Süper Lig 23rd Week Opener: Çaykur Rizespor vs Kocaelispor
RIZE, 20 February 2026 – The Trendyol Süper Lig returns to action tonight as Çaykur Rizespor hosts Kocaelispor at the Çaykur Didi Stadium. This 23rd-week fixture serves as the opening match of the round, featuring two sides with contrasting momentum as the league enters its final third. While the hosts are desperate to snap a winless streak, the visitors from Kocaeli arrive in the Black Sea region looking to solidify their European ambitions.
Match Context and Current Standings
As of today, 20 February 2026, Kocaelispor sits in 7th place with 30 points. The “Gulf” side has been one of the season’s surprise packages, boasting one of the league’s most disciplined defences, having conceded only 22 goals in 22 matches. They enter this fixture on the back of a convincing 3-0 victory against Gaziantep FK last week.
In contrast, Çaykur Rizespor finds itself in 13th place with 21 points. The Karadeniz team is currently enduring a difficult spell, having failed to secure a victory in their last six league outings. Their most recent result was a 2-2 draw against Gençlerbirliği, a match where they showed resilience but ultimately failed to take maximum points.
Head-to-Head History and Statistics
The historical rivalry between these two clubs is closely contested, though Rizespor has historically held the upper hand in home fixtures. In the first half of the 2025/2026 season, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Kocaeli on 21 September 2025.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches (Historical) | 17 |
| Çaykur Rizespor Wins | 8 |
| Kocaelispor Wins | 4 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Most Decisive Rizespor Win | 5 – 2 (05.03.2003) |
| Most Decisive Kocaelispor Win | 4 – 1 (15.02.1981) |
Team News and Key Absences
Çaykur Rizespor
The hosts are reported to have two key absences for tonight’s clash. Despite the home advantage, manager expectations are high for a tactical shift to break their current winless drought. The team will rely heavily on the atmosphere at the Çaykur Didi Stadium to unsettle the visitors.
Kocaelispor
The visitors face a significant blow as experienced midfielder Tayfur Bingöl is expected to miss the match. Reports indicate he underwent an MRI following leg pain and has been left out of the travelling squad as a precaution. However, the team remains confident following the recent form of Daniel Agyei, who has been pivotal in their recent attacking success.
Match Officials and Kick-off
The Turkish Football Federation has appointed Mehmet Türkmen as the head referee for this encounter. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 local time and will be broadcast live on beIN Sports 1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time does Rizespor vs Kocaelispor start?
The match kicks off at 20:00 (local time) on Friday, 20 February 2026.
Where is the match being played?
The game will take place at the Çaykur Didi Stadium in Rize.
What was the score in the previous meeting this season?
The two teams drew 1-1 during their first-half encounter on 21 September 2025.
Which channel is broadcasting the match?
In Turkey, the match will be aired live on beIN Sports 1.
Who is the referee for the match?
Mehmet Türkmen has been designated as the match official for this 23rd-week opener.