Ozil suffers second straight loss as Fenerbahce dumped from Turkish Cup

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:44 CDT
• 2 min read

Mesut Ozil suffered a second successive defeat for his new club as 10-man Fenerbahce were dumped out of the Turkish Cup by Istanbul Basaksehir after extra time.

Ozil started the quarter-final from the bench and watched on as his team went behind in the first half to a Junior Fernandes goal. Their task was then made even more difficult as Mauricio Lemos was sent off on the stroke of half time.

The skilful German, who lost in the derby against Galatasaray in his last match, was summoned from the bench for the second period in an attempt to rescue the match at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

He appeared to give his side fresh impetus and, on 72 minutes, former West Ham striker Enner Valencia equalised – with ex-Newcastle United man Papiss Cisse getting the assist. 

The cup clash thus went to extra time where it proved to be a very feisty affair – no less than six yellow cards being dished out in overtime.

However, it was Istanbul Basaksehir who booked their place in the semi-final as Fredrik Gulbrandsen grabbed the winner on 96 minutes.

This proved to be a second successive defeat for Ozil following his much-publicised transfer from Arsenal last month.

Ozil’s move to Turkey was not only a dream come true for him, but a real statement of intent from Fenerbahce. He is a lifelong fan of the club, and it was hoped that the 32-year-old would be able to turn their fortunes around after an incredibly disappointing seventh-placed finish in the Turkish Super Lig last season.

It was always going to take time for him to settle because of his lack of match-action during his last eight months at Arsenal, but both Ozil and Fenerbahce will be hoping he hits full fitness soon after another negative result.