Beşiktaş snatched a historic 1-0 win over Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Sunday, handing manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a second landmark victory in Istanbul — and likely dashing José Mourinho’s slim hopes of lifting the Süper Lig title in his debut season.
The Norwegian tactician became the first foreign manager since the legendary Mircea Lucescu in 2003 to lead Beşiktaş to victory at Kadıköy. And while there may be no direct Turkish translation for “Ole’s at the wheel,” as one colleague put it, gemi kaptanı — captain of the ship — might soon catch on among the Black Eagles’ faithful.
Solskjaer has now beaten both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe in his 15-match tenure, and the 2,100 Beşiktaş fans tucked into the corner of the stadium roared their approval as he joined his players in thanking them post-match.
The result could prove pivotal in the title race. With just four matches remaining, Fenerbahçe now trail archrivals Galatasaray by eight points. For Mourinho, who embraced Solskjaer warmly at full-time and shared several moments of mutual respect, this derby defeat may mark the beginning of the end of his season — and possibly his stay in Turkey.
“Ole is here for a few months,” Mourinho said after the game. “He is experienced and intelligent enough to learn what he has to learn. We respect each other well. I think we like each other too.”
Fernandes the Difference in Tactical Gamble
Beşiktaş’s unlikely hero was Gedson Fernandes — a player Mourinho knows well from his short, goalless stint under him at Tottenham. Fernandes, deployed in a more advanced role as part of Solskjaer’s tactical reshuffle, capitalized on a critical error by Mert Müldür and slotted home the only goal after missing a penalty minutes earlier.
The bold decision to bench veteran striker Ciro Immobile paid off, with Rafael Silva leading the line and Fernandes providing support. The move showed a level of tactical audacity not often credited to Solskjaer — but one that worked to perfection.
Fenerbahçe had their moments. Irfan Can saved Fernandes’ spot-kick, and just moments later, Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri burst through on goal before being upended by Mert Günok. Though the Besiktas keeper got a touch on the ball, the contact sparked furious protests, a booking for Çağlar Söyüncü, and chaos on the touchline.
Despite controlling possession in the second half, Fenerbahçe failed to find the breakthrough — and have now taken just one point from five clashes against their two main city rivals this season.
Mourinho Points to “the System”
Mourinho was notably subdued post-match. When pressed on Galatasaray’s title prospects, he refused to comment. “I don’t speak about them,” he said. “I speak about the Championship. I did it during the season and I don’t change a single word.”
He once again suggested the odds were stacked against Fenerbahçe due to what he calls “the power of the system.”
“One of the problems Fenerbahçe has is the difficulty to cope mentally with the power of the system. It is stronger than the quality, than the wheel. It is something really powerful,” he said. “The players feel it and know it is completely impossible to reach what they want to reach.”
Mourinho had previously likened the state of Turkish football to “a perfume that doesn’t smell nice” — comments that have not been forgotten.
Solskjaer Eyes Europa League – But Cautious
For Solskjaer, the result is significant — but he remains cautious. “After Gala, we were hopeless,” he said, referencing his team’s collapse following their previous derby triumph. “We must have a different reaction after this.”
Beşiktaş now have a firm grip on third place and a Europa League spot, but Solskjaer knows consistency is key.
Fenerbahçe, barring an implosion, will still play in the Champions League next season. But whether Mourinho is still at the helm is another question. With growing dissatisfaction among supporters — many of whom demanded the resignation of both club president Ali Koç and vice president Acun Ilıcalı — a summer exit seems increasingly likely.
“I am not speaking about next season,” Mourinho said. “I will speak internally, not to the media. If there is something, out of respect to the president and the board, I will not bring it into the public.”
For now, it’s Solskjaer who walks away from this derby with the momentum — and possibly, the future.