Çaykur Rizespor vs Galatasaray: Süper Lig Leaders Face Tough Trip to Rize
RIZE, 08 February 2026 – Galatasaray travel to the Çaykur Didi Stadyumu today to face Çaykur Rizespor in a pivotal Week 21 fixture of the Trendyol Süper Lig. The visitors, currently sitting at the top of the table, look to maintain their title charge against a Rizespor side positioned in 12th place.
Match Overview
The encounter, scheduled for a 17:00 kick-off local time, sees Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray side attempting to extend their dominant run in the league. The “Lions” have been in formidable form, particularly away from home, having secured seven victories on their travels this season. In contrast, Çaykur Rizespor enter the match following a -2-2 draw against Istanbul Basaksehir, a result that showed resilience but highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that the league leaders will be keen to exploit.
Tactically, Galatasaray are expected to dominate possession, while Recep Ucar’s Rizespor will likely rely on a compact defensive structure and quick transitions. The home side has struggled in recent meetings against the Istanbul giants, losing their last seven consecutive matches against Galatasaray in Süper Lig competition.
Head-to-Head Statistics and Form
Historical data heavily favours the visitors. In their most recent encounter in August 2025, Galatasaray secured a comfortable 3-1 victory. Furthermore, the record at the Çaykur Didi Stadyumu has been one-sided of late, with Rizespor losing their last four home games against today’s opponents.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total League Meetings | 40 Matches |
| Galatasaray Wins | 26 |
| Çaykur Rizespor Wins | 6 |
| Draws | 8 |
| Average Goals per Match | 3.75 |
| Current League Position | Galatasaray (1st) vs Rizespor (12th) |
Team News and Lineups
Confirmed reports from the Rize camp indicate that the starting XI will feature Fofana in goal, supported by a defensive line including Taha, Mocsi, Samet, and Hojer. For Galatasaray, manager Okan Buruk continues to manage a high-quality squad, with star striker Victor Osimhen recently monitored for fitness ahead of upcoming European commitments, though he remains a focal point of the domestic campaign.
The match is expected to be high-scoring, as five of the last six meetings between these two clubs have resulted in over 2.5 goals. Galatasaray’s offensive efficiency, averaging 2.5 goals per game in historical matchups against Rizespor, remains the primary threat for the hosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Rizespor vs Galatasaray start?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 local time (15:00 CET) on Sunday, 08 February 2026.
Where is the match being played?
The game will take place at the Çaykur Didi Stadyumu in Rize, Turkey.
What was the result of the last meeting?
Galatasaray won the reverse fixture 3-1 in August 2025. They also won the previous away match in Rize with a 2-1 scoreline in February 2025.
Which channel is broadcasting the match?
In Turkey, the match is broadcast live on beIN Sports, with international coverage available via various licensed Süper Lig partners.