Fatih Karagümrük vs Samsunspor: Thorsten Fink’s League Debut in Critical Relegation Battle
ISTANBUL, 22 February 2026 — The Trendyol Süper Lig enters a pivotal 23rd week as bottom-of-the-table Fatih Karagümrük host a revitalised Samsunspor side at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium. With the hosts desperate to escape the relegation zone and the visitors debuting a new tactical era under German manager Thorsten Fink, today’s encounter carries significant weight for the final third of the season.
Match Context and Current Standings
As of today, 22 February 2026, Fatih Karagümrük find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 18th in the league standings with just 12 puan (points) from 22 matches. The Istanbul-based side has struggled for consistency, recording only three wins throughout the campaign. Their recent form has been concerning, coming off a narrow 3-2 defeat against Kasımpaşa last week.
Samsunspor, currently positioned 8th, arrive in Istanbul with renewed optimism. Despite a 3-1 loss to Antalyaspor last week, the “Red Lightning” recently appointed Thorsten Fink as head coach. Fink enjoyed a successful debut in European competition mid-week, securing a victory against North Macedonian side KF Shkendija in the UEFA Conference League before travelling directly to Istanbul for this domestic clash.
Head-to-Head History and Statistics
The historical rivalry between these two clubs has been closely contested, though Samsunspor holds a slight edge in the overall record. In their most recent meeting during the first half of the 2025/2026 season, Samsunspor secured a 3-2 victory at home.
| Metric | Fatih Karagümrük | Samsunspor |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins (Historical) | 3 | 4 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| Goals Scored (H2H) | 8 | 12 |
| Current League Rank | 18th | 8th |
Key Tactical Notes
- Samsunspor’s Istanbul Record: Samsunspor recently defeated Kasımpaşa 1-0 in their last trip to the capital. They are looking to achieve back-to-back wins in Istanbul for the first time in decades.
- Karagümrük’s Home Struggle: The hosts have found it difficult to convert possession into points at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, often conceding late goals.
- The Fink Effect: Thorsten Fink is expected to implement a more disciplined defensive structure, a necessity given that Samsunspor has only managed one win in their last ten league outings.
Team News and Absentees
Samsunspor faces significant selection challenges for this evening’s 20:00 kick-off. The visitors will be without four key players: Emre Kılınç, Afonso Sousa, Tanguy Coulibaly, and Bedirhan Çetin. These absences may force Fink to rely on the squad depth that served him well in North Macedonia earlier this week.
Fatih Karagümrük, led by their technical staff, are expected to field a full-strength attacking lineup as they view this match as a “must-win” to keep their survival hopes alive. The match will be officiated by referee Oğuzhan Çakır.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time is the Fatih Karagümrük vs Samsunspor match?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 local time on Sunday, 22 February 2026.
Which channel is broadcasting the game?
In Turkey, the match will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS. International viewers should check their local listings for Süper Lig rights holders.
What was the result of their last meeting?
Samsunspor won the previous encounter earlier this season with a 3-2 scoreline at the Samsun 19 Mayıs Stadium.
Who is the new manager of Samsunspor?
German coach Thorsten Fink was recently appointed as the head coach, making his league debut tonight after a successful mid-week European fixture.