Umraniyespor and Kucukcekmece played out a 1-1 draw in the TUR Kupası on 28 October 2026, a tense Istanbul derby that left the cup tie level after a night of contrasting styles at the Ümraniye Hekimbaşı Stadium.

The home side controlled long spells of the match and asked most of the attacking questions, but Kucukcekmece produced the kind of disciplined, counter-attacking cup performance that kept the scoreline balanced. With the tie still unresolved after regulation time, both teams left the pitch knowing the contest would be settled in its decisive phase.

Match overview

Umraniyespor began with purpose, pushing their full-backs high and looking to create overloads in wide areas. The home midfield circulated the ball quickly, but Kucukcekmece’s compact shape made it difficult to find clear shooting lanes inside the penalty area. The visitors, by contrast, were content to absorb pressure and spring forward through quick transitions.

The opening goal arrived in the 23rd minute when Umraniyespor turned possession into a sharp attacking sequence. A patient build-up drew Kucukcekmece toward the ball before a diagonal pass opened space on the right. The resulting cross was met with a controlled finish that gave the home side a deserved lead and lifted the noise around the stadium.

Kucukcekmece responded well rather than retreating. Their equaliser came in the 67th minute after a turnover in midfield and a direct run into the box. Onur Çelik, who was a constant outlet on the break, kept his composure to finish low and bring the visitors level. It was a goal that rewarded their patience and their willingness to defend in numbers.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Umraniyespor open the scoring after a well-worked move down the right, finishing calmly inside the area.
• 41st minute: Kucukcekmece’s best chance of the first half comes from a counter, but Umraniyespor goalkeeper Mert Yılmaz saves with his legs.
• 67th minute: Onur Çelik equalises for Kucukcekmece after a swift transition and a composed finish.
• 84th minute: Umraniyespor push for a winner, but a close-range header is cleared off the line by a retreating defender.

Tactical story

Umraniyespor lined up in a 4-2-3-1 system that became almost a 2-3-5 in possession, with the full-backs advanced and the attacking midfielders drifting into half-spaces. The approach generated plenty of territory, but Kucukcekmece’s 5-3-2 block stayed narrow and forced the home side into crosses rather than cut-backs.

Kucukcekmece’s plan was clear: stay compact, protect the central corridor, and attack the space left behind by Umraniyespor’s adventurous full-backs. The equaliser came directly from that strategy. Once the visitors found their rhythm, they looked dangerous on the break and could have taken the lead themselves during a lively spell in the final 20 minutes.

Standout performers

Mert Yılmaz produced two important saves for Umraniyespor, including a first-half stop that kept the home side ahead at a crucial moment. In front of him, the centre-back pairing dealt well with long balls and set pieces, though they were exposed once by the speed of Kucukcekmece’s counter.

Onur Çelik was the standout for Kucukcekmece. His movement stretched the Umraniyespor defence, and his equalising goal was the reward for a performance full of intelligent running. The visitors’ goalkeeper also deserved credit for a calm display, particularly when Umraniyespor increased the pressure late on.

What the draw means

The 1-1 scoreline keeps the TUR Kupası tie level and underlines how little separates the two sides. For Umraniyespor, there will be frustration at not converting territorial control into a second goal. For Kucukcekmece, the draw represents a solid away performance and a platform to build on in the return phase of the tie.

The match also served as a reminder of the fine margins in cup football: a single save, a cleared header, or a better final pass could have changed the outcome. With the tie still alive, both managers will focus on tightening their teams in the final third.