İsmail Köybaşı

Beşiktaş increased its points advantage to five in the Turkish Süper Lig after mid-week games as it prepares to take on Hatayspor on May 1.

Its closest rival, Fenerbahçe, was held to a goalless draw at Alanyaspor on April 29, a day after the leader won 3-2 at Rizespor, leading to a huge advantage in the title race for Beşiktaş with four games to go.

An Istanbul derby between Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş on the night of Sept. 23 descended into farce amid five red cards, 10 yellow cards, and two penalties, with the home side Fenerbahçe eventually extending its unbeaten streak against the visitors to 15 games with a 2-1 victory.