Ispartaspor claimed a 2-0 away victory over Duzcespor in the TUR Kupası on 28 October 2026, delivering a composed knockout performance built on resilient defending and two well-timed goals. The visitors absorbed pressure, struck before half-time and sealed their place in the next round with a late counter-attacking finish.

Match overview

Duzcespor began the cup tie with intent, pushing bodies forward and trying to use the home atmosphere to impose an early rhythm. Ispartaspor, however, were content to sit in a compact shape, deny space between the lines and wait for transitions. That approach paid off as the match wore on, with the away side growing more comfortable and Duzcespor becoming increasingly frustrated in the final third.

The opening goal changed the complexion of the contest. Duzcespor had enjoyed more of the ball but lacked a clear finishing touch, while Ispartaspor looked dangerous whenever they broke forward. In the second half, the hosts raised their tempo and forced a few nervous moments, but a combination of smart goalkeeping, last-ditch defending and a clinical late finish took the tie away from them.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Duzcespor created the first real opening, with Mert Aksoy driving into the box and pulling a low cross back across goal, but Ispartaspor cleared the danger.
• 37th minute: Ispartaspor took the lead through Ozan Yılmaz, who controlled a pass on the edge of the area, turned his marker and guided a low finish into the corner.
• 52nd minute: Duzcespor nearly responded immediately, but Ispartaspor goalkeeper Emre Kaya produced a strong save to keep out a close-range effort.
• 68th minute: Arda Çetin headed narrowly wide from a dangerous set piece as the home side pressed for an equaliser.
• 84th minute: Ispartaspor doubled their advantage on the counter. Kerem Şahin raced into space and finished calmly to make it 2-0.
• 90+3 minutes: Berkay Demir made a crucial block in the closing stages to preserve the clean sheet and confirm Ispartaspor’s progress.

Tactical story

Ispartaspor’s game plan was clear and effective. They defended in a disciplined mid-block, kept their central defenders close together and forced Duzcespor into wide areas. The hosts had plenty of possession but struggled to find clean angles into the box, and their crosses were often met by a well-organised back line.

Duzcespor’s best spells came when they increased the tempo after half-time and pushed their full-backs higher. That created more crossing opportunities, but it also left space behind for Ispartaspor’s forwards. The second goal was a perfect example of the away side’s patience: they weathered pressure, won the ball back and broke quickly with numbers.

Standout players

Ozan Yılmaz was the key attacking figure for Ispartaspor, not only for his opening goal but also for his link-up play and willingness to run into channels. Kerem Şahin made an impact from the bench, adding energy and the decisive second goal. At the back, Berkay Demir and Emre Kaya were excellent, with the goalkeeper’s second-half save proving especially important.

For Duzcespor, Mert Aksoy was the most persistent threat, while Arda Çetin came close with a header. The home side will feel they had enough territory and set-piece situations to score, but they lacked the final bit of quality in the decisive moments.

What it means

The result sends Ispartaspor into the next round of the TUR Kupası with confidence and a clean sheet to build on. For Duzcespor, the cup exit is a disappointment, but the performance offered some positives, particularly their second-half pressure and willingness to keep pushing until the end. Both sides will now turn their attention to their respective league commitments, with Ispartaspor able to enjoy a cup run and Duzcespor looking to convert promising spells into goals.