ISTANBUL (Interstat) — Kasimpasa defeated Galatasaray 1-0 on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadyumu in a Süper Lig match that saw the home side capitalize on an early strike and hold off the visiting giants for a season-opening victory.

Adrian Benedyczak scored the only goal of the match in the 27th minute, a finish that proved decisive in a contest that was otherwise defined by defensive discipline and missed opportunities from Galatasaray. The Polish forward’s tally was assisted by substitute Wilfried Singo, who provided the key pass from the right flank. Singo entered the game in the second half and delivered the service that Benedyczak converted, giving Kasimpasa the lead they would protect until the final whistle. Singo’s afternoon, however, ended on a sour note when he received a yellow card in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time for a late challenge. That booking was the only caution issued in the match.

Galatasaray, one of the most decorated clubs in Turkish football history, struggled to generate clear-cut chances against a compact Kasimpasa defense. The visitors controlled possession for long stretches and attempted several crosses into the box, but the home back line held firm, clearing danger and limiting the visitors to speculative efforts from distance. Kasimpasa’s goalkeeper was called into action on a handful of occasions but never faced a truly threatening shot, with Galatasaray’s forwards unable to find the target from inside the area.

The loss dropped Galatasaray to 0-1 in Süper Lig play and 0-1 across all competitions to start the season. Kasimpasa improved to 1-0 in league action and 1-0 overall, marking a strong start for a side that often operates in the shadow of Istanbul’s bigger clubs. Sunday’s match was the first of the new Süper Lig campaign for both teams, and the result immediately raised questions about Galatasaray’s attacking cohesion. The visitors had undergone preseason changes and were expected to contend for the league title, but their inability to break down a determined opponent on the road offered a sobering reality check.

The atmosphere at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadyumu was vibrant, with Kasimpasa supporters creating a hostile environment for the Galatasaray players. The home team’s game plan was clear from the first whistle: absorb pressure, stay compact, and hit on the counter. Benedyczak’s goal came from exactly such a transition, as a quick break caught the Galatasaray defense out of shape. From that point, Kasimpasa defended deep and invited Galatasaray to come forward, and the visitors rarely found a way through the organized blocks in front of goal.

Galatasaray’s midfield attempted to dictate the tempo, but final passes often went astray. Their leading scorers from previous seasons failed to find space, and the offensive substitutions introduced in the second half could not change the flow of the game. As the clock ticked toward full time, desperation set in, leading to a series of long balls that were easily dealt with by Kasimpasa’s central defenders.

The result stood as an upset, with the sport’s analytical models heavily favoring the visitors entering the contest. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Galatasaray 2, Kasimpasa 1, while Interstat’s ELO system gave Galatasaray an 89.50 percent probability to win. Those projections proved incorrect as Kasimpasa executed their game plan to perfection and secured three points on their home ground. For Galatasaray, the challenge now is to regroup quickly ahead of their next league fixture. For Kasimpasa, the victory provides early momentum and a statement that they will not be an easy opponent for any team in the division.