Ankara: Newly promoted Genclerbirligi came from behind on Saturday to defeat Fenerbahce 2-1 in the opening week of the 2026-27 Turkish Super Lig season, spoiling the visitors’ title ambitions with a spirited comeback in Ankara.

According to Anadolu Agency, Fenerbahce made a brighter start and threatened early through Oguz Aydin and Anderson Talisca, who tested the hosts inside the opening 10 minutes. The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute when Talisca converted from close range after a low cross from the left, giving the Yellow Canaries a deserved lead.

Despite Fenerbahce’s dominance, Genclerbirligi struck in the 37th minute. After winning possession in midfield, the hosts launched a swift counterattack, and Franco Tongya finished clinically to level the score. Fenerbahce came agonizingly close to restoring its advantage before halftime when Talisca’s powerful header from a corner crashed against the crossbar.

The visitors resumed on the front foot after the break, with Ismail Yuksek forcing a fine save from Irfan Can Egribayat, while Mert Muldur’s header narrowly went over from the resulting corner. Genclerbirligi completed the turnaround in the 56th minute as Abdurrahim Dursun delivered an inviting cross from the left and Ogulcan Ulgun rose above the defense to head home the winner.

Fenerbahce pushed relentlessly for an equalizer, with Talisca twice denied by Egribayat before the Brazilian saw another long-range effort saved. Vedat Muriqi, Milan Skriniar, and Mason Greenwood all came close during a sustained spell of late pressure. Genclerbirligi’s defense, however, stood firm to secure a memorable 2-1 victory and begin its return to the Turkish top flight with all three points.

In another match, Gaziantep FK came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Corendon Alanyaspor in the opening week of the 2026-27 Turkish Super Lig season. The draw gives Gaziantep FK and Alanyaspor their first point of the new Super Lig campaign.