Paul Onuachu scored his 16th goal of the Turkish Super Lig season, but Trabzonspor suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Fenerbahce in a high stakes clash between third and second at Papara Park.
The result keeps Fenerbahce unbeaten in the league and moves them to 52 points, three behind leaders Galatasaray, while Trabzonspor remain third as their six match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end.
The home side made a bright start and took the lead in the sixth minute through Ernest Muci. A well worked move caught the visitors off guard and Muci finished clinically to put Trabzonspor ahead.
Fenerbahce responded positively and restored parity in the 15th minute when Talisca found the net to silence the home crowd. The visitors grew into the contest and turned the game around in the 34th minute. Kerem Akturkoglu latched onto a precise pass and drilled a low effort into the bottom right corner to make it 2-1.
Trabzonspor refused to back down and drew level just before half time. In the 43rd minute, Fenerbahce advanced into the attacking half but a delivery into the box from Mathias Lovik was met by Paul Onuachu, who powered a header into the ground. The bounce beat Ederson in goal and brought the hosts back into the game at 2-2.
Early in the second half, Fenerbahce regained control. Quick movement in midfield allowed Talisca to switch play to Akturkoglu on the left, who cut the ball back into the path of Marco Asensio. The forward struck calmly to make it 3-2, a goal that ultimately decided the contest.
Trabzonspor pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to break through as Fenerbahce held firm to secure all three points and maintain their title challenge.
Paul Onuachu completed the full 90 minutes and registered six shots, two of them on target. He also completed seven of his 11 passes and recorded 24 touches in an energetic display. Fellow Nigerian Anthony Nwakeme was introduced in the 75th minute as Trabzonspor searched for a late response but the visitors managed to see out the victory.
