Caykur Rizespor 2-2 Besiktas JK | Turkish Super League | 16 May 2026

In a thrilling encounter at the Çaykur Didi Stadium, Caykur Rizespor and Besiktas JK played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in the Turkish Super League. The match, played under the floodlights on 16 May 2026, saw both sides trade blows in an entertaining contest that had significant implications for the league standings. Besiktas, chasing a top-three finish, were forced to settle for a point after two late goals from the hosts cancelled out their early dominance.

Match Overview

Besiktas entered the fixture as strong favourites, sitting comfortably in the upper half of the Super League table, while Rizespor were battling to avoid the relegation zone. The Black Eagles started brightly and took the lead through a well-worked goal in the 18th minute. Cenk Tosun, ever the poacher, latched onto a through ball from Gedson Fernandes and slotted past the Rizespor goalkeeper. Besiktas doubled their advantage just before half-time when a corner kick was headed home by central defender Necip Uysal, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb.

However, Caykur Rizespor showed tremendous character after the break. Manager Ilhan Palut made tactical adjustments, pushing his team higher up the pitch. The pressure paid off in the 67th minute when striker Franco Di Santo fired a low drive from the edge of the box to make it 2-1. The equaliser came in the 83rd minute – a controversial penalty awarded after a VAR review for handball against Besiktas’s Valentin Rosier. Midfielder Bryan Dabo stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick, sending the home fans into raptures.

Key Moments

• 18' – Besiktas 1-0: Cenk Tosun finishes a flowing counter-attack.
• 43' – Besiktas 2-0: Necip Uysal heads in from a corner.
• 67' – Rizespor 1-2: Franco Di Santo pulls one back with a crisp strike.
• 83' – Rizespor 2-2: Bryan Dabo scores from the penalty spot after VAR intervention.

Standings Impact

The draw left Besiktas in fourth place, three points behind third-placed Fenerbahçe, while Rizespor remained in 15th, but with a vital point that kept them two points above the relegation zone. For Besiktas, dropping two points against a struggling side was a blow to their Champions League qualification hopes. For Rizespor, the comeback could prove crucial in their survival bid.

Star Performers

Bryan Dabo (Rizespor): The French midfielder was influential throughout, not only scoring the equaliser but also driving forward from midfield. His composure under pressure was key to the comeback.
Cenk Tosun (Besiktas): The veteran striker showed his class with a clinical finish and led the line well, but was left frustrated by his team's second-half collapse.

The match also highlighted the growing importance of VAR in Turkish football, with the penalty decision sparking debate among fans and pundits alike. Overall, a fair result in a game where neither side could afford to lose.