Trabzonspor hit back to claim cup

Trabzonspor AŞ launched a brilliant second-half comeback to claim their eighth Turkish Cup with a 3-1 victory against Fenerbahçe SK at the Şanlıurfa GAP Arena.

The omens did not look good for Şenol Güneş's side who, having been on top for much of the game, fell behind to Alex's goal ten minutes after half-time. Umut Bulut swiftly headed them level, however, and the underdogs were soon in search of another, getting their reward when Engin Baytar rifled in ten minutes from time. Argentinian midfielder Gustavo Colman sealed the triumph in added time.

"Trabzonspor deserved to lift the trophy," conceded Fenerbahçe coach Christoph Daum. "We were not in the game in the first half and they could have been 2-0 up [at the interval]." Indeed, in temperatures of over 25C the Black Sea club had shown their attacking intentions from the start, going close through Umut and a Burak Yılmaz free-kick which was fantastically saved by Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Volkan Demirel.

Yet soon after half-time Trabzonspor, destined for no better than fifth in the Super League, fell behind as Alex controlled Daniel Güiza's cross and fired in with his left foot. They stormed back, Umut equalising on 66 minutes before Engin Baytar capped a forceful run into the area with a similarly powerful shot. Colman sealed victory in the third minute of added time and Trabzonspor can look forward to the UEFA Europa League next season.

Triumphant coach Güneş was left with mixed emotions, however. "We deserved to win," he said. "All my players played well and their fine performance crippled Fenerbahçe's play. We showed that when the players are willing to give 100%, they can be successful. Winning the cup is really nice but that won't mask our failure in the league."