(foto: Getty Images)
Matteo Guendouzi scored on his debut as Fenerbahçe beat Galatasaray 2–0 in the Turkish Super Cup, earning man of the match honours and igniting title hopes.
Just two days after completing the signing, Matteo Guendouzi made an instant impact for Fenerbahçe. The French midfielder, who joined from Lazio for €28 million, marked his debut with a decisive performance in the Turkish Super Cup—and against arch-rivals Galatasaray.
Guendouzi opened the scoring in the 28th minute, drilling a low, powerful shot from distance past the Galatasaray goalkeeper to spark scenes of delirium among the travelling Fenerbahçe supporters. His goal set the tone for a 2–0 victory, achieved on Galatasaray’s own ground, and earned him the man of the match award.
The former Arsenal midfielder barely needed time to settle. Confident on the ball, aggressive in duels and decisive in the final third, Guendouzi quickly became the focal point of Fenerbahçe’s midfield and an instant fan favourite. His debut suggested that the club’s January gamble on a high-profile signing may already be paying dividends.
The result also carries wider implications. Galatasaray have dominated the Turkish title race in recent seasons and still sit top of the Süper Lig after 17 rounds, but their lead over Fenerbahçe is just three points. With that narrow gap in mind, Fenerbahçe’s decision to strengthen in January now looks strategic rather than extravagant.
The two Istanbul giants will meet again in the league toward the end of April, when only three rounds will remain. That clash could prove decisive in the championship race—especially if Guendouzi continues to perform at this level.
For now, the message is clear: Fenerbahçe’s new signing has arrived, delivered immediately, and may have signalled the start of a genuine push for domestic supremacy.