Fenerbahçe secured its first win of the Trendyol Süper Lig season with a 3-1 triumph over Kocaelispor at the Şükrü Saracoğlu, as the Istanbul side showed firepower and authority to put early-season doubts behind them.

An electric start with goals at both ends

The match began at a blistering pace. Just five minutes in, a cross from Çağlar Söyüncü found Milan Škriniar, whose precise header opened the scoring for the hosts. The early goal ignited the crowd and seemed to set the tone for the game.

However, Kocaelispor responded with determination. In the 22nd minute, Bruno Petković stunned everyone with a superb free kick from the edge of the box, curling the ball into the top corner to level the score. It was a confidence boost for a side chasing its first points of the campaign.

Brown and Talisca seal the win

After a balanced first half, Fenerbahçe came out determined to take control in the second period. In the 51st minute, a move initiated by İsmail Yüksek ended at the feet of Archie Brown, who finished clinically to restore the lead at 2-1.

The goal calmed José Mourinho’s men, who began to dominate more clearly. The decisive strike came in the 66th minute when Oğuz Aydın delivered a perfect cross from the right, met by Anderson Talisca, who powered home a header for 3-1. The Brazilian, who had already rattled the crossbar in the first half, was finally rewarded for his persistence.

Contrasting emotions at the final whistle

With a game in hand, Fenerbahçe now sits on 4 points and heads into its next fixture against Gençlerbirliği with renewed optimism. The victory provides a much-needed boost after a shaky start and strengthens confidence in a squad built to challenge for the title.

Meanwhile, Kocaelispor remains pointless after three rounds and must regroup quickly ahead of a crucial home clash against Kayserispor, vital to escaping the bottom of the table.

With goals, drama, and a vibrant atmosphere in Istanbul, this clash confirmed that Fenerbahçe is beginning to find its rhythm in the league, with key players stepping up at decisive moments.