turning into the hero of the night.

From blunder to deliverance

Things started off terribly for the Balearic native, who was at fault for Besiktas' opening goal after losing the ball deep in his own half. It was a mistake that could have haunted him all night in the cauldron-like atmosphere of Vodafone Park. But Asensio responded in the best possible way, firing home a crisp equalizer just before halftime to put his team back on track. In the second half, Fenerbahçe took advantage as two Besiktas players saw red, turning the game around thanks to a crucial goal from Jhon Durán.

The match could have ended in chaos when Asensio was targeted by bottles hurled from the stands as he prepared to take a corner. Fortunately unhurt, the incident seemed to fire up the Spaniard, now nicknamed El Matador by Fenerbahçe fans.

"These things shouldn’t happen, but they made me even more determined to help the team," he said after the match.

With three goals and an assist in ten appearances this season, Asensio appears to have rediscovered the fighting spirit and decisive edge that eluded him in Paris. In Turkey, he is quickly establishing himself as a symbol of a resurgent Fenerbahçe side, determined to reclaim their place at the summit of Turkish football.

Read also: Barça narrowly escapes!

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