Çaykur Rizespor Beats Kocaelispor 2-0 in Süper Lig Return to Winning Ways

RIZE, Turkey – Çaykur Rizespor ended an eight-match winless streak with a crucial 2-0 victory over Kocaelispor in a Turkish Süper Lig match played February 20, 2026, at Çaykur Didi Stadium in Rize. The win provides a significant boost for Rizespor, who had been struggling for form, while Kocaelispor saw a four-game unbeaten run on the road come to an end.

Valentin Mihaila opened the scoring for the home side in the 13th minute, giving Çaykur Rizespor an early lead. The breakthrough came as a welcome relief for a team under pressure to deliver results. Samet Akaydın doubled the advantage in the 57th minute, solidifying Rizespor’s control of the match and effectively sealing the three points.

The victory lifts Çaykur Rizespor to 11th place in the Süper Lig standings with 24 points from 23 matches (5 wins, 9 draws, and 9 losses). Kocaelispor, despite the defeat, remain in a respectable 8th position with 30 points (8 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses). The result highlights the competitive nature of the Turkish top flight, where points are hard-earned.

Recep Uçar, the manager of Çaykur Rizespor, will be particularly pleased with his team’s performance, especially after a difficult run of form. Prior to this match, Rizespor hadn’t tasted victory in eight official games, making this win all the more important for morale and league positioning. The team demonstrated a renewed sense of purpose and defensive solidity, which proved crucial in securing the clean sheet.

For Kocaelispor, managed by Selçuk İnan, the defeat represents a setback after a strong run of form that included a recent 3-0 victory over Gaziantep. İnan’s side had been enjoying a positive momentum, with their previous four away matches yielding no defeats. However, they were unable to replicate that success in Rize, struggling to break down a resolute Rizespor defense.

The match saw a relatively even share of possession, with both teams attempting to dictate the tempo. However, Rizespor’s clinical finishing proved to be the difference. Mihaila’s early goal set the tone, and Akaydın’s second-half strike provided a cushion that Kocaelispor couldn’t overcome.

The starting lineups reflected tactical approaches from both managers. Çaykur Rizespor deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Fofana in goal, a defensive line of Hojer, Sagnan, Akaydın, and Pala, with Laci and Antalyali providing midfield stability. Mihaila, Mebude, and Dervişoğlu formed the attacking trio. Kocaelispor mirrored the 4-2-3-1 setup, with Gökhan Değirmenci in goal, and a back four of Oğuz, Balogh, Smolcic, and Haidara. Petkovic led the attack, supported by Agyei, Rivas, and Churlinov.

Substitutions were made by both sides in an attempt to influence the game. Rizespor brought on Attila Mocsi and Muhamed Buljubasic late in the second half, while Kocaelispor introduced Anfernee Dijksteel, Habib Keita, Muharrem Cinan, Joseph Nonge Boende, and Serdar Dursun. However, these changes were unable to alter the outcome of the match.

The match was officiated by Mehmet Türkmen, assisted by Ceyhun Sesigüzel and Candaş Elbil. Several players received yellow cards during the contest, including Antonio Augusto (Çaykur Rizespor), Massadio Haidara, Botong Balogh, and Darko Churlinov (Kocaelispor), indicating a fiercely contested encounter.

Looking ahead, Çaykur Rizespor will aim to build on this victory and continue their climb up the Süper Lig table. Kocaelispor, meanwhile, will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next league fixture, seeking to regain the momentum they had established prior to this defeat. The Süper Lig season continues to be unpredictable, with teams battling for crucial points in pursuit of European qualification and avoiding relegation.