Istanbulspor Fight Back to Beat Ağrı 1970 Spor 2-1 in TUR Kupası

Istanbulspor advanced in the TUR Kupası with a 2-1 away victory over Ağrı 1970 Spor on 27 October 2026, coming from behind to win a competitive cup tie in the second half. Ağrı 1970 Spor made the brighter start and took an early lead, but Istanbulspor’s response was measured and eventually decisive.

The visitors grew into the game after conceding, equalised before half-time, and found the winning goal in the second half. It was a performance built on patience and improved control after a difficult opening spell, and it keeps Istanbulspor’s cup campaign alive.

Match Overview

Ağrı 1970 Spor began with energy and pressed Istanbulspor high up the pitch, forcing a few early mistakes and winning territory through direct play. That approach was rewarded when the home side took the lead with a well-worked move down the right. Istanbulspor needed time to settle, but once their midfield began to find space, the game turned into a more balanced contest.

The equaliser arrived before the break and changed the mood of the match. Istanbulspor controlled more of the ball after the interval, moving it quicker and stretching Ağrı’s defensive shape. The winning goal came from a quick transition, and although Ağrı pushed for a late response, Istanbulspor defended their box well in the final minutes.

Key Moments

• 17th minute: Ağrı 1970 Spor took the lead when Mertcan Öztürk met a cross from the right with a firm header into the bottom corner.
• 31st minute: Istanbulspor created their first real opening, with a low shot from the edge of the area forcing a strong save from the Ağrı goalkeeper.
• 39th minute: The visitors equalised through Arda Kurt, who cut inside from the left and placed a composed finish beyond the goalkeeper.
• 58th minute: Istanbulspor almost took the lead from a set piece, but a header clipped the top of the crossbar.
• 76th minute: Kerem Şen scored the winner, finishing off a fast counterattack after Ağrı lost the ball in midfield.
• 89th minute: Istanbulspor goalkeeper Alperen Uysal made a crucial late save to deny Ağrı an equaliser.

Tactical Story

Ağrı 1970 Spor’s early press caused problems, but it also demanded plenty of energy. As the first half wore on, Istanbulspor began to bypass that pressure by playing longer into the channels and using their wide players to carry the ball forward. The equaliser gave the visitors confidence, and their midfield started to dictate the rhythm after the restart.

Istanbulspor’s winning goal was a textbook cup tie moment: a turnover in midfield, a quick vertical pass, and a runner attacking the space behind Ağrı’s back line. Ağrı responded with more direct play and set-piece pressure, but Istanbulspor’s defenders stayed compact and dealt with the late deliveries. The away side’s substitutions also helped them keep fresh legs in midfield during the closing stages.

Standout Players

Arda Kurt was central to Istanbulspor’s comeback, not only for his equalising goal but also for his willingness to run at defenders and create space for teammates. Kerem Şen made the decisive contribution with the winning goal and stretched Ağrı’s defence throughout the second half. For Ağrı 1970 Spor, Mertcan Öztürk led the line well and scored a fine header, while their goalkeeper kept the home side in the tie with several important saves.

What It Means

Istanbulspor move into the next round of the TUR Kupası with a useful away win and a performance that showed character after an early setback. Ağrı 1970 Spor exit the competition but can take encouragement from their opening spell and the way they competed until the final whistle. In knockout football, the difference was Istanbulspor’s ability to turn a difficult start into a controlled second-half display.