DENIZLI, Turkiye (Interstat) — Substitute Silvio Merkaj scored the decisive goal in the 48th minute to lift Adanaspor to a 2-1 comeback victory over Denizlispor in a TFF 1. Lig match on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at Denizli Atatürk Stadyumu.

The result, coming against the pre-game statistical favorite, bolstered Adanaspor’s standing in the league while extending Denizlispor’s struggles at home.

The match, a Week 37 fixture in Turkiye’s second-tier 1. Lig, defied the projections of Interstat’s systems, which had given Denizlispor a 70.20 percent probability to win and simulated a 1-0 victory for the visitors. Instead, Adanaspor showcased resilience to secure three points on the road.

The first half was a cagey, physical affair with little flow, as evidenced by two early yellow cards. Adanaspor’s Simone Verdi was booked in the 13th minute, followed by teammate Raphael Kofler just two minutes later. Both teams failed to create clear chances, and the sides entered halftime scoreless.

The game ignited shortly after the restart. Merkaj, who had entered the match as a substitute, broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half. He finished a play to give the visitors a 1-0 lead and shift the momentum entirely.

Denizlispor responded with pressure and found an equalizer in the 75th minute. Defender Balla Manè pushed forward and scored to level the match at 1-1, energizing the home crowd.

The parity was short-lived. Adanaspor demonstrated immediate character, restoring its lead just five minutes later. Forward Emanuele Rao found the net in the 80th minute, sealing the 2-1 advantage. Assists on the goals were credited to substitutes Salvatore Molina and Raphael Kofler, highlighting the impact of Adanaspor’s bench.

A final yellow card to Adanaspor’s Salvatore Molina in the 60th minute was the last notable disciplinary action as the visitors managed the game effectively through the final stages.

The victory improves Adanaspor’s 1. Lig record to six wins, two losses and one draw this season, a run of form that contrasts sharply with a recent stretch that included heavy defeats to Kahramanmarasspor and Bursaspor earlier in February. Their overall record across all competitions now stands at 16 wins, 14 losses and nine draws.

For Denizlispor, the loss is a setback after a 1-0 road win at Afyonspor just a day earlier. Their league record falls to two wins, five losses and one draw, with their overall mark moving to 13 wins, 12 losses and seven draws. The team has now lost five of its last eight matches across all competitions.

Adanaspor will look to build on this result when it hosts Samsunspor in its next 1. Lig fixture on Sunday, Feb. 22. Denizlispor aims to rebound on the same day, hosting Eskişehirspor in league play.