Trabzonspor’s 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği: Even Savic went looking for a goal

Trabzonspor overwhelmed Gençlerbirliği 5-0, producing the kind of attacking performance that had Hürriyet columnist Mehmet Ayan reaching for poetry.

Ayan linked Paul Onuachu’s fifth-minute goal to Nazım Hikmet’s famous lines about drawing a picture of happiness. For him, this was the goal of the 2025-26 Trabzonspor side, a finish that reflected coach Fatih Tekke’s footballing ideas.

Coach Hüseyin Çimşir reshaped the starting lineup by giving Pina a place from the opening whistle after Tekke had previously introduced him as a substitute. Mustafa started at left-back, while Ozan Tufan’s experience helped provide security in midfield. Alongside Fabinho, the team controlled space well and moved the game forward with ease.

Muçi and especially Aral impressed both in settled attacks and transitions. Onuachu scored a third goal after leaving a penalty to Salah, while Aral struck the post in the 33rd minute and Dju created another chance before halftime. At one point, even Savic joined the search for a goal. Trabzonspor’s wide players repeatedly unsettled Gençlerbirliği, although the visitors still managed to create enough attacks for Onana to make four first-half saves.

The energy continued after the break. Muçi’s 59th-minute shot found the net just as Turkey’s women’s national volleyball team was winning the 2026 European Championship. The victory appeared on the stadium screen, giving supporters a second reason to celebrate alongside Trabzonspor’s emphatic win.