Match Report: Eyüpspor U19 0–0 Çaykur Rizespor U19 – Turkish U19 A2 League, 9 May 2026

Eyüpspor U19 and Çaykur Rizespor U19 played out a goalless stalemate in the Turkish U19 A2 League on Saturday evening, with both defences holding firm in a contest that lacked clear‑cut chances. The result leaves both sides locked in a tightly packed mid‑table group as the season enters its decisive weeks.

Match Overview

From the outset, it was clear that neither side was willing to take unnecessary risks. The first half saw only a handful of half‑chances, with Eyüpspor’s Emirhan Aydın forcing a sharp save from Rizespor goalkeeper Mertcan Kaya in the 23rd minute. At the other end, Mustafa Yılmaz dragged a shot just wide from the edge of the box.

The intensity increased slightly after the interval, but both midfields — marshalled by Eyüpspor’s Berkay Özcan and Rizespor’s Alperen Çelik — effectively nullified any creative spark. The closest either side came to a goal was in the 78th minute when Rizespor substitute Onur Kaya headed narrowly over from a corner.

Tactical Story

Eyüpspor set up in a compact 4‑4‑2, aiming to hit on the counter, but Rizespor’s disciplined 4‑3‑3 denied them space in behind. The away side pressed high in patches, but Eyüpspor’s back four, led by Caner Demir, stood firm. Both keepers were well protected; the game became a midfield battle with few penetrating passes. A draw was a fair reflection of a contest where defences dominated.

Standout Players

• Mertcan Kaya (Çaykur Rizespor U19): The goalkeeper was alert and commanded his area, dealing comfortably with crosses and palming away Aydın’s first‑half effort.
• Berkay Özcan (Eyüpspor U19): Bossed the midfield ball‑winning duties, winning six tackles and breaking up numerous Rizespor moves.
• Caner Demir (Eyüpspor U19): Read the game superbly, snuffing out danger before it developed. His leadership kept the defensive line organised throughout.

League Context

The Turkish U19 A2 League serves as a development platform for the country’s brightest young talents, with many players hoping to break into first‑team squads. This point leaves Eyüpspor U19 in 8th place with 31 points, while Rizespor U19 sit one spot below on 29. With five matches remaining, both teams are still mathematically in contention for the top‑half finish that would represent a strong season for their academies.

Eyüpspor head coach Ali Güneş admitted his side lacked a cutting edge, while Rizespor’s Mehmet Akif Ersoy praised his team’s defensive shape. For neutrals, a 0‑0 draw may not have thrilled, but for the two academies, the defensive discipline shown is a positive sign for future development.