SIVAS, Turkiye (Interstat) — Istanbulspor opened its season with a commanding 3-1 road victory over Sivasspor in 1. Lig play on Monday, defying pregame projections.

The visitors struck early at BG Grup 4 Eylül Stadyumu, with forward Cihat Çelik scoring in the 19th minute. Substitute Ömer Faruk Duymaz doubled the lead in the 34th, and defender Mert Çelik made it 3-0 just after halftime in the 49th.

Sivasspor, which statistical models heavily favored to win, found a consolation goal in the 63rd minute through substitute David Sambissa, assisted by Duran Şahin. Şahin also received a yellow card just before the halftime whistle.

The result gives Istanbulspor a winning start to its league campaign, while Sivasspor begins with a loss.