“On paper Galatasaray are ahead, but…”
Ahead of the high‑voltage clash between Beşiktaş and Galatasaray, football analyst Süleyman Arat has taken a close look at both sides, weighing squad depth, recent form and psychological factors that could shape the derby. According to Arat, the quality and breadth of Galatasaray’s roster put them clearly in front when the two teams are compared position by position. Yet he underlines that derbies are rarely decided only by names on a team sheet.
Arat stresses that when you line up the players one by one, Beşiktaş do not seem to surpass Galatasaray in any particular area: talent, experience or alternatives on the bench. In his words, Galatasaray “have an incredible squad,” built to compete not just domestically but also at European level. From individual skills to overall depth, the yellow‑red side appear to hold the advantage before a ball is even kicked.
However, Arat immediately adds an important “but”. Beşiktaş have undergone a clear upswing in recent weeks, and this revival has begun to rebalance what once looked like a one‑sided match‑up. The black‑and‑white team have climbed out of their slump, responded on the pitch and rediscovered their fighting spirit. This change of momentum, he notes, could seriously disrupt Galatasaray’s theoretical superiority.
A key element in this transformation, according to Arat, is the impact of Beşiktaş’s recent signings. The new arrivals did not merely fill gaps; they injected energy, competition and self‑belief into the group. Their strong performances have quickly integrated them into the starting framework and boosted the overall level of the team. As a result, Beşiktaş step into the derby not only in better form, but also with a refreshed and more complete squad structure.
Morale, therefore, has shifted significantly in the Beşiktaş camp. Consecutive positive results have lifted the mood, reduced the pressure on experienced names and helped the team start matches with a stronger mindset. Arat underlines that this mental rise is at least as important as tactics or individual brilliance. A confident Beşiktaş in front of its fans can turn the match into a very different contest from what the squads suggest on paper.
The recent run of results has also changed how the wider football public views the derby. Only a few weeks ago, many observers might have expected Galatasaray to dominate. Now, with Beşiktaş on an upward trajectory, the encounter is being described as potentially very balanced. Commentators highlight that form curves often matter more than pre‑season expectations in such high‑pressure games, and Beşiktaş’s upward curve makes them a far more dangerous opponent.
Derbies in Turkish football history often confirm this pattern: the side in better season‑long form can still stumble if the rival enters the match with higher adrenaline and hunger. Arat reminds that big matches are determined by details – a single duel won in midfield, a moment of concentration in defence, or the courage to press high at the right time. For that reason, he believes Galatasaray’s superior roster alone is not enough to guarantee control over the ninety minutes.
Another factor he points to is the psychological weight carried by star‑studded teams. Galatasaray’s impressive line‑up brings big expectations and sometimes an invisible pressure: every dropped point is seen as a failure, every missed chance is heavily discussed. Beşiktaş, on the other hand, come in as the “chasing” side, which can paradoxically free them mentally. A team on the rise, with less to lose and a point to prove, often plays with more risk and more intensity.
Tactically, the match is likely to revolve around how Beşiktaş try to limit Galatasaray’s individual quality in the final third, and how Galatasaray respond to the newfound aggressiveness and pressing power of Beşiktaş. Arat hints that Beşiktaş’s physical condition, sharpened by the recent run of strong performances, could enable them to fight for every ball and disrupt Galatasaray’s rhythm, especially in midfield. Winning second balls and transitions may be crucial if Beşiktaş want to turn morale into a concrete advantage.
From Galatasaray’s perspective, their objective will be to make that “incredible squad” count. Using their technical superiority, they will aim to keep the ball, slow down Beşiktaş’s tempo when necessary and exploit any defensive errors. If they manage to control the game and avoid getting dragged into an emotional, chaotic battle, their quality in attack and the alternatives on the bench could tilt the balance back in their favour in the final half‑hour.
Support will also play a pivotal role. Derbies in Istanbul are never just football matches; they are emotional peaks for both clubs. The noise, choreography and intensity in the stands can push players beyond their usual limits or, conversely, make them tense and error‑prone. Arat believes that Beşiktaş’s recent surge has created a strong connection between team and fans again, and this interaction could give the black‑and‑whites an extra push in critical moments of the game.
Arat’s overall conclusion is nuanced: Galatasaray, by squad strength and individual class, start the derby one step ahead. Yet form, confidence and the positive impact of Beşiktaş’s new signings have narrowed what seemed like a clear gap. The clash is now viewed less as a battle between a favourite and an underdog, and more as a meeting of a powerful, established side with a rival that has rediscovered its spirit and momentum.
In essence, the derby will test two different types of strength: Galatasaray’s structural and individual superiority against Beşiktaş’s renewed form, team unity and emotional surge. If Galatasaray impose their game early, their advantage on paper could quickly show on the scoreboard. But if Beşiktaş manage to carry their current momentum into the match, maintain high morale and feed off the energy of the atmosphere, Arat believes that the balance could shift dramatically and the outcome may surprise those who look only at the names written on the team sheets.