Galatasaray moved three points clear at the summit of the Turkcell Super League after beating Rizespor 4-2, with Hakan Sukur netting twice across both halves. Sasa Ilic also scored, and an own goal by Allyson completed the tally.

The result proved timely, as title holders Fenerbahce suffered a stunning 5-3 loss to relegation-threatened Vestel Manisaspor. Sinan Kaloglu scored all three goals for the hosts, leaving Fenerbahce three points adrift of Galatasaray with four rounds remaining.

Elsewhere, Trabzonspor climbed level on points with Besiktas thanks to a 3-0 victory over Diyarbakirspor. Besiktas had earlier drawn 2-2 at Gaziantepspor, ceding ground in the race for third place. Genclerbirligi slipped to fifth after falling 2-0 at Erciyesspor.

The top of the standings: Galatasaray, 74 points; Fenerbahce, 71; Besiktas, 48; Genclerbirligi, 47; Trabzonspor, 46. At the foot of the table, Diyarbakirspor remain last with 26 points from 30 matches.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in April 2006, in its own words.