All Eyes on Istanbul This Weekend

All Eyes on Istanbul This Weekend
By Nathan L. Redd

The eyes of the sports world turn to Istanbul this weekend for the world's biggest derby. Sukru Saracoglu Stadium takes center stage as it hosts one of the most intense and passionate sporting events in the world - Fenerbahce vs. Galatasaray. It was once a battle for Turkish pride, but now with Fenerbahce fans around the globe, it's become a much larger event.

Fenerbahce is looking to continue their recent domination of their fierce rivals. Not only did the Yellow Canaries win the Turkcell Super Lig title last season, but they completed a perfect 16-0 sweep in all sports against their cross-town rivals. This year's battle will be no less heated, as Galatasaray currently holds the lead in the table. A Fenerbahce win, however, would move the Kadikoy Canaries only one point behind their arch-nemesis.

Both teams come into the match scorching-hot in the Super Lig. Fenerbahce has lost only one game all season, while Galatasaray has yet to put a loss on their record. Players on both sides will try to downplay the game's importance, but every man on the pitch knows that this match is much more than a game. For the Turks on both rosters, it's a battle that often divides best friends, spouses, and even fathers and sons. For newcomers like Roberto Carlos and Lincoln, it will be the derby of all derbies that either has ever played in.

"The Derby" has had no shortage of controversy and smack talk over the years. From Galatasaray Manager Graeme Souness's flag-planting incident at Sukru Saracoglu to Fenerbahce's 6-0 massacre, the rivalry has had no shortage of spectacular and intense moments.

Digiturk satellite dishes from Budapest to Brasil will be tuned in this Saturday. Internet connections from Louisville to Lyon will be watching "The Derby," and Turkish restaurants and pubs from Montreal to Milano will be packed with fans. There is no bigger derby in the world than Fenerbahce vs. Galatasaray, and it's nearly time to get it on...