Antalyaspor secured a professional 2-0 away win over Kars 36 Spor in the TUR Kupası on 28 October 2026, using their superior quality and game management to negotiate a potentially tricky cup tie. The visitors scored in the first half and added a late second to seal their place in the next round.

Match overview

Kars 36 Spor started with energy and the backing of a home crowd, looking to make the tie uncomfortable for their higher-profile opponents. Antalyaspor, however, absorbed the early pressure and gradually imposed their passing game. The difference in level showed in the visitors’ composure on the ball and their ability to find space between Kars’ midfield and defence.

The opening goal came from a patient Antalyaspor move, with the ball worked into the box before a precise finish. Kars responded with effort and a few set-piece deliveries, but Antalyaspor’s defence remained organized, limiting clear chances.

Key moments

• Antalyaspor’s opener: A controlled attacking sequence ended with the visitors taking the lead, settling their nerves.
• Kars’ best spell: The home side pushed forward after the break and forced a few corners, but could not find a clear equaliser.
• Late clincher: Antalyaspor doubled their lead in the closing stages, finishing off a counter-attack as Kars committed players forward.
• Clean sheet: The visitors managed the final minutes comfortably to secure a shutout victory.

Tactical story

Antalyaspor’s approach was measured rather than explosive. They controlled possession, switched play when necessary and waited for gaps to appear. Their midfield’s ability to keep the ball under pressure prevented Kars from building sustained momentum, and their back line dealt well with the home side’s direct running.

Kars 36 Spor deserve credit for their organization and spirit. They defended in numbers, pressed selectively and tried to use set pieces as a route back into the game. But the quality of Antalyaspor’s final-third decisions proved decisive, especially in the closing stages when the tie was still alive.

Standout performers

Antalyaspor’s midfield dictated the tempo, while their forwards combined well to create the opening goal. The goalkeeper’s handling and the centre-backs’ aerial strength ensured Kars had few clear sights of goal. For the home side, the goalkeeper made several saves to keep the score down, and their midfield worked tirelessly despite the defeat.

Season impact

The win moves Antalyaspor into the next stage of the TUR Kupası, keeping their cup ambitions intact. For a club competing in the upper reaches of Turkish football, the challenge is to combine cup progress with league form, and a controlled away victory is exactly the kind of result that builds momentum.

Kars 36 Spor exit the competition but can take encouragement from their organization and work rate. In cup football, small margins often decide ties, and Antalyaspor’s ability to take their chances proved the difference between the two sides.